Porsche 718 Spyder RS 2023: 368kW of GT3 power comes to Boxster nameplate for the first time

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Porsche has officially announced it will produce a drop-top alternative to the newly-released Cayman GT4 RS and it will be called the 718 Spyder RS. 

Described by Porsche as a sports car with “extreme manoeuvrability and agility for maximum driving pleasure”, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS will use the 911 GT3’s 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine, if producing slightly lower total outputs of 368kW/450Nm. 

This engine will be mated exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – no conventional manual will be available. 

The new 718 Spyder RS has been confirmed for an Australian release, with first deliveries expected to take place from Q2, 2024. The GT3-powered sports car will be priced from $336,800 before on-road costs. 

This makes the Spyder RS variant of the 718 Boxster range around $117,000 more expensive than the current ‘regular’ 718 Spyder model. 

Powertrain, performance and design of the new 718 Spyder RS

The 4.0-litre flat six engine used in the new 718 Spyder RS is identical to the unit used in the Cayman GT4 RS.

With this engine fitted, the new Spyder RS is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and to 200km/h in 10.9 seconds. 

Porsche says that the Spyder RS has an additional 59kW advantage over the current 718 Spyder, and weighs 40kg less than the lower-spec Spyder, sitting now at 1410kg. 

Like Spyder models that have come before, the RS version also features a sun sail-style weather deflector. This can be removed and stored inside the vehicle for extra convenience. 

Porsche has fitted its active suspension management system to the Spyder RS and has lowered the car by 30mm. 

Inside the cabin, Porsche has stripped back the interior to just the bare essentials. The standard seats are lightweight CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced polymers) pews with seat coverings finished in leather.

An optional Weissach package will be available for the Spyder RS, which adds forged magnesium wheels and titanium sport exhaust tips.  

Australian Spyder Rs to be well equipped as standard

All Australian 718 Spyder RSs will come fitted with a tyre-fit set, automatically dimming mirrors and rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, park assist with reversing camera, LED dynamic headlights, a light design package and DAB radio. 

Porsche Australia says that both seat heating and a Bose surround sound system are available as no-cost options. 

Porsche 718 Boxster 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• 718 Boxster 2.0L manual: $125,600
• 718 Boxster 2.0L auto: $130,180
• 718 Boxster Style Edition manual: $128,600
• 718 Boxster Style Edition auto: $130,020
• 718 Boxster S 2.5L manual: $153,600
• 718 Boxster S 2.5L auto: $158,180
• 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 manual: $189,700
• 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 auto: $195,090
• 718 Spyder manual: $214,900
• 718 Spyder auto: $219,480
• 718 Spyder RS: $336,800 (NEW)