Porsche has revealed the first images and details of its Boxster Spyder, the quickest version yet of its compact sports car. It will make its public debut later this week at the 2015 New York Auto Show.
The new Boxster Spyder retains the same hand-operated folding fabric roof seen on the previous-generation. The design of the body, however, is much more sporty and aggressive-looking than other versions of the Boxster. The exterior look of the Spyder is deliberately reminiscent of the Cayman GT4 coupe, which was revealed earlier this year.
Other major changes for the new Spyder version of the Porsche Boxster includes firmer sports suspension, resulting in a lower ride height by 20mm. The brakes are also taken from the 911 Carrera.
The engine in the new Boxster Spyder is sourced from the Porsche 911, and it is a 3.8-litre flat-six petrol unit. That’s larger and more powerful than the engine used in any previous Boxster model.
It produces 370bhp and allows for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds, plus a top speed of 180mph. The engine can only be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Unlike with most modern Porsche sports cars, the manufacturer’s PDK automatic transmission is not even included on the options list.
A lot of emphasis has been placed by Porsche on making the Boxster Spyder as lightweight as possible. The new seats, for instance, are the same lightweight carbon fibre bucket seats found in the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar.
There is also very little standard kit, with even features like air conditioning and the radio removed to save more weight. Customers, however, will be able to add some comforts to their car by using the options list.
Orders have already begun for the new Porsche Boxster Spyder, which starts from £60,459. First deliveries will commence this July.