The 718 GT4 RS And Spyder RS: Porsche Sports Cars At Their Purest

The Porsche 911 is arguably the defining model of the German sports car manufacturer. Already in existence since 1964, the 911 is one of the longest sports car nameplates in the world and also one of the most storied. But that doesn’t make the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, which have evolved into the 718 models in 2016, less interesting sports cars. Some may view it as the model for those who couldn’t afford the 911, but depending on your perspective, the 718, especially in their GT4 RS and Spyder RS forms, may be the more potent sports car than their equivalent 911 versions.

That’s because it begins with the size of these two models. Measuring 4,379 mm from tip to stern, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS are nearly 200 mm shorter. Combined with a shorter wheelbase, a lighter weight, as well as the race-derived 4.0-liter flat-six naturally-aspirated engine of the 911 GT3, these two 718 RS models are arguably the purest expression of a Porsche sports car in 2024.

In the case of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS, that 4.0-liter flat-six produces 493 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, and with the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, it sprints from 0-100 kph in just 3.4 seconds–the same as the 911 GT3, because of course, a 718 GT4 RS or Spyder RS couldn’t be faster than a 911 GT3 RS, right? But it’s also how you get to 100 kph that equally matters.

While we haven’t had a chance to drive these cars, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS inherit the howling flat-six noise that the 911 GT3 also has. The lack of any forced induction means that the sound is pure and unadulterated. As the final internal combustion engine (ICE) 718 model, there’s indeed no better way to celebrate an ode to ICE joy.

Finally, adding to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS’s simplicity is what lies underneath its chassis. Whereas the 911 GT3 gets a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, the 718 maintains its simpler but proven MacPherson strut front and rear suspension. It’s a simple suspension construction that Porsche has perfected in the Cayman and Boxsters of the past, and it’s proof that even mechanically simple components can yield great results when designed correctly, as proof of their extremely quick Nurburgring lap times: 7 minutes and 9.3 seconds for the Cayman GT4 RS is 23 seconds faster than the Cayman GT4, which was already quick in the first place.

While the two cars may share similar principles, there are minute differences that will determine their target demographic. Both models on site are fitted with the Weissach package, which makes the two sports cars even sportier than they already are, but the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS comes with a swan-neck-attached fixed rear wing that hints at its 25 percent increase in downforce over the Cayman GT4.

On the other hand, the 718 Spyder RS ditches any electrical mechanisms for its roof in the pursuit of less weight and mechanical complication, only for that complication to be passed on to its owner. 10 minutes is what it takes to set up the roof at best, but in most circumstances, you’d probably spend less time pitching a tent than propping up its roof, because you’ve completely forgotten what was told to you during the handover process. Still, the compromise is worth it, because what you get in exchange for less downforce is open-top driving pleasure. For some, that’s enough of a selling point, even if you need a master’s degree in tent pitching.

Likewise, the interior of these two models is extremely focused and very simple. There’s the traditional Porsche analog gauge layout, which in the 718’s case is in three pods, while any entertainment sources are provided by the Porsche Communication Management infotainment with a Bose sound system. As great as the sound system is, you’ll probably listen to its 4.0-liter flat-six most of the time, anyway.

Alcantara is the order of the day here, and in typical Porsche fashion, everything inside is well-built and impeccably finished. It’s a more-than-10-year-old interior at this point, but in the face of screens and gimmicks these days, the 718’s interior will age better. Screens and software get easily outdated, and this is proven with what kind of watches age better. No one ever said they’d want their grandchildren to inherit an Apple Watch, right?

And that’s where the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS get things right. They’re one of, if not, the absolute purest expressions of Porsche in 2024. The simple interior, the well-engineered chassis, and a legendary flat-six that was born out of racing will cement its status as one of the all-time best sports cars in recent memory. As the swansong to the gas engine for the 718 model range, its desirability and collectability are pretty much guaranteed. At best, we hope Porsche will still fit an ICE into the next 718, but if these two are the last ICE-powered 718s, then let’s hope that its owners, or possibly you, will treasure such an automotive icon for the years and decades to come.