The New Porsche Boxster Spyder Is Yet Another Reason You Don't Want A 911

Not content with unleashing the GT3 part-festooned Cayman GT4, it seems Porsche has given us another reason to not buy a 911 with this: the most powerful Boxster ever. It’s called the Boxster Spyder, and if you’re getting a sense of deja vu, that’s because it’s not the first Boxster to wear the Spyder name. Like this new one, the previous 987 generation-based Spyder featured a gorgeous rear deck inspired by the old 718 race car of the 1960s and a manually operated roof (because weight reduction), but this time you get a hell of a lot more power.

With a slightly less powerful version of the 3.8-litre flat-six you’ll find in the 911 Carrera S - and the Cayman GT4 - it’s good for 370bhp and 309lb ft. That’s a massive 45bhp increase over the Boxster GTS, the current range-topper. That - as well as the lower weight figure made possible by the simpler manual roof plus the ditching of fripperies like air conditioning and a radio - means the Spyder can catapult you from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 180mph. Not bad.

Unlike the Cayman GT4 - with which the Spyder shares a front and rear bumper - it’s not had a load of Porsche GT parts lobbed at it, but you do get 20mm lower suspension, more direct steering, and beefier brakes borrowed from the 911. If you like to change cogs in the old fashioned way you’re well catered for, as the Spyder is offered with a manual gearbox only. Oh, and don’t fret - if you really can’t do without air con and/or a radio, it is possible to spec these as no-cost options.

Want one? It’s available to order in the UK now for £60,459 - about £7000 more than a Boxster GTS. First UK deliveries will take place in July. If you fancy having a gawp at one a bit sooner, head along to the New York International Auto Show, where it’s currently on display.