The 911 may be the icon of the Porsche lineup, but for many drivers like myself the Boxster and Cayman siblings are the real gems of the family. The mid-engine balance and taut chassis, just can’t be beat. The only issue was that Porsche purposely neutered each model to ensure they could never step on the toes of the mighty 911. That all changed earlier this year with the reveal of the Cayman GT4, a car that used the heart of the 911 S, but the chassis of a Cayman. It is being hailed as one of the greatest Porsches ever built. Now that same love is being shown to the Boxster with an all-new Spyder model.
Announced at the 2015 New York Auto Show, the new Porsche Boxster Spyder cuts weight and adds the same 911 S sourced 3.8-liter flat-six engine found in the Cayman GT4 to the mix. Power has been cut slightly to 375 horsepower, but this is still the fastest and most powerful Boxster ever created. The 0-60 sprint is dispatched in just 4.3 seconds. Keep your foot planted, and Porsche claims a top speed of 180 mph.
Just don’t take it out in the rain; the top is a do-it-yourself affair that resembles a hastily pitched tent. Strangely, Porsche has added electronic assistance to the latch, but the actual top is still manually operated. When you make it to the track, your experience will be enhanced thanks to a lower ride height, tighter suspension setup and brakes pulled directly from the 911 S. This is truly the ultimate Boxster. The price to own one of these starts at $82,100 before destination, and orders are being taken now. Deliveries happen in October.
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PRESS RELEASE
Atlanta. Porsche is highlighting the 2015 convertible season by celebrating the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder. This pure sports car will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show. The new top model of the Boxster range retains the unique and unmistakable character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult status. For example, the classic roadster top is still opened and closed by hand, and the Boxster Spyder is only available with a manual transmission, benefiting both weight savings and driver enjoyment.
Staying true to roadster DNA, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports-car driving experience combined with truly exceptional performance. This includes a firm sport suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera S, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp, culminating in a genuine sports car experience with outstanding driving dynamics. It is the lightest model of the current Boxster line, and the most powerful Boxster to date. Taking only 4.3 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph, the Boxster Spyder has a top track speed of 180 mph.
The distinctive design of the Boxster Spyder includes stylistic elements reminiscent of legendary sports and race cars from Porsche. Two prominent streamliners that extend down along the sweeping rear lid behind the headrests pay tribute to the 718 Spyder from the 1960s. The manually operated, lightweight top is suitable for everyday use with an electric clasp, while bringing to mind roadsters from the past. The fins that stretch back from the top to the rear lend the vehicle’s silhouette its characteristic design. The front and rear fascia’s also are unique to the Boxster Spyder, and an air outlet is located in front of the forward luggage compartment.
More so than in any other Boxster, the interior of the new Spyder creates an atmosphere that elicits a feeling of pure driving pleasure. The driver and passenger sit in standard Sport Seats Plus, while the new steering wheel with a diameter of 360 mm (compared to 370 mm in other Boxster models) helps ensure the mid-engine roadster can be driven precisely and with great agility.
In line with the model’s traditional roadster character, neither a radio nor an air conditioner is included as standard equipment in order to reduce weight. However, both can be ordered as optional equipment at no cost. Furthermore, the entire range of Boxster audio systems is available for customers to choose from as an option, including the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with navigation.
The new Boxster Spyder will be launched in the U.S. market in October and can now be ordered at dealerships. In the United States, the MSRP is $82,100, not including a $995 destination charge.
