Porsche Boxster Spyder - the Speedster

The new Porsche Boxster Spyder - goes on sale next year

Porsche has unveiled a ‘Speedster’ version of the Boxster – the Porsche Boxster Spyder – with the iconic double hump, sharper suspension and 10bhp more.

We thought it was going to be the Porsche Boxster Speedster when we reported that Porsche were out testing a disguised Boxster at the Nurburgring back in September. Or maybe it was going to be the Boxster R. But it’s actually called the Porsche Boxster Spyder.

It’s going to end up being known as the Speedster, with its double humps behind the driver, but this is Porsche’s new, lightweight Boxster suitably sprinkled with a bit of ‘history dust’ from the cupboard. It’s actually 80kg (175lbs) lighter that the Boxster S on which its based and it gets an extra 10bhp – up to 316bhp – from the 3.4 litre flat six engine. Which should mean a decent improvement in the 0-60mph – around 4.6 seconds. Porsche has also sharpened up the suspension to give the Spyder an edge over its siblings.

The Boxster Spyder does come with a roof, but it’s a token roof – much in the mould of the LP640. This car is designed to be an open-air car and the roof seems almost an afterthought. What’s the point of having the Spyder and driving round in an enclosed cabin? But this isn’t a limited edition Boxster just to move some sales, it’s a new model in the range.

The Boxster Spyder is due to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show next month (California will be a big marketplace, no doubt) before going on sale early in 2010. Expect a UK price around £45,000. There’s not huge detail, but you can also have a look at the Porsche Boxster Spyder Press Release.