Spy Shots: An Early Look at the 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS

TopSpeed

By Alina Moore

Published Aug 4, 2022

Porsche's future is going to be all-electric, and while the 911 will still be offered with internal-combustion engines, the 718 lineup is not going to share the same fate: starting in 2025 it will go will electric. However, it seems that Porsche is not ready to let the 718 go just yet, and it is preparing a hardcore version of the open-top 718. The model has been spotted many times before, but the prototype caught testing today on the back roads of Spain looks ready for production.

Update 8-10-2022: The 718 Boxster Spyder RS was spied with the top down for the first time, exposing the new Weissach RS seats.

Spy Shots 8-10-2022 - Boxster Spyder RS With the Top Down

What will the 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS look like?

When compared to the prototype caught testing around Nurburgring back in May, 2022, the new one reveals a few changes. It looks almost ready for production and reveals the finished top of the sports car for the first time. It is very easy to spot that the roof sits like a sail on the additional air intakes of the Spyder RS. Also, just like with the Cayman RS, the Spyder RS will feature lots of carbon fiber throughout the bodywork, larger vents in the front fenders and on the sides, plus those cool naca ducts in the hoods - all elements that will offer a better engine cooling. However, unlike the coupe, on the Spyder the wing is replaced by an active spoiler - similar to the one from the standard Spyder. The spy shots reveal that the carbon ceramic brakes will not be fitted as standard but will only be available at extra cost.

What will power the 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS?

Just like with the Cayman GT4 RS, the Boxster Spyder RS will be powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that delivers a total of 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. All the power is sent to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. These numbers will make the RS almost 80 horsepower more powerful than the standard Spyder. The latter has "only" 414 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque.

The Cayman GT4 RS goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 196 mph. Because of the roof mechanism, the Spyder will be a little bit heavier, which means its performance figures should be altered a little, but not by much. Most likely the sprint time will go up to about 3.5 seconds, while top speed should stay in the 190 mph area.

When will the 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS arrive?

The new Spyder RS will make its official debut in 2023 and will mark the end of the combustion-powered 718 lineup.

FAQ

Q: Which is the best café racer?

There is no one 'best' cafe racer: it all depends on how much you are willing to spend and which one tickles your sense of style. However, the Triumph Thruxton might be the most authentic while the MV Agusta Superveloce is the most desirable.

Q: Why do they call them Cafe Racers?

In the 1960s, 'rockers' would gather at transport cafes in the U.K. for late-night refreshments on their race replica motorcycles. Often, they would race each other from the cafe, round the streets and back just for fun.