Striking Racing Yellow! First Encounter with the Spider RS

The long-awaited 718 Spider RS has finally arrived. Seeing it for the first time in Racing Yellow truly confirms it as a standout color. In today’s lingo, it’s the quintessential “eye-catching” color. It commands attention against any backdrop without losing its presence.

This color scheme deliberately tames the expansive yellow with black accents. By painting the PCCB brakes black and keeping the wheels black, the design balances the intensity of yellow with a heavier black presence. Inside, yellow stitching is used extensively, including on the steering column leather option, creating a cohesive theme that’s no accident.

Interestingly, the Spider RS originally features yellow accents that you can’t touch—like the steering wheel center mark and the gauge needles. The interior’s yellow stitching was chosen to complement these details, which in turn inspired the bold exterior yellow. This color coordination is directly inspired by the car’s own yellow highlights.

Enjoyable Even in the City! The New Charms of the GT3 Engine

After about 400 kilometers of break-in driving, the first thing that struck me was the engine’s startup sound. The cold start leaving the dealer is among the most powerful I’ve experienced in any Porsche. While the 981 and 991 GT3 Touring models were already loud, the Spider RS takes it to another level. That sound alone confirms this is no ordinary car.

The PDK transmission has no creep function, matching the GT3 family’s setup where the car doesn’t move unless you press the accelerator. It might feel odd at first, but you quickly get used to it. The ride quality in urban settings exceeded expectations. The suspension is indeed stiff—noticeably firmer than a Fairlady Z Nismo—but its excellent vibration damping means there’s no discomfort.

As long as you’re driving straight, the car doesn’t feel as rock-solid as the RS badge might suggest.

Compared to the 718 Cayman T I previously owned, the impression is similar, and highway cruising comfort rivals that of a standard 718. Even against the 981 Boxster GTS, there’s hardly any discomfort. This balance is crucial for anyone considering Porsche ownership for daily use.

A Sensual Soundtrack at Every Speed and Gear

The Spider RS’s standout feature is its ability to deliver an incredible soundtrack at any speed and in any gear.

Even with the roof closed, the sound is captivating. However, it’s distinct from the pleasant engine notes of the 981, 986, or 987 models. Because the Spider RS uses the GT3 cup car engine, it produces a raw, racing-engine growl that’s uniquely thrilling.

At highway speeds cruising in 7th gear, the car is relatively quiet, but pressing the accelerator even in 7th unleashes a powerful roar. The intake and engine sounds blend perfectly, offering a thrilling auditory experience at any speed. This is a feature absent in both the GT3 Touring and 981 models. Downshifts sound even better, and you can enjoy this within the 4000 rpm break-in range.

Interestingly, you rarely need to turn on the sport exhaust. In fact, when activated, the bass becomes too overwhelming, often feeling unnecessary. The stock sound balance and volume are just right.

PDK Evolution and the Magic of Open-Air Driving

The PDK transmission matches the GT4 RS in lightning-fast shifts.

The sensation of downshifting consecutively from 5th to 4th, 3rd, and 2nd is exceptional. The shifts happen instantly, with dramatic rev-matching blips creating a rhythmic, exhilarating experience. While some lament the lack of a manual option, I can confidently say that this PDK alone justifies the price of the Spider RS and GT4 RS. It’s clearly superior to the GT3’s PDK.

Operating the convertible roof is easy enough for one person. The process requires no special strength or skill, except for one trick: rolling the soft top properly to fit into the trunk space above the engine. If done incorrectly, the trunk won’t close fully and will sit slightly ajar. Once you get the hang of it, the whole process takes about 3 to 4 minutes.

Driving with the roof down on winding roads reveals the car’s true prowess. While the RS character is subtle when driving straight, opening the roof and attacking mountain roads transforms the experience. The car feels significantly more rigid, showcasing the sharp, responsive handling expected from a GT model. The grip and road feel are superb, ranking this among the top two-door Porsches I’ve driven for pure driving pleasure.

The Luxury of Three Distinct Sounds and Everyday Usability

The Spider RS features a unique “Sunshade Mode” that removes only the rear glass while keeping the roof in place. This setting delivers the most direct rear sound transmission. In other words, you can enjoy three distinct sound experiences in one car: closed roof, sunshade mode, and fully open.

The suspension hardness strikes a perfect balance. As the development team explained, the dampers and springs are tuned more for street use than the GT4 RS, greatly improving usability on public roads. Previous GT3 models struggled with stiff suspension, low-speed torque shortages, and high gear ratios limiting rev range. The Spider RS takes a fundamentally different approach.

With a very low gear ratio, the engine spins happily even in city traffic without excessive speed. Acceleration from stops feels natural, and the usual low-end torque deficit of GT3 engines is absent. It even seems to encompass the best qualities of my 981 Boxster GTS.

The Ultimate Street Sports Car That Democratizes the GT3

To sum up the Spider RS’s appeal: its engine characteristics allow enjoyment at any speed and gear, the street-focused ride quality, and the open-top design offering three distinct sound experiences. Together, these elements achieve a balance of daily usability and sports performance that traditional GT3s couldn’t.

Many who buy a GT3 out of admiration end up selling it quickly. For those with such experiences, I highly recommend trying the Spider RS. This car truly represents the “democratization of the GT3.” It’s a rare machine that lets you enjoy the thrill of a racing engine every day, showcasing Porsche’s new possibilities.

By eliminating technical compromises while maintaining practicality, the Spider RS embodies one of Porsche’s ideal sports car visions. It inherits the GT3 lineage while making the experience accessible for more people to enjoy daily. This might be the true meaning of “democratization.”