In 1960, Porsche created the racing successor to the 550 Spyder, and named it the 718 RS 60 Spyder. Powered by a 1.5-litre engine that developed about 150 horsepower, the RS 60 proved its worthiness on the track, with a 1-2 finish at the Sebring 12-hour race as well as winning the Targa Florio that same year. The 718 beat more-powerful rivals, such as Ferrari, thanks to its low weight and amazing agility.
To celebrate the success of the original, Porsche decided to create a limited-edition Boxster S that bears the same name. Only 1,960 copies of the Boxster RS 60 Spyder are produced, and we had the opportunity to drive number 156.
Mechanical upgrades
The most significant change in the powertrain is the exhaust system, which gets dual tailpipes. The freer-flowing setup gives the RS 60 a more raucous sound than in the standard-issue Boxster S, a sound that turns heads and makes you constantly prod the throttle just to hear it.
The exhaust also yields more power, although by a negligible amount. The 3.4-litre flat-6 produces 303 horsepower in the RS 60, up from the 295 ponies you'll find in the Boxster S. Torque is unchanged.
0-100 km/h blasts take 5.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile flashes by in 14.0 seconds at 161 km/h. Keep pushing, and the car will top out at 272 km/h; good luck trying to find a place where you can reach that velocity safely and legally.
The Boxster's fuel consumption is always pretty good; we're averaging 11.9 L/100 km in this test car.
Stiff ride
Equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the car becomes virtually idiot-proof, which is probably why I've been assigned to drive it. Just about any way I hit an apex, the car reacts and readjusts itself, hunkering down its hindquarters and clinging to the asphalt. It is very predictable and easy to tame.
 |
| If you can find one, the RS 60 Spyder is a pure delight to drive and be seen in. |
To celebrate the success of the original, Porsche decided to create a limited-edition Boxster S that bears the same name. Only 1,960 copies of the Boxster RS 60 Spyder are produced, and we had the opportunity to drive number 156.
Mechanical upgrades
The most significant change in the powertrain is the exhaust system, which gets dual tailpipes. The freer-flowing setup gives the RS 60 a more raucous sound than in the standard-issue Boxster S, a sound that turns heads and makes you constantly prod the throttle just to hear it.
The exhaust also yields more power, although by a negligible amount. The 3.4-litre flat-6 produces 303 horsepower in the RS 60, up from the 295 ponies you'll find in the Boxster S. Torque is unchanged.
0-100 km/h blasts take 5.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile flashes by in 14.0 seconds at 161 km/h. Keep pushing, and the car will top out at 272 km/h; good luck trying to find a place where you can reach that velocity safely and legally.
The Boxster's fuel consumption is always pretty good; we're averaging 11.9 L/100 km in this test car.
Stiff ride
Equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the car becomes virtually idiot-proof, which is probably why I've been assigned to drive it. Just about any way I hit an apex, the car reacts and readjusts itself, hunkering down its hindquarters and clinging to the asphalt. It is very predictable and easy to tame.
 |
| The most significant change in the powertrain is the exhaust system, which gives the RS 60 a more raucous sound. |