Porsche drivers tend to have an aversion to change for change's sake, so when the new Porsche Boxster Spyder made its debut at this year's New York International Auto Show, it was with the purists in mind. The first new version of the mid-engine roadster since the 2012 model, the Boxster promises "traditional sports-car driving experience, but with contemporary performance."
According to Porsche, the convertible two-seater is the lightest and most powerful Boxster in production, with a 20-mm lower ride height and a manually operated fabric roof that echoes of previous generations. Though more streamlined than classic Porsches, the blended headlamps betray their heritage and balance nicely with the door panels feeding into the rear air scoops.
The Boxster makes more obvious homage to Porsches past with a front and rear from the Cayman GT4, and a reach back to the 1960s 718 Spyder in the streamlined bulges extending from the headrests over the boot lid.
Despite being billed as lighter, the new Boxster also has a bit more power wrapped up in its 375 bhp (276 kW), 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine. Keeping with the purist motif, it's hooked to a manual-only gearbox. There's also a sports suspension, direct steering, and the brakes are borrowed from a 911 Carrera.
On the road, Porsche says that the Boxster can do 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 4.5 seconds with the top speed pegging at 290 km/h (180 mph). Mileage is 9.9 L/100 km (23 mpg).
Inside the Boxster are two light sports bucket seats with large side supports and a 360-mm steering wheel. Sorry, there's no radio or air conditioning, though these are available as no cost optional extras.
The Porsche Boxster Spyder is available in July for €79,945 (US$86,000).
Source: Porsche
