At the 2009 LA Auto Show Porsche are planning on unveiling their
latest model, and their lightest model.
The 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder is essentially a lighter, more
powerful Boxster with a roof which is only good for providing
a little shade now and then.
The origins of the 2010 Boxster Spyder come from Porsche's historical
models like the 550 Spyder of the 1950s. This car employed the
same lightweight philosophy and Spartan luxuries.
Weighing in at just 1,275kg (2,811 lbs), the Boxster Spyder
is the lightest model in the Porsche line-up. The Spyder joins
the Boxster and Boxster S
to make a trio of available versions within the Boxster range.
The low-slung, lightweight soft top extends far to the rear
and serves to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine,
wind and rain - although it doesn't look like it could cope
with much in the way of bad weather. When closed, the soft top,
together with the bespoke extra-low side windows and the two
unique, striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, is designed
to offer a look which is vaguely reminiscent of the Carrera
GT.
Mounted just behind the cockpit is a reworked version of the
3.4 litre flat-six 'boxer' engine lifted from the Boxster S.
This unit pumps out 320 horsepower, 10 up on the Boxster S.
Sending the power to the rear wheels is a Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe
(PDK) twin-clutch transmission. When using the launch control
system the Boxster Spyder can haul itself to 60 mph in just
4.6 seconds. Top speed is 166 mph - with the roof down.
The Boxster Spyder is also equipped with an all-new sports suspension
system that lowers the vehicle by 20 mm, a standard limited
slip differential, and exclusive wheels. Aluminum door skins
and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute
to the weight reduction.
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