Impressions on the Highway: Underwhelming in the Slow Lane, True Potential Unleashed in the Fast Lane

Taking advantage of a business trip to Nagoya, I embarked on a break-in tour with my freshly delivered 718 Spider RS, covering the mountain roads from Kiso to Shinshu. Although the Shinkansen was an option, I chose to travel in the Spider RS to fully experience the car. In total, I covered about 800 km and successfully completed the break-in period.

On the highway, the Spider RS doesn’t quite shine at typical cruising speeds in the slow lane. At these speeds, regular models like the 981 Boxster GTS or 718 Cayman feel more comfortable and enjoyable. The Spider RS truly comes alive when driving in the fast lane, especially during overtaking maneuvers.

Sunshade mode: the rear glass is removed and the soft top is used solely as a sunshade, allowing you to enjoy open-air driving and the engine’s sound while avoiding direct sunlight.

The acceleration during overtaking is particularly impressive.

At 100 km/h in 7th gear, the engine spins at about 2800 rpm. Just a slight press on the accelerator unleashes a thrilling blend of engine and intake sounds. It’s a unique sensation of driving a truly sporty car that you won’t find in other Porsches with higher gear ratios. However, this excitement can tempt you to speed up too much, so caution is advised.

Full Bucket Seats Comfort: Ideal Position That Keeps Fatigue at Bay on Long Drives

Driving from Kansai to Nagoya, I felt no fatigue at all. The full bucket seats fitted in this car perfectly match my body type. Porsche offers various seat options like 18-way or 14-way adjustable seats, but these full bucket seats clearly fit my body better than standard seats.

The backrest is quite upright, which might be uncomfortable for those used to reclining while driving. Yet, this upright angle is perfect, placing zero strain on my lower back during driving. It feels like my pelvis is firmly supported, making the entire body feel relaxed—even for someone like me with chronic back pain.

The brilliance of these seats lies in their ability to force you into the correct posture. Unlike the bad habit of slouching or sitting shallowly common in desk work, this seat physically prevents poor posture. Though it looks restrictive, it’s actually the most comfortable option for long-distance driving. I’m so impressed that I plan to choose full bucket seats for any future two-seater Porsche I buy.

True Performance on Mountain Roads: Experiencing Exceptional Suspension on Route 361 and Boulder Road

After finishing work in Nagoya, I headed up the highway to Gujo Hachiman, then north along the Seseragi Kaido. While Seseragi Kaido remains a fantastic road, heavy traffic and many slow vehicles often disrupt the pace. Limited passing zones mean it’s best to avoid driving here during tourist seasons or weekends.

The situation changed dramatically once I reached Route 361 via Takayama.

Route 361 is truly a wonderful road, especially the approach to Mount Ontake from the north. I drove all the way to the monument marking the Hida Ontake Naoko Boulder Road—a stretch where you can drive freely without traffic. It’s an ideal driving road with consistently low traffic volume no matter when you visit.

The Boulder Road’s surface is somewhat rough with scattered repairs. When I drove it previously in a GT3 Touring, I found myself avoiding rough patches, which broke my concentration. Large repair patches deliver sharp impacts that make you brace yourself. I worried the Spider RS would feel the same, but it absorbed shocks flawlessly, just like driving a regular Boxster.

The suspension is definitely stiff, with a high spring rate. Yet, it moves fluidly and precisely, quickly damping vibrations. I can confidently say it offers one of the best ride qualities among stiffly tuned cars. It’s not a soft, plush ride, but the combination of firmness and comfort is truly remarkable.

PDK on Venus Line: Experiencing Astonishing Sharpness

On day two, I headed east on Route 361, then north on Route 152 from Ina City toward Lake Suwa. Route 152 is a nice road but had heavier traffic that day, causing frequent slowdowns. The prefectural Route 40 leading to Venus Line is tight and somewhat rough, but the Spider RS handled it effortlessly. It’s a perfect description of a high-performance car ideal for touring.

Venus Line’s surface is surprisingly rough, with countless patchwork repairs. It was the worst road condition on this tour, yet the Spider RS barely noticed. Naturally, a regular Boxster is more comfortable, but considering the Spider RS’s performance and stiff spring rates, its comfort level is more than adequate.

The PDK transmission deserves special praise. Even in automatic mode with PDK Sport engaged, it shifts smoothly and satisfyingly between 2000 and 4000 rpm. Light braking triggers downshifts, while heavier braking causes multiple downshifts at once. The sharpness is extraordinary—perhaps even sharper than the GT3’s PDK. While some enthusiasts prefer a manual transmission, I strongly feel this car is best enjoyed with the PDK.

これがスパイダーRSのPDKのキレの良さ👍

PDKスポーツのATモード

慣らし中の4000-5000rpm以内で走行してても、楽しめる

ブレーキ踏むだけで、絶妙なタイミングでシフトダウン、人より上手いしリズム感が良い😊 pic.twitter.com/fhmIKgfle2

— Hiro@ポルシェがわが家にやってきた (@boxster_gts) June 20, 2025

The Allure of the GT3 Engine: Special Sound Enjoyable Even at Low RPMs

The sound is equally exceptional. During this break-in tour, I didn’t exceed 7000 rpm, but even in the mid-range between 2000 and 4000 rpm, the GT3 engine’s sound is fully enjoyable. Thanks to the low gear ratios, there’s no frustration. This isn’t a car that only sounds good when revved to 8000 or 9000 rpm; the low to mid-range offers more than enough sonic pleasure.

The volume is quite loud, but the 981 Boxster GTS probably sounds louder from outside. The Spider RS’s sound is dominated more by intake and mechanical noises, with the exhaust focusing on lower tones. Conversely, the 981 Boxster GTS’s sound is overwhelmingly exhaust-based. To the driver, the Spider RS sounds much louder because the intake and mechanical noises resonate right next to your ears.

A notable characteristic is that the Spider RS’s sound responds directly to throttle input: pressing the accelerator produces sound, while lifting off quiets it down. In contrast, the 981’s sound lingers even after releasing the throttle. The Spider RS’s sound is clear and direct, like music played in a room without echoes. When you apply throttle, it roars impressively; when you ease off, it falls silent immediately. This sharp contrast is one of the car’s unique personalities.

By the end of this tour, I had driven over 1500 km and completed the break-in. I plan to change the oil soon and start pushing the car harder. This is truly a fun touring car—so much so that I feel it might encompass all the charms of the 981 Boxster GTS. If the Boxster had a PDK, I would have definitely sold it and switched to the Spider RS. However, since my Boxster has a manual transmission, offering a different kind of enjoyment, I plan to enjoy both cars for a while. The 718 Spider RS is undoubtedly one of the best Porsches I’ve ever bought.