November 2009
Porsche introduced the Boxster Spyder
UK introduction in February 2010. It's designed to be evocative of the 550 Spyder and roadgoing 356 Spyder with a lower screen and rudimentary hood. Weighing just 1275kg, the Boxster Spyder is the lightest model in the Porsche line-up.
The new model becomes the third version in the Boxster range, joining the Boxster and Boxster S, yet stands out clearly at first sight from the other versions of the mid-engined roadster because the Spyder has been developed first and foremost for driving in the open air. The low-slung, lightweight soft top extends far to the rear and serves to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and rain. When closed, the soft top, together with the bespoke extra-low side windows and the two unique, striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, boasts a stretched and sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.
Significantly, the new model weighs 80kg less than the Boxster S which, combined with a lower centre of gravity and revised suspension, gives the Boxster Spyder the calibre of driving dynamics that clearly reflect the unique look of the car. The Boxster Spyder features a tuned version of the proven 3.4-litre flat six ‘boxer’ engine with Direct Fuel Injection, which is located ahead of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320bhp, 10bhp more than in the Boxster S.
Equipped with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) twin-clutch transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 62mph in 4.8 seconds. Again with optional PDK, fuel consumption is a mere 30.4mpg and the top speed is 166 mph – with the roof removed.
Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to explore the dynamic attributes of their Boxster Spyder, and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.
Classic Porsche logos run along the bottom of each door as a motif inspired by earlier Porsche Spyder race cars. The design of the manual roof is intended not only to perfect the silhouette but also to meet the basic needs of the passengers in bad weather. For this reason, the top speed with the hood raised is limited to 124mph.
Two convex curves running lengthwise in the completely new aluminium rear lid, the fixed rear spoiler and a modified front spoiler lip help to optimise the car’s aerodynamics. As you would expect, the aerodynamic qualities of the Boxster Spyder have been honed for superior driving dynamics. The aerodynamic Cd rating of 0.30 is identical to the Boxster S, while the drag (Cd x A) is in fact lower due to the smaller frontal area. The excellent aerodynamics makes a significant contribution to the agility of the car at speed, and also to low fuel consumption.
The purist qualities of the Spyder are delivered by a comprehensive programme of lightweight features including the manual fabric roof with a carbon fibre front frame which reduces the Spyder’s weight by 21kg. Elsewhere there are aluminium doors similar to those on the 911 Turbo which saves 15kg and an aluminium rear engine cover.
Since the Spyder was designed for sporty open-top driving, the air conditioning has been removed and saves 12kg plus using lightweight carbon fibre sports bucket seats saves 12kg. The fuel tank has a capacity of 54 litres, 10 litres fewer than standard Boxster, saving 7kg while there is no radio and a smaller battery, saving approximately 3kg. Finally, dispensing with cup holders and using lightweight interior door trims with door opening loops saves 2kg.
The interior of the Boxster Spyder has been adopted from the Boxster S, but re-worked with particular emphasis on purism, ergonomics and authenticity. Finished mainly in black, the cockpit is complemented by features in exterior colour and highlights in red. Of particular note is the omission of the instrument cowl above the dials, which lowers weight and also sends out a clear puristic signal
The specially adapted chassis of the Boxster Spyder gives the car its more dynamic character. Lowering the entire body by 20mm contributes further to the car’s lower centre of gravity and the combined use of modified anti-roll bars and even stiffer spring/damper units significantly increases the performance potential. This is supported by a front track width increased by 4mm and an 8mm wider rear track. A mechanically locking differential is fitted as standard, and delivers significantly improved traction on changing road surfaces and when cornering at the extreme limits of performance.
Although delivering a firmer and sporty chassis set-up, the Boxster Spyder retains a remarkably compliant ride; not least as a result of the tyre pressures being able to be set slightly lower due to the weight reduction measures.
Porsche Boxster Spyder key options:
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) |
£5,349.00 |
Sports seats with black leather interior |
£2,049.00 |
Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation |
£1,945.00 |
Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox |
£1,962.00 |
Bi-Xenon headlights |
£1,173.00 |
Steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift for PDK |
£277.00 |
Sports exhaust system |
£1,276.00 |
PDK Sport Chrono Package Plus with launch control |
£531.00 |
Sport Chrono Package Plus for manual transmission |
£531.00 |
Fully automatic climate control |
£998.00 |
Metallic paint |
£602.00 |
Sports short throw gear shift |
£380.00 |
Heated seats |
£289.00 |
Radio |
no charge |
Technical data – Boxster Spyder vs Boxster S:
|
Boxster Spyder |
Boxster S |
Engine: |
3,436cc direct fuel injection flat six |
3,436cc direct fuel injection flat six |
Power: |
320 hp/7,200 rpm |
310 hp/6,400rpm |
Torque: |
370 Nm/4,750rpm |
360 Nm/4,400rpm |
0-62mph: |
5.1 secs (manual) |
5.3 secs (manual) |
|
4.8 secs (PDK Sport Chrono Plus) |
5.0 secs (PDK Sport Chrono Plus) |
0-99mph: |
10.8 secs (manual) |
11.6 secs (manual) |
|
10.3 secs (PDK Sport Chrono Plus) |
11.1 secs (PDK Sport Chrono Plus) |
Top speed: |
166mph (hood open) |
170mph |
|
124mph (hood closed) |
170mph |
Combined mpg: |
29.1 (manual) |
29.7 (manual) |
|
30.4 (PDK) |
30.1 (PDK) |
CO 2 : |
228 g/km (manual); 218 g/km (PDK) |
223 g/km (manual); 221 g/km (PDK) |
Kerbweight: |
1,275kg (PDK + 25kg) |
1,355kg (PDK + 25kg) |
Price: |
£46,387.00 |
£42,508.00 |