The 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Says Less Is More
By Paulo Acoba
Add “Spyder” to any Porsche model designation, and Porsche fans will take notice. Porsche just revealed its all-new 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder to the world during the New York International Auto Show and it’s everything that Porsche fans want from a “Spyder” and more.
Spyder usually designates the purest variant of that particular Porsche model. That usually means a manual top, manual transmission, light-weight wheels, special seats and more power. This 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder has all of that.
It’s powered by a 3.8 Liter Boxster six good for 375 HP. That’s enough power launch a 4.3 second 60 MPH sprint and a top speed of 180 MPH. No PDK here as its six-speed only. Much of that aerodynamic comes courtesy of the Cayman GT4 which the Boxster Spyder takes a lot of its front end design cues from. Out back, there is a pair of streamlined humps behind the seat hoops paying homage to Spyder’s from the 1970’s and a subtle spoiler complimenting a rear diffuser.
Much of that aerodynamic prowess comes courtesy of the Cayman GT4 which the Boxster Spyder takes a lot of its front end design cues from. Out back, there is a pair of streamlined humped paying homage to Spyder’s from the 1970’s and a subtle spoiler complimenting a rear diffuser.
Inside, there is a smaller steering wheel and optional lighter seats if you so wish. Air-conditioning and radio aren’t installed for lighter weight, but if you want you can option them back in at no charge to you. The soft top is manual only (again, less weight) and to round it out, there are special edition light weight 10-spoke wheels on each corner.
Pricing starts at $82,100.
In a word where dual-clutch and automatic transmissions are the norm, it’s refreshing to see Porsche offering there Boxster Spyder in manual only. You might as well advertise this Boxster Spyder for “Driving enthusiasts only, Sunday cruisers need not apply” as this is the demographic this car is meant for. It’s cliche to say that Porsche has mastered the art of “Less being more” but in the case of the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder, they have.