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All-new Porsche 718 Spyder RS Is The Ultimate Cruising Machine

BY Sean Loo

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to feel the wind in your hair and experience pure exhilaration with this monster - the all-new 718 Spyder RS.

This open-top beauty is the ultimate counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and let me tell you, it's a force to be reckoned with.

Under the hood of the 718 Spyder RS lies a six-cylinder boxer engine that pumps out 493bhp and 450Nm of torque. This powertrain, which also propels the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car, is equipped with a lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system that delivers an exhilarating soundtrack. Plus, you get to hear it even more, now that the roof is gone.

Acceleration is a breeze, with the century sprint done in a mere 3.4 seconds. And if that's not impressive enough, this puppy can hit the 200km/h mark in just 10.9 seconds. With a top speed of 308km/h, this roadster is a true speed demon.

Porsche is chucking in a dual-clutch transmission (PDK) with gearshift paddles, allowing you to shift gears without taking your hands off the wheel. But come on, a manual slushbox would have been perfect for a car like this.

In true Porsche fashion, every gram matters. The Spyder RS weighs a nimble 1,410kg, shedding 40kg compared to the 718 Spyder and it is even 5kg lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

Porsche is renowned for its exceptional handling, and the Spyder RS is no exception. It features Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Torque Vectoring and a mechanical limited-slip differential, so you can sing into the corners and come out looking like a champ.

The chassis has been lowered by 30mm for enhanced stability, and the spring and damper rates have been adjusted for a more relaxed, convertible-style setup.

Looks do matter too, and the 718 Spyder RS shares a striking resemblance to its coupe counterpart, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. From its front end with wide air outlets to the tear-off edge on the rear, this roadster exudes confidence and style.

And let's not forget the manually operated single-layer lightweight soft top, which can be completely removed for those perfect sunny days.

Porsche hasn’t skimped on the creature comforts either. The RS sports steering wheel and dashboard is covered in Race-Tex, while the standard lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic full bucket seats provide comfort and support.

For those seeking something more hardcore, the Weissach Package is available as an option. This throws in forged magnesium wheels and titanium tailpipes, taking the Spyder RS to the next level of performance and style.

If that's not enough, Porsche will be offering a Porsche Design Timepiece exclusively crafted to match the car's configuration. This masterpiece boasts a lightweight titanium case, a carbon dial, and a strap made of vehicle leather.

The Porsche 718 Spyder RS will make its grand debut in June, and it's set to steal the spotlight. If you're as excited as I am, Porsche Singapore is already accepting inquiries and pre-orders. But, the starting price for this roadster is S$755,288 without COE, so better start digging your wallets.