Mid-year arrival for Boxster Sypder

The Boxster line-up draws on the heritage of the classic 1953 550 Spyder that was also a light weight, mid-engine roadster blessed with great handling. Back in 1953, the 550kg 550 Spyder was the first Porsche sports car developed for racing but designed for road homologation and it added many trophies to the company's collection with victories at the race track and in that era's extremely popular road races.

The 550 Spyder was followed by other extremely successful Porsche Spyders that included the 1960 718 RS 60. While in 2004 and 2008 Porsche produced a limited edition of special Boxsters with the Spyder moniker, the new Boxster Spyder is a regular, specially developed and upgraded production model with a raft of modifications now found on the existing Boxster and Boxster S.

At 1275kg, the new lightweight mid-engined soft top is the lightest sports car and fastest roadster in the legendary German brand's model portfolio. Tipping the scales at more than 50kg less than the entry level Boxster helps it achieve a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds when mated with the optional PDK dual clutch transmission and Sports Chrono package with its launch control function. The Boxster Spyder's direct injection 3.4-litre flat "six" engine delivers a peak power figure of 235kW - seven kilowatts more than the Boxster S. With the PDK dual clutch transmission, Porsche claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.3-litres/ 100kms and even with the roof open it boasts a top speed of 267km/h.

Designed primarily as an open top car, the Spyder has a low slung body, lower centre of gravity and an all new sports suspension. The extra low side windows and two striking bulges on the single piece bonnet combine to form a silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

Ian Crawford