Boxster loses weight, goes quicker

Nov 5 2009 Maurice Glover

Boxster loses weight, goes quicker

PORSCHE is set to launch a lighter version of the Boxster to provide sports car fans with a better drive.

The German firm has trimmed the weight of its popular two-seater by 80kg in a new Spyder model to be unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show in December.

It claims the third member of the mid-engined Boxster range will offer the ultimate roadster driving experience.

'This distinctive styling and technical specification of this new model represents the true, purist form of the Porsche sports car - light, powerful, open-roofed, and very efficient, said a spokesman.

'It is precisely the formula that has created the most successful road-going sports and racing cars throughout the history of Porsche, ranging from the legendary 550 Spyder of the 1950s to the RS Spyder Le Mans Prototype race car so successful in motorsport today,' he added.

Weighing just 1,275kg, the new car is said to have been developed primarily for open air driving and has a soft top extending rearward to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and rain. When closed, the top combines with extra-low side windows and two bulges on the single-piece rear lid to create a silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

'Combined with a lower centre of gravity and revised suspension, the reduced weight provides the Spyder with the calibre of driving dynamics that clearly reflect the unique look of the car,' claimed the spokesman.

A tuned version of Porsche's famous 3.4-litre flat six 'boxer' engine lifts output by 10bhp to 320bhp to take the car from rest to 62mph in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is 166mph and claimed average economy is 30.4mpg.

In 2004 and 2008, the firm produced limited editions of special Boxster Spyder models but the new Spyder is its first regular production model.

UK prices will start from £44,643 and will include an invitation for customers to attend a driving day at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.