Porsche 718 Spyder RS debuts as the ultimate open-top Cayman

Porsche recently bought the 718 Cayman GT4 RS to India and while we are still a few years away from an electric Cayman, Porsche doesn't want to keep things on the low and has unveiled the 718 Spyder RS. This new drop-top is essentially a 718 Cayman GT4 RS with a retractable roof and will be the final version of the current generation Cayman series.

Powering the 718 Spyder RS is the same 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine producing 500PS and 450Nm of torque. This powertrain helps propel the car from 0 to 100kmph in 3.4 seconds and revs all the way up to 9,000 rpm. With a 7-speed PDK transmission mated to the rear wheels, the top speed in the 718 Spyder RS is 308kmph.

The lightweight roof of the new Spyder RS weighs only 18.3 kg, including all mechanical components. The roof of the Spyder RS is 7.6 kg lighter than that of the standard Spyder. The most surprising element is the fact that the 718 Spyder RS is actually 5 kg lighter than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and a whole 40 kg lighter than 718 Spyder.

The chassis of the new RS is a blend between the Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder. The front end of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is pretty much identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The standard front bonnet is made of CFRP and features a wide air outlet above the bumper. Sideblades on the outer ends of the bumper increase downforce. Instead of a wing, the 718 Spyder RS features a striking tear-off edge shaped like a ducktail.

Porsche Active Suspension Management and sport tuning are standard, and it has been lowered by 1.2 inches. It has a mechanical limited-slip differential in the back, as well as ball-jointed suspension mountings and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with central locking. Also, carbon ceramic brakes are an additional option.

Upgrading to the Weissach package saves even more weight. Carbon-fiber replacements are used for the front hood, door mirror covers upper and lower side air intakes, and the Gurney flap on the duckbill. The Weissach package also features a titanium exhaust.

Available exterior colours include four plain and three metallic paints, including the new Vanadium Grey Metallic as well as the special colours Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo.

The interior of the 718 Spyder RS resembles that of the normal Cayman. There are lightweight carpets, lightweight door panels and lightweight cloth door pulls rather than handles. And being an absolute track machine, the car still features an infotainment screen. The seat covers are made of black leather, while the perforated Race-Tex seat centre features a contrasting colour with a black background. The contrasting colours are Arctic Grey or Carmine Red.

Will this drop-top monster make it to the Indian shores or not, we'll just have to wait and watch. What's for sure is that Porsche is working on electric versions 718, Macan and Cayenne models which you can read more about here.

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