2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS First Drive & Super Veloce Rating
Jason Baptiste
August 08, 2023
Super Veloce Rating - 95.125
The 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS has been universally lauded as a significant release, marking the end of Porsche's internal-combustion mid-engine roadsters. With its 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine derived from the 911 GT3, the Spyder RS delivers a powerful and immersive driving experience, especially notable for its unique intake noise and high-revving capabilities. Many journalists emphasized the car's significance as the last of its kind before Porsche transitions to electric models, with some even drawing parallels to the iconic Carrera GT. The Spyder RS is designed more for the road than the racetrack, offering a blend of performance, agility, and comfort. Its unique roof design and emphasis on weight reduction further enhance the driving experience.
While the car has been praised for its performance, sound, and overall driving experience, some articles pointed out the lack of a manual transmission option. However, the dual-clutch PDK transmission was noted for its responsiveness and engagement. The Spyder RS's design, particularly its roof, was a point of discussion, with some highlighting the enhanced engine noise it allows and others discussing its unconventional two-piece manual installation. The car's price point was also mentioned, with some suggesting it offers value for its quality, while others speculated on its potential future value in the secondary market. Overall, the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is celebrated as a fitting farewell to Porsche's internal combustion era, offering a blend of history, performance, and sensory experience.
Jalopnik
Journalist: Kyle Hyatt
Summary: "Kyle Hyatt shares his experience driving the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS in Germany, emphasizing its unique characteristics and performance. The 718 Spyder RS is the last mid-engine internal combustion vehicle from Porsche, making it a significant release. The car shares similarities with the Cayman GT4 RS but is designed more for road driving. The Spyder RS offers a thrilling intake noise, especially with its GT3 motor spinning at 9,000 rpm. Despite its impressive performance, the car lacks a manual transmission option. The article concludes by highlighting the car's special nature, describing it as a love letter to the outgoing mid-engine chassis."
Super Veloce Score: 95/100
Autoblog
Journalist: James Riswick
Summary: "James Riswick provides an in-depth review of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, emphasizing its unique sound and performance. The car's 4.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer six-cylinder engine produces a remarkable sound, especially with the additional air intakes located close to the driver's ears. The Spyder RS offers an immersive driving experience, with its engine and noise being the main attractions. The car's unique roof design, which is manually installed in two pieces, allows for the enhanced engine noise. Despite its performance capabilities, the Spyder RS is also suitable for scenic drives, offering a blend of speed and sensory experience. The car's starting price is $162,150."
Score: 93/100
MotorTrend
Journalist: Angus MacKenzie
Summary: "Angus MacKenzie provides a comprehensive review of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, emphasizing its driving experience and unique features. The Spyder RS is described as potentially the finest open-top street-legal car Porsche will ever produce. It is the last 718 to be launched with an internal combustion engine, and it boasts the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine from the 911 GT3. The car's engine is powerful, producing 493 hp and reaching a 9,000-rpm redline. The Spyder RS comes exclusively with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, which complements the engine's performance. The car's aerodynamic setup is distinct from the Cayman GT4 RS, and its suspension is softer, making it more suitable for road driving. The Spyder RS offers an immersive driving experience, combining speed, sound, and responsiveness."
Score: 97/100
Road & Track
Journalist: Kyle Kinard
Summary: "Kyle Kinard provides a detailed review of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, emphasizing its significance as the last internal-combustion Boxster. The Spyder RS is described as a GT4 RS without a roof, designed for road performance. The car's unique roof design is highlighted, though it's noted to be finicky to handle. The engine, a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, is celebrated for its sound and performance, especially when revved to its 9000-rpm redline. The Spyder RS's interior is described as typical Porsche, with a focus on restraint and functionality. The article concludes by praising the Spyder RS as a fitting farewell to the internal-combustion 718 models, predicting its cherished place in automotive history."
Score: 96/100
Driving.ca
Journalist: Elle Alder
Summary: "Elle Alder delves into the experience of driving the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, particularly contrasting the standard model with the Weissach variant. The Spyder RS is the ultimate version of the Porsche Boxster, marking the end of the internal-combustion 718 line. It incorporates the naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine from the Porsche 911 GT3, delivering a powerful and dramatic performance. The Spyder RS is described as more indulgent and inviting compared to the 718 GT4 RS, offering a blend of performance and comfort. The Weissach package, however, is criticized for altering the car's sound and character, making it excessively loud and less enjoyable on regular roads. Alder concludes by praising the Spyder RS for its focus on driving pleasure over lap times, emphasizing its significance as a send-off to the combustion era."
Score: 92/100
AutoTrader.ca
Journalist: Jeff Wilson
Summary: "Jeff Wilson delves into the history and significance of the Porsche Boxster, leading up to the introduction of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS. The Spyder RS is celebrated as the highest performing Boxster variant, marking the end of the internal-combustion 718 line. The car boasts a 4.0L flat-six engine from the Porsche 911 GT3, delivering an exhilarating driving experience. The Spyder RS is designed for fun on the street, with its unique top design and emphasis on weight reduction. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the dual-clutch automatic PDK offers a responsive and engaging drive. The article concludes by praising the Spyder RS as a thrilling automotive experience and a fitting farewell to Porsche's internal combustion 718 models."
Score: 96/100
Car and Driver
Article Title: "2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS Turns the Rennsport Focus to the Street"
Journalist: K.C. Colwell
Summary: "K.C. Colwell offers an in-depth analysis of the 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, highlighting its unique features and performance. The Spyder RS is described as a Cayman GT4 RS without a roof, focusing more on the road than the racetrack. Despite not attempting a Nürburgring lap time, the car is designed for optimal road performance. The 4.0-liter engine provides an immersive driving experience, especially with its intake close to the driver's ear. The Spyder RS has reduced spring rates compared to the GT4 RS, making it more harmonious with public roads. The car's suspension is devoid of rubber bushings, and its steering is precise. The article concludes by emphasizing the Spyder RS's significance as the last new 718 model with an internal-combustion engine, predicting its place in history as a high point before the era of electrification."
Score: 94/100
CarExpert
Journalist: Not specified
Summary: "The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is celebrated as the last small Porsche roadster with a mid-mounted internal-combustion engine, marking the end of an era. The Spyder RS is distinct from the Cayman GT4 RS coupe, being set up more for fast road driving. It boasts a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, delivering a powerful performance. The Spyder RS offers a unique driving experience, being agile, balanced, and engaging at any speed. The article emphasizes the car's significance as the last mid-engine Porsche roadster with an internal combustion powertrain, making it an instant classic."
Score: 98/100
Automotive Daily
Journalist: Richard Lane
Summary: "The 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is celebrated as the last small Porsche roadster with a mid-mounted internal-combustion engine, marking the end of an era. The Spyder RS is distinct from the Cayman GT4 RS coupe, being set up more for fast road driving. It boasts a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, delivering a powerful performance. The Spyder RS offers a unique driving experience, being agile, balanced, and engaging at any speed. The article emphasizes the car's significance as the last mid-engine Porsche roadster with an internal combustion powertrain, making it an instant classic."
Score: 98/100