05 November 2009 - 10:00
Boxster Spyder unleashed
Porsche has given us a first look at its ultimate Boxster: the lightweight, stripped-out Spyder, set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month.
This isn't some limited-run special edition: the Boxster Spyder will go on general release in the UK next February, with prices starting at just under £45,000.
Developing 316bhp from a tuned-up version of Porsche's 3.4-litre direct-injection flat-six engine, the Spyder is more powerful than the top-of-the-range Boxster S, which puts out 306bhp. In fact, its power output is identical to the Cayman S coupe.
There's 80kg of added lightness on board, too, giving the Spyder a better power-to-weight ratio than either the Cayman S or even the 911 Carrera.
Much of that weight-saving comes from ditching the Boxster's automatic roof mechanism: the system has been replaced with a simpler, manually operated canvas, which folds away under a new double-bubble rear canopy. We like the new double-bubble rear canopy.
There are further signs of anorexia in the cabin in the shape of a pair of lightweight bucket seats, and flimsy door pulls replacing the standard handles. The Spyder doesn't get air conditioning or a stereo system as standard, but you can choose to spec them if you're some sort of mod-con-addicted wimp.
We're guessing you want to know how fast the Boxster Spyder is, and the answer is: fast. Equipped with Porsche's launch control as standard, it'll crack 62mph in 4.8 seconds, a couple of tenths quicker than the Boxster S or even the Cayman S.
It'll top out at 166mph with the roof removed: leave the roof up on a v-max run and you'll be left with a messy heap of canvas and metal hanging off the back of your Boxster.
So, what do you think? Not to sway your option, but we'll happily confess to being in the ‘yes, love it, give us a drive now, please dear lord please' camp...
Sam Philip
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The hood reminds me of the boys' convertible Espace project! WTF! And what's with the door pulls? Must save all of 1kg! Fine if you're going to remove the door trim completely but this just looks pretentious. And £45k-they're having a laugh!
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A strange concept which blurs the lines between the Porsche models. Also the picture with the roof up is like an umbrella has been put up (wasn't that a Veyron idea!) I'll admit it looks better than a standard Boxster but it's not really a track car so of course you're going to get aircon and a stereo so that defeats the whole point of it!
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I'm just stunned. Porsche has hired a new designer... After all those dreary, dreadful years the old one has finally gone into retirement.
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I like it quite a lot, except when the roof is up.
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A Boxster you don't have to be embarrased about? Bring it on!
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I like the fact that it is a mix of Boxster and Carrera GT as far as style is concerned. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as clean and balanced as the normal Boxster, and the roof looks like an afterthought. On the plus side, Porsche may have overcome their fear of change and may now feel comfortable making major style changes.
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How come its a problem that a purpose built Mustang has launch control, but not when Porsche includes on this model?
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I agree with marshknute, back end is similar to the Carrera GT which is no bad thing, but what the hell were they thinking when they designed the roof ? Looks v cool in white, could do with some black alloys though.
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like it. hate the front as on all porshes but on this one they managed to ruin the back as well. just look at it! however the stripe is not that bad at all. i agree that the back looks like on the carrera gt but this time it looks bad. and anyway all porshes will always look bad. apart from the carrera gt
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Lokks like a piece os sh*t with the roof up
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dear santa, for xmas i would like the new porcshe boxter spyder. please.
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Tell me this is another one of your pranks Topgear.... like the Cayman Shooting Brake? What is that roof all about? You've photoshopped that on...... no?
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Guys, could I point out that the 'double bubble' was pioneered by Peugoet on the 407 (I think) convertible, because a massive spoiler was too manly for such a... feminine car.
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Finally! it looks amazing now. i was going to complain about the door handles, but this is obviuously the new design, so a boxster S with design is perfect. very sexy car
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This is the best porsche design ever made.......apart from the Carerra gt of course and there is one solution to the less thought roof, just don't put it on.
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This is the best porsche design ever made.......apart from the Carerra gt of course and there is one solution to the less thought roof, just don't put it on.
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That reminds me of the Speedster Decklid mod you could get for Boxsters in Need For Speed: Porsche 2000 (that was before NFS Underground for anyone under 14). It works well, especially as it could so easily look awful. Like the fabric roof does. I agree with russ. It needs black wheels, at the very least to go with those token RS stripes.
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See the car running, looking great..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NHtzcCPBUA&feature=player_embedded
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That assembly behind the cockpit reminds me of the carrera gt, especially with that cross bem with a brake light.
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Ok... so what's the point? Just get a 911.
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Some people prefer the mid-engined balance in the 2009 Boxster/Cayman to a 911 Carrera, especially now they can be had with an Limited Slip Diff and a touch more power, which makes them a little faster on a country road than the 911 too, according to some.
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yet another porsche, yeah they're fast and convenient, but they're so unimaginative. Need something more interesting. Lambo anyone?
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Nah-nah, that just don't look good. And that's just another car with 'Spyder' at the end, not so much added to it exept the Spyder at the end and some modifications brought here and there. Lambo gots Spyder (2009 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder), Ferrari got Spyder and so forth on... every compagny got Spyder (almost every) C'mon, invent another word and quit Spyder...
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i thing is a good car and a like it specialy the color but it's so fuking expencive
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FR offers ignificant performance shortfall versus insignificant savings. Buy the Cupra. Or better yet the Clio Cup.
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tohafat commented on this article
05 November 2009
Finally! Porsche found the balls to change the Boxter (slightly). The double bubble thing fixes the styling issues dramatically. It no longer looks the same from the front and from the back.
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