NEW YORK: Porsche has unveiled its new Boxster Spyder at New York Auto Show. Marking a significant step up from the regular Boxster range’s 3.4 litre engine options, this new variant churns out a mean 276kW – 7kW less than the Cayman GT4, but a handy 33kW more than the Boxster GTS.
The biggest leap however is in torque, with the new Spyder’s 440Nm comfortably shading the 370Nm of twist offered by the GTS model.
The upgrade, along with a 105kg lighter kerb weight, grants the Spyder a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds – again bettering the Boxster GTS and its 4.7 second run.
The Spyder also takes its big braking package from the 911 Carrera, but, unlikely the hugely overhauled Cayman GT4, that is the limit of its loans.
Where the Cayman GT4 helps itself to the 911 GT3’s steering, front axle and suspension, the Spyder ‘makes do’ with an enhanced version of its own suspension system. Ride height is also dropped by a further 20mm.
On the styling front, the Boxster Spyder takes its front and rear cues from the Cayman GT4, while also gaining a new roof and a pair of new bulges and fins in the rear lid, inspired by the 718 Spyder of the 60s.
New lightweight sports seats feature in the cabin, along with a new steering wheel that promises “precision and great agility”.
In Europe, the Spyder’s standard specification leaves out the more comfort-focused features, including sat-nav, cruise control, heated seats, dual-zone air-conditioning and phone connectivity. In Australia, all will be standard kit.
