More details: Porsche Boxster Spyder

Fifth Gear  Friday 20 November 2009

Porsche has released new pictures of the Boxster Spyder ahead of its official launch at next month’s Los Angeles motor show.

Rather than a limited-edition ‘special’, the Spyder is expected to become the third version of the Boxster and a mainstream model: albeit the most driver-orientated and expensive edition.

The engine is the same 3.4-litre you’ll find in the Boxster S, but it’s running in the Cayman S state of tune with 315bhp and 273lb ft torque on offer. The Spyder is also 80kg lighter than a Boxster S – leaving a power-to-weight ratio of 247bhp-per-tonne, or more than a 911 Carrera.

The weight savings come from removing the automatic roof system, replacing it with a lighter manual canopy. The standard Boxster’s daytime running lights have also been removed and the cabin’s been stripped back to racing bucket seats and does without air conditioning.

There’s still plenty of technology available though, including the PDK double clutch gearbox. With this fitted the Boxster Spyder will power from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

Expect more details after the Boxster Spyder launches next week.