Porsche 718 Spyder RS on the Col de Turini – car pictures of the week

An open-top Porsche sports car on an Alpine mountain pass is the stuff of dreams – even more so when said Porsche is the intoxicating, last-of-the-line 718 Spyder RS…

In issue 320 of evo, we retraced the footsteps of the Monte Carlo Rally by driving along the epic Col de Turini in France, where the likes of Ari Vatanen, Carlos Sainz and Sandro Munari have driven to victory in weapons-grade rally machinery. It was the perfect opportunity to get under the skin of what could be one of the greatest open-top sports cars of all in the Spyder RS, and you can read all about it by picking up a copy of the magazine in-store or online via the evo shop. 

In its classic layout, the Col de Turini stage is a 22.4km ribbon of tarmac with little margin for error – and sometimes constantly varying conditions along its length. Rally drivers often contend with a mix of damp tarmac, ice and snow on the route, as well as the threat of terrifying sheer drops if they get it wrong…

The Spyder RS is a perfect fit for the road, the sound of its 4-litre flat-six bouncing off the cliff faces with the rabid intensity of a purpose-built motorsport engine. ‘The 493bhp flat-six has 1410kg to push, making the RS one of the lightest of the modern-era Porsches, and it kicks on with a feral response, the blade-like snap of the throttle opening signalling the sharpest and most direct connection between ankle movement and forward motion,’ said Adam Towler. 

‘All the things we take for granted with Porsches like this are delightfully present: the seats are terrific, the driving position without fault, the lovely consistency of the steering so reassuring and inclusive, dissolving almost instantly any residue of intimidation you might have of piloting such a potent car.’

To read the full feature, pick up your copy of issue 320 in-store or online via the evo shop.