LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]
Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery
We're less than a month away from the LA Auto Show, which means that automakers are starting to dribble out some of what we'll be seeing there. The gang from Zuffenhausen will be rolling out a new lightweight edition of the Boxster dubbed "Spyder" especially for those who live where the sun shines and the roads twist. Like the classic 550 Spyders of the Fifties, the top mechanism in this new Boxster is merely a formality – rather than providing fully enclosed driving is more of a sun-shade than anything else.
Overall, Porsche's engineers have pared off about 176 pounds from the Spyder, bringing it down to 2,811 pounds. Propulsion comes via a direct-injected 3.4-liter boxer six with a 10 horsepower boost over the Boxster S for a total of 320. With the automaker's seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox, the Spyder gets to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and manages a combined 25.3 mpg (US) on the EU drive cycle.
In Porsche's time-honored "less is more" (money) world, the Boxster Spyder goes on sale in February 2010 with a base price $61,200. We're quite sure your local Porsche dealer will happily offer to put back some additional weight in your car in the form of options, but, hey – at least your wallet's heft will be pared back significantly to help offset the difference. For the rest of you dreamers, be sure to check out our high-res gallery below along with the some videos and the press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder
[Source: Porsche]
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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kyle 9:01AM (11/05/2009)
R.I.P. James Dean.
Damn is this thing nice, 10 extra horses, less wieght and I love the back.
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JDM Life 9:06AM (11/05/2009)
I love the rolling shot. Looks good.
This thing must be a blast to drive fast IMO its not how much power you have but how well you use what you have. This car and cars like it are a perfect example of that.
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Carlo_Carrera 9:07AM (11/05/2009)
I never thought the Boxster looked very good but the changes they made here really help, I actually like the way this version looks.
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Kyle 9:07AM (11/05/2009)
That soft top does not look like an auto unit, it looks like a lambo self deployed pain in the a$$
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FThorn 9:53AM (11/05/2009)
girlie arms need not apply
Kyle 10:12AM (11/05/2009)
It has nothing to do with arm strength. You obviously have never seen a lambo or Ferrari spyder roof put on.
fermat1313 10:23AM (11/05/2009)
Two points here: 1. Drive with the top down. Convertibles are meant to be driven with the top down. Most of them look ugly with the tops up.
2. The whole point of this update is reduced weight. Those fancy hydraulically-driven auto tops look cool in operation, but add a lot of weight and complexity. My MR2 Sypder (a very low-weight car) has a manual top, and I think it's fine. I can reach back and release the top and have it clipped in in a matter of seconds, without getting out of my seat. Not a problem at all. After all, how often do I actually put the top up anyway?
Kyle 12:08PM (11/05/2009)
No this unit looks like it's not even attached at the back it looks like it needs to be pulled out from under the hood. I know the auto units save weight, i'm saying if your out driving and it starts raining, you just reach back an clip it to the front. If this is an assembly roof you need to pull over, get out, assemble the thing then attach it to the back and front. I'm not saying I'd drive around with the top up all day. When you need it is it gonna be a quick setup?
Kyle 12:10PM (11/05/2009)
*getting rid of an auto unit saves weight*
AMcA 6:58PM (11/06/2009)
S'pose the "top" has been speed tested?
Aeromax 9:15AM (11/05/2009)
Hmm pretty nice.. and I usually don't pay any attention to the boxster. 25mpg combined seems pretty decent for a 6 cyl performance car, I wonder what it gets highway?
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Visnick 9:47AM (11/05/2009)
I never thought I would say it but that is a cool Boxster!
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FThorn 9:52AM (11/05/2009)
I encourage everyone to test drive a Boxster. They are great handling, driving cars. You can pick up used ones for fairly cheap. Yes, yes....maintenance and repairs can be killer. But they are so much fun to drive.
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bee1000 9:58AM (11/05/2009)
It would weigh even less without those cheesy stickers on the sides.
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Kyle 10:08AM (11/05/2009)
I'm certainly sure you can get it without the stickers. I kinda like the porsche logo on the side, it has the 50's era styling, but yea a little to egotistical
sbstrd 10:16AM (11/05/2009)
Ok, I know it's not a "cool" car because:
1. You'd have to explain why you didn't buy the 911 and
2. You'd have to explain what makes it better than a regular Boxster
But still, Damn! That looks great. No lame ass pop-up excuse for a spoiler like the regular Boxster (Bonus: the spoiler is always up! No red flag to the cops that you're speeding). All that and the styling from the Carrera GT makes it one sweet ride.
I'll take a yellow one, please.
z
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LloydChiro 11:57PM (11/05/2009)
Why do you have to explain to people why you bought a Boxster instead of a 911? Does a 911 driver have to explain to people why they didn't get a GT3? The Boxster is 95% of the 911 for 50% of the cost. Besides, who cares what people think? Go for the mid-engine roadster!
hoyaCS08 10:16AM (11/05/2009)
2,800 lbs for a 300hp+ convertible these days is outstanding. The regular boxster is a mid-engined dream to drive, I'm sure this thing even more amazing.
In comparison, the BMW Z4 3.0 turbo is a porky 700lbs heavier, and the Audi TT-RS roadster is still up 500lbs, granted they each have real convertible tops.
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JDM Life 10:17AM (11/05/2009)
The roof was sooo a after thought.....
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BoxerFanatic 12:00PM (11/05/2009)
How is the roof an afterthought, when the whole point was to remove the folding roof, and put on a "bikini-top" instead, that saves weight. It isn't an afterthought if it is pretty much the whole point.
Would you rather they left the cover off completely, and offered no rain protection whatsoever?
This is an additional model, not a replacement. The standard boxster and boxster S still have the full convertible roof. This car is for climates where it rarely rains, and doesn't really snow... or else to be left in the garage when it does. This is supposed to be a weekend warrior, not a daily driver, unless the weather is always good. It is more for track days than work days.