km First Drive - 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder

[Kilometer Magazine]

In the beginning, Porsche meant one thing – sports cars. Defining the company today is a bit more complicated, with powerful, agile, and dynamically wonderful “non-sports cars” like the Cayenne SUV and the new Panamera luxury sedan. The future looks to be just as complex, what with the Volkswagen Group buying the company in the interest of sharing components and technologies across its myriad portfolio. All this has the Porsche purist asking, “Whatever happened to the type of Porsches that were worshiped on bedroom posters and which filled dresser-top temples in 1/24 scale?”

FULL STORY & GALLERIES

[SilverSLC]

It's awesome that Porsche let you guys get your hands on one of those.

I think they're fantastic - it's really nice to see Porsche still unafraid to go in that direction in an era when (as you mentioned) Ferrari doesn't even offer a manual transmission any more, and everything is getting feature and weight bloated.

Bravo Porsche, and nice article, guys.

-Tim

[George@Fourtitude]

It's a cool car for sure, I just wish it would have been out when they were still campaigning the Spyder in racing. Also, the 550 was more Carrera GT in Porsche's lineup back in James Dean's day and the Boxster is not the pinnacle of Porsche's modern development. I'd love to see them do a super limited Spyder RS with the GT3 RS drivetrain.

[SilverSLC]

Yeah, true.

This isn't the second coming of the 550, as much as Porsche would like to sell them on that (and have sold the various special editions of the Boxster on the same idea in the past). What it is is a cool looking, lightweight, extra sporty variant of the Boxster, all of which should add up to a VERY fun car.

Your idea of a Spyder RS would be closer to the 550, though if they really wanted to do that, it would have to be mid-engined, and dropping a GT3RS drivetrain and suspension componentry into a Boxster is not something they're going to do - they're kind of caught in a catch-22 there, because as much as they'd like to sell the Boxster on the tenuous link it has to the 550, they'll never place it in the same spot in their lineup, performance-wise, that the 550 was.

-Tim

[Abe Froman]

Quote, originally posted by Kilometer Magazine »

...the top....practically guarantees that any unexpected rain you might encounter will result in a bit of water in the cabin as you attempt to snap it in place.

And there's nothing wrong with that. Like an evening dress on a beautiful woman, the ease of removal, rather than replacement, is paramount.


Modified by Abe Froman at 11:03 AM 1-7-2010

[stu@kilometer]

Personally, I think that top should just be held on with one small clasp at the back.

[Abe Froman]

Quote, originally posted by stu@kilometer »

Personally, I think that top should just be held on with one small clasp at the back.

With some practice, I'm sure you could learn to do it with one hand

[George@Fourtitude]

Quote, originally posted by SilverSLC »

Your idea of a Spyder RS would be closer to the 550, though if they really wanted to do that, it would have to be mid-engined, and dropping a GT3RS drivetrain and suspension componentry into a Boxster is not something they're going to do - they're kind of caught in a catch-22 there, because as much as they'd like to sell the Boxster on the tenuous link it has to the 550, they'll never place it in the same spot in their lineup, performance-wise, that the 550 was. -Tim

I'd position it above the GT3 RS and sell it in only VERY limited numbers to only very loyal existing Porsche customers. Yes, a boxster but sooo much more... also throw in the aluminum lightweight components like doors and hood from RS as well.

[Slverjet]

Very nice, that really makes me want a boxster.

[navanoD]

Nice article!
I have to correct you on the A/C being a no cost option... It is for the radio though. If you do want A/C it will set you back $1,760.

I have one on order... March Build, May delivery. First allocated car to my dealer.

As for your RS engine in the Boxster comments here... LOL... Do you guys know how long Boxster/Cayman fans have been having the pipe dream of getting any 911 engine? It'll never happen.
Though there is rumors floating around that a Cayman version of the Spyder concept (lightweight) will be released soon.


Modified by navanoD at 3:56 PM 1-10-2010

[navanoD]

Quote, originally posted by George@Fourtitude »

I'd position it above the GT3 RS and sell it in only VERY limited numbers to only very loyal existing Porsche customers. Yes, a boxster but sooo much more... also throw in the aluminum lightweight components like doors and hood from RS as well.

Hey George... This is 353s from Fourtitude.

FYI- The Boxster Spyder already has the doors, front hood and rear hatch in Aluminum. Even the door cards are from the GT3 RS.

[SilverSLC]

I don't know if you realize this or not, but these forums are linked to the Fourtitude ones - you can use the same username and PW here as there.

In all reality, yeah, we know that Porsche is never going to "dilute" the 911 by putting anything of that sort in the 987 chassis, but it's fun to think about!

-Tim

[navanoD]

Quote, originally posted by SilverSLC »

I don't know if you realize this or not, but these forums are linked to the Fourtitude ones - you can use the same username and PW here as there. In all reality, yeah, we know that Porsche is never going to "dilute" the 911 by putting anything of that sort in the 987 chassis, but it's fun to think about! -Tim

Thanks Tim on the user name info... I wanted to start a new account as the 353s was releated to the Audi TTS I had previously (AU-353 was the internal project code for the TT). Decided to go for something more generic not related to a car model (as I go through them too fast! LOL).

If we are dreaming and if I were Porsche, I would create a NEW model above the 911 like George states, but it needs to be different than the 911 and Boxster/Cayman design wise. That way you don't cannibalize any... Personally there is too many versions of the 911. Subtract a few and add this new model. Imagine a more practical Carrera GT with a GT3 RS engine! Then do a lightweight version of that too! That's my pipe dream... along with the money to buy one! LOL.

In all seriousness the Boxster Spyder is a dream come true for me... and luckily it's obtainable.

[Abe Froman]

Quote, originally posted by navanoD »

if I were Porsche, I would create a NEW model above the 911, but it needs to be different than the 911 and Boxster/Cayman design wise.

They already have one on the way. It's called the Panamera Coupe. Front V8, rear drive. Harkens back to the 928, yeah?

[SilverSLC]

Yeah, it does, and they're awesome cars, but I think we were talking about something specifically more sporting.

I mean, the 911 is an awesome car, and I hope they never stop making them. It's the car I aspire to own one day.

However, they've got SUCH a great chassis in the 987 lineup that they could really pretty easily make something that would outperform the 911 with it, except that they won't, because they're not going to have their "cheaper" line take a bite out of 911 sales and piss off all of the 911 purists. So what they would need to do for that would be to come out with a whole different model, place it above the 911, and go from there.

I don't think they'll do that, though, on any more than the very occasional basis like with the Carrera GT, because so much of what Porsche is (or is perceived as being) is the 911. They might do a Panamera coupe or something as their ultimate GT / luxury car, but (at least lately) seem to push the 911 as the "ultimate sports car," and I would think they won't be anxious to undermine that perception with their own lineup.

I would love to see them realign the 911 brand to mean more of a sports GT, and have something mid-engined as their most sports oriented model, (and go out and eat Ferraris and Corvettes for breakfast in LM racing...) but who knows if they'll ever do that to the 911 or not.

-Tim

[MylesPH1]

Quote, originally posted by navanoD »

Nice article! I have to correct you on the A/C being a no cost option... It is for the radio though. If you do want A/C it will set you back $1,760. I have one on order... March Build, May delivery. First allocated car to my dealer.

Congrats on the order! What options/colors did you end up going with?

Oh, and pics upon arrival in May, please...

[navanoD]

Quote, originally posted by MylesPH1 »

Congrats on the order! What options/colors did you end up going with? Oh, and pics upon arrival in May, please...

Thanks Myles,
Here is my build:

Carrara White w/ Black Top
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights
19” Boxster Spyder Wheel w/ Caps with Colored Crest
Manual Transmission w/ Sport Shifter Kit
Black Full Leather Interior with Alcantara
Carbon Fiber Sport Bucket Seats w/ Porsche Crest in Headrest
Aluminum Foot Rest
Radio and A/C Delete

I'll definitely post pics when I get her!

[SilverSLC]

That sounds like a fantastic build for that car.

Were it me, I think I might be tempted to add the radio, as it's free and doesn't weigh that much. I could probably loose a pound or five to offset it. Here's a question, though - is the "radio delete" that is standard a full system delete, or do you still get the speakers, wiring, etc? I wonder what it would cost Porsche to have two different builds of all the sub-assemblies (doors, etc) that would have speakers and other componentry in them.

Not adding the A/C in is a no brainer in this one also, as since you can't ever fully enclose the car anyhow...

If I ordered one, I think it would have to be in either Carrera White or maybe Arctic Silver. The Cream White they offer might be cool looking in person, but it's hard to tell from renderings and pictures. I'd have to see it in person. And while I love Porsche's Basalt Black Metallic, it just doesn't seem quite right on this car.

Anyhow, congrats on what sounds like it ought to be a great car.

-Tim

[Bryan@Kilometer]

I'm jealous. Let me know when you're ready to sell it...

[tmijs789]

Quote, originally posted by Abe Froman »

And there's nothing wrong with that. Like an evening dress on a beautiful woman, the ease of removal, rather than replacement, is paramount. Modified by Abe Froman at 11:03 AM 1-7-2010

SO true

[stu@kilometer]

Quote, originally posted by navanoD »

Thanks Myles, Here is my build: Carrara White w/ Black Top Bi-Xenon Headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights 19” Boxster Spyder Wheel w/ Caps with Colored Crest Manual Transmission w/ Sport Shifter Kit Black Full Leather Interior with Alcantara Carbon Fiber Sport Bucket Seats w/ Porsche Crest in Headrest Aluminum Foot Rest Radio and A/C Delete I'll definitely post pics when I get her!

Droooooooooooooooooool.

[navanoD]

Quote, originally posted by SilverSLC »

That sounds like a fantastic build for that car. Were it me, I think I might be tempted to add the radio, as it's free and doesn't weigh that much. I could probably loose a pound or five to offset it. Here's a question, though - is the "radio delete" that is standard a full system delete, or do you still get the speakers, wiring, etc? I wonder what it would cost Porsche to have two different builds of all the sub-assemblies (doors, etc) that would have speakers and other componentry in them. Not adding the A/C in is a no brainer in this one also, as since you can't ever fully enclose the car anyhow... If I ordered one, I think it would have to be in either Carrera White or maybe Arctic Silver. The Cream White they offer might be cool looking in person, but it's hard to tell from renderings and pictures. I'd have to see it in person. And while I love Porsche's Basalt Black Metallic, it just doesn't seem quite right on this car. Anyhow, congrats on what sounds like it ought to be a great car. -Tim

Thanks Tim,
You can either get the radio or not.. I did hear that it's prepped for a if you get the delete though (prewired). I have yet to see the Cream white... too much of a risk if you ask me... first thing that comes to mind is the cream white New Beetle.

[navanoD]

I just found out that my estimated build completion date is March 4th... with delivery mid to late April!!! Earlier than I was expecting!

[jebglx]

Quote, originally posted by navanoD »

I just found out that my estimated build completion date is March 4th... with delivery mid to late April!!! Earlier than I was expecting!

you definitely have to post pics

congrats!

[SilverSLC]

Quote, originally posted by navanoD »

You can either get the radio or not.. I did hear that it's prepped for a if you get the delete though (prewired).

That's cool, and while it's what I would think they'd do (from a build cost standpoint) and hoped they'd do (so you can go aftermarket easily if you want) it does tread a little bit on the whole "ultra lightweight" ideal of the car - the speakers and associated wiring have to weigh at least as much as the head unit does. But I am being overly picky.

Quote »

I have yet to see the Cream white... too much of a risk if you ask me... first thing that comes to mind is the cream white New Beetle.

Yeah, I have a feeling that the Cream White is either going to be one of those colors where while it's hard to tell for sure in pictures, it either looks really cool in person (like the Audi Suzuka Blue, for example) or it looks plain horrible. Time will tell on this one, I think!

-Tim

[navanoD]

Here's a good pic of Cream White:

[angleking]

Good, what a beautiful car

[MikeNoGo]

I actually enjoyed your article more than the one in Excellence. I left the Kilometer article with a better impression of what this car actually feels like on the road, which is commendable.

It's a shame this is all being segregated to a "Kilometer" Lounge. Granted, this would get buried quickly in TCL.

[navanoD]

Just got word from my dealer that my Spyder has moved from MFGCNF (Assigned Production Number) to PLPROD (Vehicle Planned for Production) status!

[Kilometer Magazine]

Quote, originally posted by MikeNoGo »

I actually enjoyed your article more than the one in Excellence. I left the Kilometer article with a better impression of what this car actually feels like on the road, which is commendable. It's a shame this is all being segregated to a "Kilometer" Lounge that no one reads. Granted, this would get buried quickly in TCL.

Thanks for the compliment. Maybe you should just set your homepage as KilometerMagazine.com, then you won't miss any new story.

[Bryan@Kilometer]

Quote, originally posted by MikeNoGo »

I actually enjoyed your article more than the one in Excellence. I left the Kilometer article with a better impression of what this car actually feels like on the road, which is commendable.

Thank you. That means a lot to our small team.

Quote, originally posted by MikeNoGo »

It's a shame this is all being segregated to a "Kilometer" Lounge that no one reads. Granted, this would get buried quickly in TCL.

We learned a valuable lesson when we launched MotiveMag.com a couple years ago. Namely, that the Car Lounge is its own sub-culture that doesn't take kindly to intrusion. It's frustrating that our readers don't take our own editorial work as seriously as they do Autoblog's, Inside Line's, Motor Autority's or anyone else's. Whenever we post a story (even when our runs first) the Lounge prefers to comment on threads from the big boys rather than ours.

On top of that, not everyone in the Car Lounge is a fan of European cars (or bikes), so we decided we'd try to foster an environment specifically for people who are. It will take time, but if you believe in what we're doing, share it.

[navanoD]

I for one am quite happy with KM. Just be sure to keep it up to date. Personally I think Motorauthority is a joke... they just copy and paste other's work. Half the time they have bad info. Keep up the great work! I'll keep posting here and passing the word!


Modified by navanoD at 8:32 PM 1-25-2010

[WAY]

Great read KM, inspired me to order one. Thanks!

Quote, originally posted by navanoD »

Thanks Myles, Here is my build: Carrara White w/ Black Top Bi-Xenon Headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights 19” Boxster Spyder Wheel w/ Caps with Colored Crest Manual Transmission w/ Sport Shifter Kit Black Full Leather Interior with Alcantara Carbon Fiber Sport Bucket Seats w/ Porsche Crest in Headrest Aluminum Foot Rest Radio and A/C Delete I'll definitely post pics when I get her!

Navado, my spec is very similar. Only thing I am not sure about is whether to add Sport Chrono? I want to keep it relatively pure, but the car comes standard with PCM and a/c in Australia and I am going to keep them. Also I am not sure about the sport shifter. Had it in my 986S but not my 997. I found shifts to be much smoother and satisfying in the 997, however the movement is very long. Here is my spec:

Carrara white
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights
Additional interior package Alcantara Boxster Spyder
Lid of storage bin alcantara with Porsche logo

[fibes]

What a dream...