05/11/09 2010 "Spyder" Officially Launched

[daro911]

http://www.porsche.com/uk/

http://www.porsche.com/microsite/boxster-spyder/flash/default.aspx?language=en&market=PCGB&pool=uk&browser=other&instance=712&variant=§ion=&showintro=true&bandwidth=dsl&width=1152&height=864&specialguest=0&startWithLogin=false


"In 2004 and 2008 Porsche dedicated a limited edition of special Boxsters bearing the additional name Spyder to these legendary racing cars. By contrast, the new Boxster Spyder is a regular, specially developed and upgraded production model with far-reaching modifications versus the Boxster and Boxster S."

The new Boxster Spyder is due next year, inspired by the legendary James Dean 550 Spyder.

05th November 2009

The most treasured model in Porsche's history, the Spyder, is about to take to the road again! The German company has announced the release of a new lightweight, driver-focused version of the mid-engined Boxster, known as the Boxster Spyder.

Inspired by the 1954 550 Spyder, which stood only three-feet high and weighed a slender 550kg, the Boxster Spyder sports a new, low-slung silhouette with a lightweight, low-lying soft-top and windows.

Completing the look is a pair of humps which extend across the boot-lid to the rear spoiler and transform the normally awkward looking Boxster into something that more closely resembles the Carrera GT supercar.

Due to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December, the new car weighs in at just 1,275kg, which is 80kg less than the Boxster S and enough to make it the lightest Porsche on sale today.

Under the bonnet, the Spyder uses Porsche's tried and tested 3.4-litre 'boxer' engine, newly tweaked to put out 320bhp. The uprated engine can be paired with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the PDK twin-clutch system, which has now done away with its counter-intuitive steering wheel mounted controls in favour of a pair of paddle-shifters.

Porsche claims that a Spyder, fitted with the optional PDK gearbox and Sports Chrono Pack will sprint to 60mph in a blistering 4.8 seconds, that's almost a second quicker than a PDK equipped Boxster S. Top speed is more familiar, with the Spyder's top speed of 166mph only 3mph more than the S.

Renowned for its responsive handling and excellent brakes, the original Boxster package is hard to improve, but that hasn't stopped the Porsche engineers from trying. A lower centre of gravity coupled with a slightly revised suspension set-up allows the Spyder to be even more agile than its predecessor.

However, the new Porsche isn't just about torque and tyresmoke; consumption figures of 30.4mpg, again with the optional PDK gearbox, should help cut down time spent at the pumps and should also save around £200 a year in road tax over the standard Boxster S.

The new Spyder will go on sale in February 2010 as a final farewell to the Boxster, which originally went on sale in 1996. Priced at £44,643 the Spyder is almost identically priced to Audi'd TT RS Roadster and undercuts the SLK 55 AMG by £5,000.

Included in the price is a chance for customers to test the limits of their new Spyder, by taking to the track at Silverstone with a special Porsche-run driving experience.


Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/244552/porsche_boxster_spyder.html#ixzz0VyUkYqJG

 

[philooo]

video also
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/porsche/2010-porsche-boxster-spyder-ar81251.html
pretty cool, no?

 

[Gary C]

Nice, Looks almost like a 911 from the side now []

The inspired by the '550 spyder' is a bit tenuous though. Porsche raiding the heritage parts bin again.

 

[kitchens]

Not sure how that roof works .looks a bit odd looking ,,,as to the car yes i like it a lot .But for the cost to change over £20 k+ would buy a 356 Chesil or similar

 

[spyderman]

Paddles as standard for the PDK - interesting. Wonder if that will be the case across the range soon...?

Don't like the car, though - looks awful with the roof up - like someone's sat on it!

Interesting what the AutoExpress article is saying about performance and fuel consumption, though - are they comparing a PDK Sportster against a manual Boxster S, though - can't tell:

...consumption figures of 30.4mpg, again with the optional PDK gearbox, should help cut down time spent at the pumps and should also save around £200 a year in road tax over the standard Boxster S.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: spyderman

Paddles as standard for the PDK - interesting. Wonder if that will be the case across the range soon...?

Don't like the car, though - looks awful with the roof up - like someone's sat on it!

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/Porsche-Boxster-Spyder-2010-first-pictures/

First thunks I can't figure why Porsche didn't save some more precious!! weight and money by deleting the electric windows & door locks as it appears all the usual luxury options including standard chairs will be available for £££££££££££££££ extra []

Wonder why they are not publicising the "ring times" after spending so much time hammering around it [&o]

 

[jdpef356]

ORIGINAL: kitchens

.But for the cost to change over £20 k+ would buy a 356 Chesil or similar

[X(][X(]

 

[kitchens]

I am sure I offended the purists []

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: kitchens

But for the cost to change over £20 k+ would buy a 356 Chesil or similar  

I think I will keep my powder dry and wait for the next model circa 2011-12 [8D]

 

[berty987]

Nice pic , but I'd bet its an autocar rendered one rather than official press release. There is something desirable about the run out model special editions that sets them aside from the new or standard models. Who knows we may have to wait another 20 odd years for the next spyder to be released.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: berty987

Nice pic , but I'd bet its an autocar rendered one rather than official press release. There is something desirable about the run out model special editions that sets them aside from the new or standard models. Who knows we may have to wait another 20 odd years for the next spyder to be released.

There is usually something desirable about the first of a new model too [] and as I think production figures for this model may be quite low it could be a lonnnnnnnnnng time before the 988 version ever materialised [&o]

In the meantime I have decided to reserve final thoughts until it can be seen in the flesh, worried about that roof system, sat in and of course driven [8D]

Has anyone here put there money down yet?

 

[ScottishSpyder]

My heart almost had my money down on Saturday but my head decided I couldn't live with the roof setup. I think these might be pretty rare as my OPC is only getting 2 in 2010.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: lawrence quinn

My heart almost had my money down on Saturday but my head decided I couldn't live with the roof setup. I think these might be pretty rare as my OPC is only getting 2 in 2010.

Who is your OPC?

For me the roof would be an emergency situation only as to date I have done 12k miles and never used the roof in anger once [8D] Looking at the weather in this digi I think he should have put his up!

 

[Rob Edwards]

Hmm, fabulous looking machine and the video of it really helps, as seeing it in motion is much better.[]
Very tempting, but that roof just wouldn't be practical in terms of security or poor weather - I mean taking it to France for some fun would mean trying to find hotels with covered secure parking and I'd hate to be on the Autoroutes in the pouring rain with that hood - I think taking my old motorcycle over waterproofs might be required![&:]
However, it is stunningly different and for those seeking a purer driving experience whilst at the wheel of something unique and quite possibly a future collectors item it might just prove too much to resist.[8D]
For me, I'd need to see just how effective that hood is at offering protection from showers or the odd deluge.
It is, however, and very compelling argument for moving to somewhere much sunnier![]

 

[Andrew Killington]

ORIGINAL: daro911

ORIGINAL: berty987

Has anyone here put there money down yet?

Rob,
Yup we've done the dirty []
Jan build
Andrew

 

[daro911]

Andrew well done and what's your chosen spec?
Did you keep the air con off the list?? [8D]


Latest News

New pics: Porsche Boxster Spyder
Friday, November 20, 2009

Porsche has released new pictures of its faster, lighter and more hardcore version of the Boxster, the Spyder.

The Boxster Spyder will make its motor show debut at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show, before going on sale in the UK in February 2010. The location of its unveiling is a clever one; stripped-out "˜Speedster' versions of the Porsche 356, and of various 911s, have found an eager following on the west coast of America over the years.

See the hi-res pics of the Porsche Boxtser Spyder http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/porsche-boxster/new-pics-porsche-boxster-spyder/244637/pictures/new-pics-porsche-boxster-spyder.aspx

Based on the current Boxster S, the Spyder will become the third and ultimate version of the car; it's no limited-run special edition. It gets modest power and torque hikes over the Boxster S, running instead the same 3.4-litre engine and tune as the current Cayman S, which develops 315bhp at 7200rpm and 273lb ft at 4750rpm.

Contributing just as greatly to this car's improved performance will be the weight-saving regime Porsche has put it though. The Spyder is 80kg lighter than a regular Boxster S, and its 247bhp-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio compares impressively to that of a regular Boxster S (227bhp-per-tonne), a Cayman S (233bhp per tonne) - even an entry-level 911 Carrera (241bhp-per-tonne).

There are signs of that weight-saving programme all over this car. Up front, the regular Boxster's daytime running lights and fog lamps have been removed and blanked off. At the rear, the car's automatic roof system has been completely taken out, replaced with a lighter, manually-operated canopy-style roof and new "double-bubble" style rear deck.

Porsche's weight-saving programme leaves an equally noticeable legacy inside the Spyder's cabin. A pair of lighter and more supportive bucket seats take the place of the standard Boxster S' chairs, and belt-like door pulls replace the regular car's interior doorhandles. There is no air conditioning as standard and no CD/radio, although buyers will be able to option these systems. The car does feature electric door mirrors and electric windows.

Equipped with Porsche PDK double-clutch gearbox and Sport Chrono Plus package (which includes the all-important launch control), the Boxster Spyder will crack 62mph from launch in just 4.8sec "" two tenths of a second quicker than a standard S. It's slightly more fuel efficient than a Boxster S too, although because its roof must be removed for top speed runs, it has a higher co-efficient of drag and a slightly more modest top speed of 166mph.

The Boxster Spyder's chassis will have a more focused, sporting specification and set-up than a Boxster S', although exact details on that remain to be confirmed. Expect a lower ride height, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, and fixed rate dampers weighing less per corner than Porsche's sophisticated PASM dampers.

Exterior design flourishes unique to the Boxster Spyder include restyled air intakes in its front valance and on its flanks, a new high-level brake light at the rear and an extended rear spoiler. On the inside, a body-coloured transmission tunnel and fascia accent set the car apart.

 

[Andrew Killington]

white, black wheels, sports exhaust, alcantara bits, sports chrono, manual
no sat nav or air con
regards
Andrew

 

[Nick_USA]

I think the decal down the side of the car has to go.

 

[Andrew Killington]

ORIGINAL: Nick_USA

I think the decal down the side of the car has to go.

I would have loved to have seen a few more "fruitier " colours such as your tango and a kermit green for example

 

[Nick_USA]

Agree some of the 'old' RS colours would be stunning.

I see you have picked 'white', and I see by your photo you would know how hard it is to keep clean.

I also wish Porsche did their wheels in all black and not with the silver rim and grey inner.

I just use my original rims as a winter set. I now have all black Dymags.