2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS Specifications:
The 2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, powered by a 911 GT3 engine, takes the concept of a high-performance roadster to new heights. This top-tier model in the 718 series immerses you in the thrill of open-air driving, offering the ultimate sports car experience with unmatched speed and agility. Starting at over $160,000, this Spyder RS is the most expensive and capable version of the 718 series.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L Flat-6 Boxer (911 GT3 engine) |
| Horsepower | 493 hp |
| Torque | 331 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 191 mph |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Suspension | Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) |
| Brakes | 6-piston front, 4-piston rear aluminum brakes |
| Optional Brakes | Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) |
| Wheels | 20-inch forged magnesium wheels (optional) |
| Aerodynamics | Rear spoiler, front splitter, air intakes |
| Roof | Lightweight, folding soft-top |
| Weight | Approx. 3,100 lbs |
| Price | Starts at $160,700+ |
Past Model History
2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is part of a long lineage of performance roadsters rooted in Porsche’s racing heritage. The “Spyder” name harkens back to legendary models like the 550 Spyder from the 1950s and the 718 RS 60 Spyder, both of which dominated motorsports in their era.
These cars were lightweight, agile, and designed for maximum performance, laying the foundation for future Porsche models.
In modern times, the 718 name was reintroduced in 2016, reviving the spirit of the original mid-engined sports cars. The modern 718 Boxster and Cayman replaced the earlier Boxster models, with the Spyder variant debuting in 2020. The 718 Spyder featured a naturally aspirated flat-6 engine, bringing back the purist, high-revving driving experience.
The 2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS now represents the pinnacle of this lineage, being the final version of the 718 series powered by an internal combustion engine.
It shares much of its mechanical underpinnings, including the 4.0-liter flat-6 engine, with the 911 GT3, delivering track-worthy performance with an open-top configuration. This RS model is seen as a fitting send-off, capturing the essence of Porsche’s motorsports legacy with cutting-edge technology and an even sharper focus on driving dynamics.
2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS Engine and Performance
The highlight of the 718 Spyder RS is its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-6 boxer engine, sourced from the iconic 911 GT3.
This engine produces an astounding 493 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, catapulting the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 191 mph. Known for its high-revving nature and signature sound, the engine provides an exhilarating driving experience, making every trip a performance spectacle.
Suspension and Handling
Porsche’s advanced suspension technology is a cornerstone of the 718 Spyder RS’s handling. The car is equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which offers electronic damping adjustments to optimize the ride based on road conditions.
A 30mm lower ride height, along with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), ensures precise handling and exceptional stability during dynamic driving, especially on winding roads or track conditions.
Aerodynamics and Design
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the design of the 2025 718 Spyder RS. The lightweight body includes a distinctive rear spoiler, front splitter, and large air intakes to enhance cooling and downforce.
The optional Weissach Package further sharpens the car’s aesthetic, adding carbon-fiber elements and lightweight forged magnesium wheels to reduce weight and improve driving dynamics. The combination of aggressive styling and Porsche’s signature design ensures the car looks as fast as it drives.
Interior and Comfort
The interior of the 718 Spyder RS strikes a balance between performance and minimalism. Race-Tex upholstery dominates the cabin, reducing reflections while reinforcing the car’s track-focused nature.
Optional upgrades, like the Weissach Package, introduce lightweight materials and subtle design cues, such as embroidered headrests and dashboard insignia, further cementing the car’s performance roots.
Adaptive Roof and Technology
The folding roof is designed for ease of use and minimal weight, making it possible to transition from closed to open in seconds.
Even with the roof down, the car maintains structural rigidity, and its aerodynamic design keeps the cabin relatively quiet. The full-width LED tail lights and aggressive rear diffuser complete the modern look while improving airflow and cooling.
Braking and Safety
The 718 Spyder RS is fitted with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear aluminum monobloc brakes for powerful stopping power. Optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) reduce brake fade and lower unsprung weight, ensuring the car slows down as efficiently as it accelerates.
Expected 0-60 Time
The 2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS boasts a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds, showcasing significant improvements compared to past models. For example, the 2020 718 Spyder achieved a similar sprint in 4.2 seconds.
This nearly one-second improvement is due to the 718 Spyder RS’s adoption of the 911 GT3’s 4.0L flat-6 engine, delivering 493 hp. This faster acceleration places it on par with track-focused models like the Cayman GT4 RS, making it one of the quickest 718 variants to date.
Competitors of 2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS
The 2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS, with its track-focused design and exhilarating 493 horsepower from a 4.0L flat-6 engine, faces fierce competition in the high-performance roadster market. Here are some of its key competitors:
1. Ferrari 296 GTB
- Engine: 3.0L V6 plug-in hybrid with electric motor
- Power: 819 hp combined
- Torque: 546 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 205 mph
- Price: Approx. $320,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB offers a hybrid powertrain, blending electrification with extreme performance. It provides both better fuel efficiency and immense power, significantly more than the Spyder RS, while boasting Ferrari’s renowned driving dynamics.
2. McLaren 765LT Spider
- Engine: 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8
- Power: 755 hp
- Torque: 590 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 205 mph
- Price: $382,500+
The McLaren 765LT is lighter and faster, making it one of the most competitive options against the Spyder RS. Its focus is on weight reduction and performance-enhancing features, offering blistering speed and aggressive aerodynamics.
3. Chevrolet Corvette Z06
- Engine: 5.5L naturally aspirated V8
- Power: 670 hp
- Torque: 460 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 2.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 195 mph
- Price: Starting at $106,695
The Z06 represents a more affordable option, but still brings formidable performance to the table with its naturally aspirated V8 engine. It delivers excellent handling and has garnered praise for its balance of power and price.
4. Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition
- Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8
- Power: 528 hp
- Torque: 505 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 195 mph
- Price: Approx. $162,000
The Vantage F1 Edition is a high-performance version of Aston Martin’s Vantage, tuned to deliver better handling and greater aerodynamic efficiency. It’s more luxurious but less track-focused than the Spyder RS.
Each of these competitors brings unique strengths to the table, with the Porsche 718 Spyder RS holding its ground with precision handling, lightweight design, and its motorsport-derived naturally aspirated engine. While competitors like the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren 765LT may outshine the Spyder RS in raw power, the Porsche excels in driver engagement and precision.
2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS Price
The 2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is expected to have a starting price of around $167,495, focusing on lightweight design and driving precision. In comparison to rivals, the Spyder RS will likely emphasize handling dynamics over raw power.
It is expected to compete with cars like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which is more affordable at about $110,000 but offers more power (670 hp). The Audi R8 V10 Spyder is expected to be pricier at around $210,000, offering 602 hp but potentially less nimble due to its heavier build.
The Lotus Emira, priced around $96,000, is expected to offer excellent handling with 400 hp, but lacks the Porsche’s power. Meanwhile, the Ferrari 296 GTS, at over $300,000, will offer superior power (818 hp) but at a much higher price, making the Spyder RS a more focused, driver-oriented alternative.
Release Date
The 2025 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is expected to start arriving in dealerships by April to June 2025, depending on the region. According to trusted industry sources, production is set to begin in November 2024. However, we should wait for the official announcement from Porsche.
