First Drive: Porsche’s 718 Spyder RS is a thrill-seeking drop-top

What is it?

If there’s one thing that Porsche can do better than most, it’s creating lightweight special-edition versions of its core models. We’ve had several 911-based featherweights over the years and now, we see the return of the Spyder name to the latest generation of Boxster 718.

But it also represents a range-topper that celebrates all things petrol-powered before the Boxster turns electric-only for its next generation. Well, that’s believed to be the plan for now, at least.

What’s new?

There are plenty of features to get talking about with the 718 Spyder RS. It follows a similar theem to the hard-top 718 Cayman RS, of course, but does away with its metal tin-top in favour of a manual soft-top. In fact, though the 718 Spyder RS aims to be at the cutting edge of technology in nearly all areas, the roof is something old-school; there are no powered parts, with the fabric ‘sun sail’ and weather deflector being removed and then attached by hand. With its poles and connectors, it’s a little like putting a tent up.

But it does contribute to some weight savings, with the entire roof setup weighing 18.3kg – 16.5kg less than the roof system in the standard 718 Boxster.

What’s under the bonnet?

It’s when you check out the 718 Spyder RS’ engine that things get really interesting. You’ll find the 4.0-litre flat-six that usually powers the 911 GTS here, delivering up to 493bhp and 450Nm of torque. Driven through Porsche’s PDK automatic gearbox, this setup is enough to get the Spyder RS from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and onwards to 191mph.

As with other RS models, the Spyder gains a more focused chassis setup than the ‘standard’ model, while all manner of lightweight Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) parts help to keep this car’s weight as low as possible.

What’s it like to drive?

While the interior might be relatively familiar to those who have driven the standard Boxster, it becomes quickly evident that that is where the similarities end. While the Spyder might feel a little rough to drive at slow speeds, that quickly melts away to transform into one of the most exciting driving experiences available today.

It’s all centred on the engine, of course, which delivers its performance in raucous fashion with an exhaust note which never fails to create a smile. However, it’s all backed up with incredibly taut body control and communicative steering. With the roof down, it’s an all-encompassing driving experience.

How does it look?

At a distance, the front design of the Spyder is classic Boxster but, as you progress along the car, it’s quite evident that this is something a little out of the ordinary. The roof plays a big part in this, of course, but it’s the clamshell-style mid section which really sells the RS out as a step above a normal sports car.

Our test car came in a rather eye-catching yellow colour which only highlighted this car more. Enlarged front air intakes and a compact rear spoiler add to the go-faster features, but it’s executed brilliantly – it looks just as special as it feels to drive.

What’s it like inside?

It’s a focused approach inside, too. The sport seats are surprisingly supportive given how relatively lightweight they are, but there’s a good level of adjustability so it’s easy to find a comfortable seating position. The steering wheel comes up and into your chest and all of the major controls are within easy reach. Everything is finished beautifully, too, with the RS-specific steering wheel being pleasantly devoid of any buttons or distractions.

Naturally, you don’t get a car like the RS Spyder for outright practicality, but with a compact ‘frunk’ under the bonnet it’s a little more practical than you might think. At 125 litres, it’s barely bigger than a city car’s boot, mind you.

What’s the spec like?

Priced from £125,500, the Boxster RS Spyder’s high cost is largely made up of those mechanical tweaks. You are, of course, getting one of the most respected engines in the business, alongside chassis upgrades and refinements which help to make this car a genuine treat to drive. But that said, you do get some creature comforts to go alongside them. However, regardless of the Spyder’s lightweight nature, we’d still like a heated steering wheel – it’s a drop-top, after all.

The main infotainment screen is quite small by the standards set by other cars on sale today and though you do get Apple CarPlay, it’s only via a wired connection. That said, it provides all your really need and, helpfully, there are lots of physical controls to help with adjusting certain features when you’re on the move. Reminding us of how things have changed, the Spyder also has a beautiful analogue rev counter in the middle of the instrument binnacle – it’s a welcome hark back to how Porsche used to do it before replacing this with a screen-based system on recent models.

Verdict

The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is easily one of the most invigorating, exciting and downright involving cars that the company has produced. Backed by a soundtrack that most Hollywood studios would be proud to produce, the Spyder RS feels like a car showcasing the best of what Porsche can do.

While the Spyder might be a little too uncompromising for day-to-day driving, if you’re after a car that’ll deliver an incredible experience time and time again, look no further.