Porsche has announced the Boxster Spyder: a modified, lightweight version of the Porsche Boxster.
Porsche has managed to lose about 80kg over the original Boxster with this. It also has 10hp more than the Boxster S, bringing the power up to 320hp. With the PDK dual clutch flappy-paddle gearbox, it’ll get from 0-60mph (About 100kph) in 4.6 seconds. It’ll go on sale during February of next year with a base price of around $61,200.
The roof is more of a wind deflector than a roof, this car is mainly designed for that sunny Sunday morning when you want to go out and have some fun. Despite not being a big fan of Porsche, I rather like it. The altered design looks good to me, and I like the idea of a fun, lightweight convertible.
My only concern is this: why have they called it a Spyder? I understand it’s supposed to be a tribute to the old Porsche Spyders, but the Boxster was already a convertible, so the naming ends up sounding a bit stupid.
Press Release
Porsche’s newest entry will be the lightest in its line-up
ATLANTA – November 5, 2009 – Weighing in at just 2,811 lbs., the new 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche available – from a company known for lightweight, proficient sports cars. This new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the sports car – agile, powerful, open and efficient. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2, 2009.
The newest member of the Boxster family stands out from the other versions of Porsche’s mid-engined roadster. Its low-slung, lightweight soft top – when closed – extends far to the rear to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather. This top, when combined with extra-low side windows and two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, provides the Boxster Spyder with a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.
2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder: Light, Powerful, Purist Roadster to be Introduced at Los Angeles Auto Show
The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 horsepower (hp), 10 hp more than the Boxster S. The combination of 10 more hp and 176 pounds less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, plus an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provides the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction.
When equipped with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top track speed is 166 mph – with the roof open.
Fundamentally, the entire Boxster family is the successor to the legendary 550 Spyder and RS 60 of the Fifties and Sixties, all sharing the same mid-engine roadster concept. Low weight and supreme agility combine to provide outstanding driving pleasure.
In 2004 and 2008 Porsche produced limited editions of the Boxster bearing the additional name Spyder, honoring the 550 and RS 60. In contrast, the new Boxster Spyder is a regular, but specially developed and upgraded production model as compared with the Boxster and Boxster S.
2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder: Light, Powerful, Purist Roadster to be Introduced at Los Angeles Auto Show
The 2011 Boxster Spyder goes on sale February 2010. U.S. pricing is $61,200.
Source: Autoblog