SPY PICS: Porsche Boxster Spyder RS steps out
Lighter, harder, faster Porsche 718 Spyder firms as the fastest Boxster yetThe 2022 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is about to get a convertible sibling in the form of the Porsche Boxster Spyder RS – an undisguised prototype of which has just been spotted testing in Germany.
Kitted out with the most aggressive aero features ever fitted to a factory Boxster, the Spyder RS is awash with splitters, vents, intakes and diffusers but misses out on the Cayman’s fixed swan-neck rear wing.
In its place is a generously sized ducktail spoiler which, we have to admit, works much better with the sleek open-top silhouette.
If previous Cayman-Boxster relations are anything to go by, the Boxster Spyder RS will inherit virtually all of the 911-slaying Cayman GT4 RS’s chassis and mechanical goodies, including the 368kW/450Nm version of the regular Spyder’s naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre engine.
In the Cayman, the free-breathing flat six revs out to 9000rpm and is paired exclusively to a seven-speed PDK automatic transmission that sends power exclusively to the rear wheels.
Factor in the lack of a metal roof and the result could be one of the all-time great sports car soundtracks and driving experiences.
In classic Porsche RS fashion, grams and kilograms will be shaved off everywhere, and just some of the lightweighting measures will likely include a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonnet and front wings, less sound insulation, lightweight roof and floor mat materials, and obligatory fabric door-pulls.
Sitting lower to the ground than the standard Spyder, the RS prototype shown here also packs some substantial stopping power behind its thinly spoked forged alloy wheels.
It will be safe to assume the Boxster Spyder RS won’t be quite as fast or as focused as its Cayman coupe counterpart on account of its extra weight and theoretically lower body rigidity (given it has no roof).
There’s been no indication on release timing yet from our sources in Europe, but going by the almost production-ready appearance of this test vehicle we’d expect the hottest Boxster yet to make its global debut in the closing stages of the year or even in early 2023 – once the dust has settled from the world debut of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in two weeks (August 17).
Related: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS 2022 Review
Related: Porsche Cayman GT4 PDK 2021 Review
Related: Targa Tasmania with Porsche: The ultimate car adventure
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
