(Thu 05 Nov 09)

Porsche will introduce the newest and lightest version of the Boxster at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

The Boxster Spyder weighs 1275kg, 80kg less than the Boxster S, and at 320bhp its maximum power output is 10bhp greater. With a lower centre of gravity and uprated suspension also in the mix, it should therefore be even more impressive to drive. When fitted with the optional PDK twin-clutch gearbox and launch control, it has a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 166mph, while combined fuel economy is 30.4mpg.

It's important to realise that this car is not - as previous Boxster Spyders were in 2004 and 2008 - simply a limited-edition version of the standard model. This Spyder is being treated as a separate model, and it looks quite distinct from the others thanks largely to the bulges on the engine cover, which are deliberately reminiscent of those on the Carrera GT.

The Boxster Spyder will go on sale in February 2010, priced from £44,643.

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