Autoblog

LA 2009: Porsche debuts lightweight 2011 Boxster Spyder

Michael Harley — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche rolled out the 2010 Boxster Spyder, the third model in the Boxster lineup, for its world debut at the LA Auto Show, with an entirely new look and - we are led to believe - a driving personality nearly on par with the 911 GT3 RS.

Hidden deep and low in the belly of the Spyder is a tuned version of Porsche's 3.4-liter flat-six, rated at 320 hp (ten more than the Boxster S). While the added horses are welcome, it's the 176 pounds of mass lost that really raises our interest. To achieve these savings, Porsche has fitted the Spyder with a lightweight carbon fiber-ribbed soft top, unique rear decklid, low side windows, aluminum door skins and interior door panels with straps swapped from the 911 GT3 RS. Air conditioning, cupholders and an audio system have been left back on the factory floor (don't worry, Porsche will let you add them back for a price). With a curb weight of just 2,811 pounds, it is the lightest model in Porsche's lineup. With a power-to-weight ratio rivaling the Carrera S, the Boxster Spyder with a dual-clutch PDK transmission will now rip to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

However, that's only part of the enthusiast-oriented story. Porsche replaced the dampers with an all-new sport suspension, riding 20 mm lower than the other models, to drop the center of gravity and improve handling over the standard Porsche Boxster and Boxster S. Fitted with a standard limited-slip differential and lightweight wheels, the package looks just fine to us. As expected, the pure driving enjoyment of the Porsche Boxster Spyder won't come cheap - base pricing starts at $61,200 when it arrives in February 2010.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading LA 2009: Porsche debuts lightweight 2011 Boxster Spyder

LA 2009: Porsche debuts lightweight 2011 Boxster Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche cancels Boxster/Cayman production contract, Magna wants cash

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

2009 Porsche Boxster S - Click above for high res image gallery

Shortly after the Boxster debuted in 1996, Porsche contracted with Valmet Automotive of Finland as a second production source for the sports car, and a few years later, employed the facili along with the Cayman coupe. In 2008 Porsche decided that it would shift that production contract from Valmet to Magna International and its assembly plant in Graz Austria. Today, with Porsche being subsumed into the Volkswagen Group, the sports car maker has decided to cancel the Magna deal. With Volkswagen now buying up the remains of Karmann, the Boxster and Cayman are now expected be built at the coachbuilder's factory in Osnabrueck, Germany.

Magna claims it has already invested a significant amount of money on development to prepare for production. As a result Magna is seeking €400 million in compensation from Porsche. There's no word from Stuttgart on its plans to repay Magna, but with VW's legal arm exercised and ready to go, the battle is sure to be drawn out over the coming months and years.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

[Source: Reuters]

Porsche cancels Boxster/Cayman production contract, Magna wants cash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: Porsche Boxster Spyder

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche drivers don't like waiting. That's why they buy a Porsche, after all. So while a few weeks might not seem like a long time for most people, to a Porsche driver used to rocketing to 60 miles per hour in four-point-right-now seconds, the span of weeks must seem like an eternity.

Although we're still weeks away from the LA Auto Show, where Porsche is set to unveil the new Boxster Spyder, Zuffenhausen has kept its enthusiasts placated with a fresh batch of photos showing its newest, lightest vehicle in all its glory. We'll be on hand for the unveiling next month, but before then check out the updated high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

[Source: Porsche]

Pics Aplenty: Porsche Boxster Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

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]

Continue reading LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]

LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche to pull Boxster production from Magna over Opel stake?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

2009 Porsche Boxster S - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a great deal of international haggling, Magna ended up winning the competition for Opel. One of the many questions to be answered now is: How will the deal affect Magna's engineering and assembly business? Even as companies like VW and BMW have said they would be looking closely at working with Magna if it owned Opel, Magna head Frank Stronach must have been convinced he could keep his clients happy.

That hasn't happened yet, and now Porsche is saying it might take future production away from Magna. The Stuttgart firm contracted Magna to build the next Boxster and Cayman in 2013 in Austria, but now it's worried that its costs and engineering might end up in the wrong hands if left with Magna.

Porsche's alternatives would be to keep Boxster production in-house at Zuffenhausen, where the cars are currently made, or to contract with Karmann, which just earned a chunk of VW's electric car business. The alternatives for Magna, though, aren't so clear - with BMW and VW also casting wary eyes, does it continue with the carmaker adventure at the risk of losing the business that got it to the top in the first place?

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

[Source: Autoweek]

Porsche to pull Boxster production from Magna over Opel stake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

TechArt offers visual upgrades for Porsche Boxster and Cayman

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

TechArt Porsche Boxster and Cayman - Click above for high-res image gallery

For each of its model lines, Porsche offers a wide variety of model variants and plenty of options straight from the factory. But that's only the starting point, with a whole slew of aftermarket tuners offering a range of customization options for owners of Stuttgart's finest. TechArt has long remained at the forefront, and has now launched a new set of modification kits for the latest Boxster and Cayman.

Although TechArt hasn't touched the engine this time around, the aftermarket kits offer a host of visual, aerodynamic and chassis modifications for the entry-level models. The Aerokit I includes a new front spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler and diffuser, with round exhaust tips available in different finishes. The Aerokit II, meanwhile, upgrades with an Audi-style daytime running lamp (DRL) kit, while the TechArt's Vario suspension drops the ride height by 30 mm, mounted to 19- and 20-inch wheels. There are also a whole mess of extra bits to spruce up the interior, all of which you can read about in detail in the press release after the jump and view in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: TechArt Porsche Cayman and Boxster

[Source: TechArt]

Continue reading TechArt offers visual upgrades for Porsche Boxster and Cayman

TechArt offers visual upgrades for Porsche Boxster and Cayman originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW's Winterkorn reportedly proposes a trio of new Porsches

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn appears to be laying out a future for Porsche that could make the company happier, but might not please its core customers... again. Of course, the impetus is to increase volume. Porsche sold nearly 100,000 vehicles in its last fiscal year -- but won't get anywhere close to that this fiscal year -- but Winterkorn wants the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer to put out 150,000 units annually by 2013.

More volume means selling more of what they've got, or making something new to sell. The new proposed direction is the latter: three new models, two of which would be lower-cost numbers-makers. There were no details given beyond market placement, but the first car would slot in below the Boxster. If you have images of a 914 sputtering through your head, banish the thought -- Winterkorn promises that VW will not make Porsches.

The second car has been referred to as a "baby brother" for the Cayenne, or a Porsche version of VW's Tiguan. That could be the mini-ute that Porsche and Audi have spent the past few years denying its existence. At the top is another version of the Panamera, maybe one with the same stellar interior and driving abilities but with a stellar back end to match. No matter what they end up looking like, the real point is that you'll be seeing a lot more Porsches on the roads soon.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: AutoBild (translated) via German Car Blog]

VW's Winterkorn reportedly proposes a trio of new Porsches originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, Porsche

2010 Porsche Boxster - Click above for high-res image gallery

With sales slumping and money suddenly pretty tight, Porsche would no-doubt love to move more metal. Sure, the Stuttgart, Germany sports car maker has assured us that it will make money this year and next, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little insurance. According to Auto Motor & Sport, more sales could come from a cheaper yet more powerful Boxster. The site is reporting that Porsche is looking into the Audi TTS engine. At 272 hp and 258 lb-ft, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine would eclipse Porsche's standard issue boxer engine by a useful 17 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque.

If the story from Auto Motor & Sport is to believed, the Audi-fied Boxster would be cheaper, too. The site is quoting a price that drops from €46,500 ($64,000 in US funds) down to €40,000 ($55,000). The only problem for Porsche purists is that the TTS engine isn't exactly a boxer engine. But the faithful got over the Cayenne (maybe), so we're sure an affordable Boxster that is lighter (we're guessing), more powerful, and cheaper will put their minds at ease.

Interestingly, the article also mentions anew a lower-priced roadster that would sit at the bottom of the Porsche food chain. The sub-Boxster Porsche would have to start somewhere around $40,000, and while it would almost surely boost Porsche sales, it could also cut into the brand's prestige if it isn't properly executed.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via Motor Authority]

Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Porsche working on Boxster Speedster?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

The Speedster variants Porsche made out of its 911 range in the '80s and '90s went down as one of the most iconic in the company's history. But with the Boxster already in the line-up, making a 911 Speedster today would make about as much sense as, um.... mounting a flat six behind the rear axle. So what are they preparing instead? Well, if these spy shots are any indication, some sort of Boxster-based Speedster.

The mule captured in these photos is wearing an extensive amount of camouflage around the rear deck and roof, but sources suggest that underneath the disguise, this particular Boxster is wearing a more shapely rear hood, with Speedster-style moldings running from a pair of roll hoops aft of the seats down to the rear bumper. A chopped-down windscreen is also part of the package, while power is tipped to come from the 299hp version of the 3.4-liter six found in the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2. Hopefully, the chop-top Boxster could be getting ready for a debut at the automaker's home-market Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Porsche working on Boxster Speedster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster already running the Nürburgring?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

Think Porsche designers are too busy drawing up cell phones and special-edition sport-utes to care about the roadster that put the brand back on the map and on the path to acquiring the Volkswagen auto empire? Think again. The Stuttgart-based automaker just took the veil off its new 2009 Boxster back in November, and already they're working on the next generation model. Or at least the engineers are, from the looks of things, because as these spy shots indicate, the third-generation Boxster will likely look very similar to the first and second-generation versions.

Subtle styling tweaks aside, the next Boxster is tipped to incorporate the latest features from the upcoming 998-generation 911 and the new Panamera. Just not in the powertrain department, where the current direct-injection crop of engines - including the 2.9-liter, 250-horsepower flat-six and the 3.4-liter 310-hp version, mated to the same manual and PDK dual-clutch transmissions - are expected to carry over with mild revision. A four-cylinder version has been rumored, but not confirmed. Follow the link to the source to see more of the 2012 Porsche Boxster test mule spy shots.

[Source: CarScoop]

Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster already running the Nürburgring? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK

Michael Harley — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, First Drive

2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Italian countryside passes by in a blur. At an indicated 265 km/h (164 mph), we have hit the invisible wall. The accelerator pedal has been jammed into the carpet for the last ten seconds, yet the sleek Porsche cannot push the molecules of air away any faster. Thanks to a stiff headwind, simple aerodynamic drag has overcome the 310 horsepower engine and arrested our acceleration a bit shy of Porsche's quoted maximum speed. Regardless of the blustery gusts, the direct-injected flat-six buried in the middle of the chassis continues to wail as it sustains the fight. An approaching curve on the horizon convinces us to reluctantly lift off the gas.

We're in Sicily testing the new second-generation 2009 Porsche Boxster S. Significantly updated for the new model year, the drop-top coupe continues to impress us. How has Porsche improved its 12-year-old platform? Are the new powerplants significantly different from their predecessors? How does the Boxster compare to the Cayman? Follow the jump to find out and take a tour of Italy with the Porsche Boxster in our high-res gallery of images below.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK

First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche Boxster caught testing

John Neff — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

Click above for high-res image gallery of next-gen Porsche Boxster spy shots

Porsche just unveiled improved versions of its Boxster and Cayman at the 2008 LA Auto Show last November, but they're already hard at work on the next all-new Boxster that's still a few years out. Destined for a debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the next Boxster will reportedly feature all-new sheetmetal with sources saying not a single body panel will remain untouched. The spy shots in our gallery below show an early development mule already wearing cladding to hide some of the new design elements. Porsche is also delving beneath the skin to improve the car's mechanicals, and weight saving measures are reportedly at the top of list. If Porsche can decrease the Boxster's curb weight enough, it will likely use a smaller turbocharged four-cylinder (probably with direct injection) to power the car. Though still likely to offer more than 200 hp, a smaller powerplant would enable Porsche to meet more stringent emissions and fuel economy regulations while maintaining the mid-engine sports car's performance and world renowned handling.

Gallery: Next-gen Porsche Boxster - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche Boxster caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

'09 Boxster/Cayman pricing announced

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche Cayman

The all-new 2009 Porsche Cayman and Boxster are coming Stateside in March, with new technology, more power, and a price hike over the outgoing model. The 2009 Boxster will start at $46,600, and the right to own the more powerful Boxster S will run you $10,100 more at $56,700. The Cayman will start at $50,300, and adding an S will bring you up to $60,200. Porsche's 2009 pricing represents a 1.8% increase when compared to the outgoing 2008 models, but you get quite a bit more Porsche for the New Year.

Thanks to Porsche's new Direct Fuel Injection tech, both the Boxster and Cayman models will receive a significant power boost. The base 2.9-liter flat-six will increase power for the Boxster and Cayman to 255 and 265 ponies. The S-level 3.4-liter engine will now crank out 310 hp in the convertible and 320 hp for its fixed roof sibling. Also available is Porsche's new seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission, which offers manual paddle shifting without the labor of a clutch. The new powertrains will give Porsche owners some extra punch, while also improving fuel economy -- combined estimates come in at over 25 mpg.

Porsche is also cranking up the price of the iconic 911 and the Cayenne will also see a bump in price for 2009. Beginning in February, both models will receive a 1% price hike, with the average sticker jumping by about $900.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman

'09 Boxster/Cayman pricing announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman

Michael Harley — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Click on the image above for our high-res gallery

Even as the industry swirls in turmoil, Porsche continues to offer hope to enthusiasts as they relentlessly increase performance without sacrificing efficiency. For 2009, Porsche has given the Boxster and Cayman a mild facelift, along with updating the interior and accessories. More importantly, and following in the footsteps of the 911 Carrera PDK, all 2009 Cayman and Boxster models are also offered with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission (aka PDK). Mated to the new transmission are two significantly reworked engines featuring direct injection. The result is more power, and improved fuel economy (we shouldn't fail to mention that the PDK accelerates faster than the six-speed manual). Porsche is offering two engines in 2009. The standard engine is a 2.9-liter flat-six rated at 255 hp. The "S" models are fitted with a more powerful 3.4-liter sending 310 hp to the gearbox. Like the Carrera, go-fast options on the sporty mid-engine two-seaters include active suspension (PASM) and ceramic brakes (PCCB). Look for both to arrive in showrooms in early 2009.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Porsche Boxster S

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Porsche Cayman S

Continue reading LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman

LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Porsche

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Porsche Cayman

Porsche is going to unveil its newly freshened Boxster and Cayman models at the LA Auto Show today. As you can see in the galleries below, their noses and tails have been redone with a touch of Carrera GT, but each car now has a unique look. More importantly, the engines and transmissions have been updated as well, with the 2.9L and 3.4L powerplants getting Porsche's direct fuel injection for a 10-25 hp bump depending on the model. Along with the extra oomph, owners will get better mileage with fuel economy rising 11-16 percent. Part of that boosted mileage comes from the direct-injected engines, but the newly available Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK, double-clutch gearbox also deserves praise.

The base Boxster and Cayman will now have 255 hp and 265 hp respectively, and the S versions will be rated at 310 for the Boxster S and 320 for the Cayman S. A Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control will also get to to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. At the other end of the lineup, the Boxster with a six-speed manual will do it in 5.9 seconds. Gas mileage should run 25.5-26.4 mpg. The new models will hit the market in February 2009, with European prices ranging from Euro 38,600 for a base Boxster to 61,493 for a Cayman S. The full press release is after the jump, and we have official high-res images set up in the galleries below. Plus we'll have our own live, firsthand impressions in a few hours.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK

LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next-gen Boxster to get a four cylinder?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Green, Porsche, Rumormill

Porsche doesn't currently offer anything with fewer than six cylinders, but much of the German automaker's illustrious history was made with boxer-style four-cylinder engines, starting with the iconic 356. Following stories in September of a new entry-level Porsche model to slot just below the Boxster are new rumors indicating that the next-gen Boxster itself will be endowed with a new four-banger.

A big reason that the sportscar maker is said to be considering losing two precious cylinders are emissions standards and the growing pressure to reduce fuel consumption. To wit, Porsche's 2.7L flat-six in the current Boxster and Cayman is the most efficient powerplant the automaker offers and still emits 222g/km of carbon into the atmosphere, a figure that's way too high for upcoming European standards. So it's clear Porsche must do something to improve its poor emissions and fuel consumption figures. The hard part will be doing so without angering its hardcore customer base in the process.

Gallery: 2007 Porsche Boxster

[Source: Autocar]

Next-gen Boxster to get a four cylinder? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, First Drive, Specialty

Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Porsche Boxster RS 60

Our colleague Chris Tutor recently took the Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder for a few quick turns around Barber Motorsports. A tad more powerful than the Boxster S, and filled with red leather, he discovered it was plenty of car on the closed circuit. We recently had a chance to get the special edition RS 60 off the track and onto the back roads of Rhode Island and Connecticut, and got to see what the car could do on twisting country lanes - and unexpectedly, in the rain. The likewise unexpected result: damn near perfection. Follow the jump to find out how,and check out the gallery of hi-res and sometimes very damp images below.

Gallery: Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS 60

Gallery: First Drive: Porsche Boxster RS 60

Continue reading Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder

Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche releases new special edition Boxster and Cayman S

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Specialty

Click above for high-res gallery of the new special ed Boxster

With both the Boxster RS 60 Spyder and Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 already sold out, Porsche is moving on to its next pair of special edition mid-engine sportscars. Both of the new exclusive models feature a boost of a modest eight horsepower, but what differentiates them from their standard stablemates is more in the trim.

The Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 is now decked out in Carrara White, from the exterior body color and the 19" SportDesign wheels to the center console and instrument faces. Grey racing stripes and a grey roof with black leather, meanwhile, complement the white theme.

The Cayman S Sport takes more of a "GT3 Junior" approach. The car comes standard in either orange or bright green, with the scripted name popping out of the retro black stripe on the lower flank, which is complemented by black wheels, black sideview mirrors and a blacked-out interior. (Black, red, yellow, white and silver are also available for the exterior color.) The Cayman S Sport also comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), a sports exhaust system, Alcantara grip trim, bi-xenon headlamps, the Sports Chrono Package and sports seats, and the ride height is dropped by fifteen millimeters.

Only 500 examples of the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 will be offered, along with 700 units of the Cayman S Sport. Check out the images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump for all the angles.

Gallery: Porsche Cayman S Sport

Gallery: Porsche Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche releases new special edition Boxster and Cayman S

Porsche releases new special edition Boxster and Cayman S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation? 2010 Porsche Cayman leaked

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Technology, Porsche, Rendered Speculation

Click above for more renderings of the 2010 Porsche Cayman S

We're already smitten by the current-generation Porsche Cayman and its older brother, the Boxster, and it now appears as if the iconic German automaker is poised to improve the breed even further. What first began with forum rumblings now appears to be official information from the factory. The revised Boxster S and Cayman S models will get direct injection and the new seven speed PDK transmission along with a limited slip differential. That DI is responsible for an increase of 25 ponies to 320 hp along with 273 lb.-ft. of torque in the Cayman. Lesser models don't get the DI, but will get a displacement bump from 2.7- to 2.9-liters and a corresponding jump to 265 horsepower. The Boxster and Boxster S each offer ten fewer ponies than the Cayman.

Along with the new PDK transmission, which produces faster shifts than the conventional six-speed manual 'box, the Sport Chrono package will be available along with Launch Control. As is often the case with Porsche, a comparison is required to notice the revised front and rear fascias, but after some examination, we like what we see. Take a look at the galleries below of both the revised Cayman S and Boxster S models to judge for yourself.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman Renderings

Gallery: 2010 Boxster Renderings

[Source: Cayman Club via Jalopnik]

Rendered Speculation? 2010 Porsche Cayman leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche to move Cayman & Boxster production from Finland to Austria

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

Click for a hi-res gallery of Porsche production in Finland

Porsche has announced that production of its Boxster and Cayman models is to shift to component supplier Magna Steyr's facility in Austria beginning in 2012. Last year the contract with Finland's Valmet to assemble the two associated mid-engined models was extended through 2012, after which the terms will expire and Magna will take over.

Porsche CFO and deputy chairman Holger P. Harter stressed that the decision was not a vote against Valmet - which has to date built over 200,000 vehicles for Porsche - but rather the result of several elements that Magna brought to the table: firstly, Magna's production is scalable so that it will only manufacture what Porsche's own factory in Zuffenhausen (where the rear-engined 911 series is made) cannot handle. Secondly, Magna is able to assume some development responsibilities along with the final assembly. Thirdly, Magna's proposal was more financially attractive (read: cheaper) than Valmet's. And finally, Magna already supplies various components to Porsche - including convertible roofs and body panels - creating the opportunity for future synergies between Porsche and various Magna subsidiaries.

Click on the thumbnails below to view the Porsche Boxster and Cayman production facility at Valmet in Finland.

Gallery: Porsche production at Valmet

[Source: Porsche]

Porsche to move Cayman & Boxster production from Finland to Austria originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments