2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder at 2009 L.A. Auto Show

• Competes with: BMW Z4 and Audi TTS
• Looks like: A Boxster just for boys
• Drivetrain: 320-hp, six-cylinder with seven-speed double-clutch PDK transmission
• Hits dealerships: February 2010

Cars.com editor Joe Wiesenfelder recently tested the 2009 Porsche Boxster S and raved about how it’s still a good performance convertible. Porsche doesn’t seem to think it’s the ultimate, though and has come up with a lighter, slightly more powerful and infinitely cooler-looking version called the Boxster Spyder for the L.A. Auto Show.

It adds 10 horsepower to what the Boxster S packs and subtracts 176 pounds to make this the lightest Porsche for sale, all of which ultimately makes it a better performer. It also gets a sport-tuned suspension lowering the car 20 millimeters — or less than an inch — and a limited slip differential; it comes with a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed double-clutch transmission. You get all of that for the relatively low price of $61,200, which is only $3,200 more than a Boxster S. When equipped with launch control, the Spyder can do zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

Add the cool-looking body work on the backside and exclusive wheels and you get a package any Porsche fan boy would die to drive. And probably Wiesenfelder, too.  

Comments

I want this!!

Eric,
I'm with you.

What are the red loops on the doors for?

I would take the Cayman over this.

The red loops are to close the doors. As a present Boxster S owner, I can tell you the Boxster S can do EVERYTHING a Cayman can do - to include performace - and it can also put the top down. I'll take the Boxster.

Then what are the grab handles in the door armrests for?

I like a roof.

2007 Boxster S owner. This car looks cool. However how does the top work?

answered my own question: Some of the techniques used to shed the pounds include the removal of the regular Boxster’s daytime running lights and fog lamps, as well as its automatic soft-top roof. Instead, the Spyder gets a manually-operated canopy-style roof and new rear deck."

So this is a liht version in addiditon to Boxster Caymen line. Not for me!

Wow, this car got me so excited until what Jim Ward said about the "canopy style roof"... not for me either.