After the grand success of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS that debuted at the end of 2021, Porsche has given the same treatment to the Boxster. Behold the 2024 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS, the most potent derivative of the Boxster since production began in 1995. The successors to the current-gen Porsche Boxster and its coupe sibling that will debut in 2025 will be all-electric, as confirmed by the German marque a while back. The prototypes have already been spotted testing at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany. Not all Porsche fans are convinced by the brand’s decision to go electric-only for the model lines. Nevertheless, the most powerful variant of the Boxster is the perfect sendoff to the combustion-engine model it definitely deserves.
Similar to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the new Boxster Spyder RS is powered by the illustrious 4.0-liter six-cylinder from the 911 GT3. The mid-mounted engine revs up to 9000 rpm and produces 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, giving it a 79-hp advantage over the already powerful 718 Spyder. The power is sent to the rear wheels by a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. There’s no manual transmission option available for the Spyder RS, while a mechanical limited slip is standard. Porsche claims the most aggressive Boxster has a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and can hit a top speed of 191mph.
Just like all other RS models by Porsche, the automaker’s latest offering makes use of various weight-shedding techniques, which include lightweight materials and a new roof. Porsche has dropped the old power-folding soft-top roof in favor of a lightweight manual one. Porsche claims it’s 16 pounds lighter than the standard Spyder’s manual-folding top and over 36 pounds lighter than a standard Boxster’s power-operated top. Additionally, the hood and seat shells are made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.
The Spyder RS also gets much of the same aero elements seen on the GT4 RS, which include NACA ducts in the hood for brake cooling, cutaways behind the front wheels, and a sizable rear diffuser. However, it doesn’t feature GT4 RS’s massive rear wing. Instead, it gets a spoiler which is integrated into the rear decklid and has a carbon-fiber Gurney. The optional Weissach Package adds more carbon fiber exterior and interior components along with titanium tailpipes and an option to choose magnesium wheels.
Porsche says the Spyder RS will start arriving at dealerships in spring 2024 and will carry a starting price tag of $162,150.
