The Porsche 718 is the brand’s mid-engined sports-car family, positioned below the 911 in size but with a layout that gives it a distinctive dynamic character. In the current Porsche model overview, the active 718 offering is concentrated on two highly specialised RS models: the closed-roof 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the open-top 718 Spyder RS. These are not conventional entry-level sports cars; they represent the most focused expressions of the 718 platform and are designed for enthusiasts who prioritise response, sound, low weight and chassis precision.

Both current RS models use a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine closely related to the unit used in the 911 GT3. Porsche quotes 368 kW of maximum power and 450 Nm of torque for the Spyder RS, with the engine capable of revving to 9,000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission. The Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS can both accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds under Porsche’s published figures, while their character is defined as much by throttle response and engine sound as outright acceleration.

The mid-engine layout places the powertrain between the occupants and rear axle, helping centralise mass and giving the 718 a naturally balanced feel. In GT4 RS form, the fixed-roof body, aerodynamic development and track-oriented chassis make it particularly suited to drivers who expect to explore the car’s capabilities on circuits or demanding roads. The Spyder RS uses closely related suspension hardware but combines it with a lightweight manually operated roof and an open-air driving experience that makes the intake and exhaust sound especially prominent.

Inside, the RS approach is purposeful. The driving position, supportive seats, compact dimensions and direct controls reinforce the sense that the car is built around the driver. Buyers can personalise the cabin and exterior through Porsche options and Exclusive Manufaktur, including special colours, carbon-fibre details and trim combinations. Practicality is naturally secondary to performance, although the mid-engined architecture provides luggage compartments that can accommodate carefully packed touring bags.

Australian buyers should consider the compromises before choosing a 718 RS. Ride comfort is firmer than in a conventional luxury coupe, road and engine noise are part of the experience, and the two-seat layout limits everyday versatility. Ground clearance also demands care around steep driveways and speed humps. These characteristics are intentional rather than accidental, reflecting the cars’ motorsport-influenced brief.

For the right buyer, those compromises are exactly what make the 718 special. The Cayman GT4 RS offers an intense fixed-roof driving experience, while the Spyder RS adds open-top theatre without losing the high-revving GT powertrain. In an Australian market increasingly populated by turbocharged and electrified performance cars, the naturally aspirated 718 RS pair stands out for immediacy and mechanical character. They are expensive and specialised, but they deliver a level of focus that places them among Porsche’s most compelling modern driver’s cars.