Spyder makes Porsche Boxster lineup

Porsche has given us a sneak peek at the new lightweight version of the Boxster roadster, called the Spyder.

The new model is set to make its official debut at the Los Angeles auto show in December, for a European launch in February 2010. It will be in local showrooms in the second quarter next year, according to Porsche Cars Australia.

The Boxster Spyder is a discreet tip of the hat in the direction of the '50s era Porsche 550. The original Spyder was the brand's first car developed specifically for racing as well as road use, employing lightweight construction to weigh just 550kg.

Not unlike the Porsche's GT models, the new Boxster Spyder gets more power and a lower kerb weight thanks to a tuned engine and a raft of weight saving measures.

For instance, things like the air-conditioning and stereo systems have been ditched (though they can be added upon request) and the daytime driving and fog lights have also been scrapped to save weight.

Lightweight carbonfibre bucket seats replace the heavier electric-powered units and race-inspired door pulls also help keep weight down.

All told, the Boxster Spyder is 80kg lighter than the Boxster S model -- its donor car -- and tips the scales at a welterweight 1275kg.

Together with uprated sports suspension and a 7kW gain in power, taking peak power to 235kW, the Boxster Spyder accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds-- two-tenths of second quicker than the Boxster.

The rapid benchmark acceleration time was recorded with the Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK twin-clutch transmission and Sports Chrono Package, and with the roof removed. Top speed is 267 km/h.

The Zuffenhausen road rocket also features a new design which, due to body mounds formed into the single-piece engine cover behind the driver and passenger's heads, improves the flow of air over the car at higher speeds. Porsche calls them "two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid".

The rear styling is designed to evoke the Carrera GT's profile or "silhouette", according to Porsche, and the Spyder also features low side windows to further 'open-up' the roofless experience. Porsche says the Boxster Spyder is designed primarily as an open-top car.

Porsche Cars Australia will announce pricing closer to the Boxster Spyder's local release next year. The Boxster rangetopper S model starts at $140K so expect a sticker price starting above that figure.

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