The New Porsche Boxster Spyder 2010

One of the reasons (aside from the history) that Porsche cars are so iconic is the look, the rear drive and the sporty drive. The new Porsche Boxster Spyder 2010 brings this all together in the ultimate package that, whilst being expensive, offers something truly special for the discerning driver.

The new model becomes the third version in the Boxster range, joining the Boxster and Boxster S, yet at first sight stands out clearly from the other models. This is quite simply because the Spyder has been developed essentially for driving in the open air.

The Boxster Spyder is first and foremost a Boxster – but interpreted in a totally new way. The purist character of the car is evident at first sight, with particular emphasis on the two-seater roadster design with its mid-engine. The new, elegantly long rear lid, together with new wheels and distinctive styling touches inside and out, give the car an absolutely unique look.

The low-slung, lightweight soft top extends far to the rear at a distinctive angle and serves to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and rain. When closed, the soft top, together with the bespoke, shallower side windows and the two unique striking bulges on the single-piece rear engine cover, boasts a stretched and sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT super sports car.

The Boxster Spyder features a tuned version of the proven 3.4-litre flat six ‘boxer’ engine with Direct Fuel Injection, which is mounted amidships ahead of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 bhp, 10 bhp more than in the Boxster S. As standard, the Spyder features a six-speed manual gearbox, but the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission is available as an option. When equipped with PDK and the optional Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, can accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in 4.8 seconds. Again with optional PDK, fuel consumption is a mere 30.4mpg (9.3 litres/100km) in the NEDC New European Driving Cycle and top speed, in turn, is 166 mph (267 km/h) – with the roof removed.

Prices start from £46,000 and can go up quite steeply depending on the options that you choose. Worth it? Well, you’d have a very special car for the money, though you’re also likely to own something else a little bit more practical in your garage…