Spyder.

[986Roadster]

I wouldn't buy one. I would buy the base model Boxster and do the mods myself with
my own taste. I don't like the roof line.... looks dumb. The back rear
hump fakes look nothing like the Carrera GT. I don't like how bare and
plain they look. Maybe they should of copied the GT look... Put some carbon
pieces or some kind of mesh.

Not a fan.

[Perfectlap]

You should read the Boxster Spyder vs Cayman S track comparison in May's Excellence. The BS (great initials!) was instantly quicker from lap one than the Cayman S despite not having the PDK advantage. The author went as far as saying it was the best handling Porsche in the whole line up. Shaving weight was crucial in that effort.

Usually these special editions Boxsters and Caymans are just marketing gimmicks but the track says otherwise this time around. Although the pricing is questionable but even the '09 GT3 RS guys will say the same.

WHile no one will pass up more more power, that's not really the point of a Spyder. I've driven small cars with massive power and well its pretty one dimensional from a driving perspective. There's a certain power to weight ratio that feels natural on a two seater that shows off the suspension, weight balance, steering and braking. Put in a tad too much power and it all comes out of wack, too much oversteer, jerky handling. I don't think most people understand that there are many types of sports cars, the Boxster isn't just a coupe that had the roof hacked off. In actuality I think the 996 Carrera was a roadster that got a fixed roof and bigger butt. The Cayman came without the bigger butt.

I think it's a great weekend car if you can afford it. I'd buy two

[ARModen]

How much does the roof assembly weigh? anyone know? I can't believe they removed the AC, roof assembly, radio, functional door handles, and only saved 150lbs. And then they charge more for that? I'm confused.

[JAAY]

"I can't believe they removed the AC, roof assembly, radio, functional door handles, and only saved 150lbs. And then they charge more for that? I'm confused."


I didn't even get into all that.....

I did read the excellence comparison. Still not worth it to me. I like the fact that if we decide to hit the track I can put the a/c on and radio on the way there. I am glad I am not the only one with some of these feelings.

[eightsandaces]

[QUOTE=JAAY]"I can't believe they removed the AC, roof assembly, radio, functional door handles, and only saved 150lbs. And then they charge more for that? I'm confused."


I didn't even get into all that.....

I did read the excellence comparison. Still not worth it to me. I like the fact that if we decide to hit the track I can put the a/c on and radio on the way there. I am glad I am not the only one with some of these feelings. [/QUOTE]


Look at this:

Carving through the tight and twisted sections of Highway 1, we find that the reduced weight of our six-speed-manual Spyder—at about 3000 pounds,

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q4/2011_porsche_boxster_spyder-first_drive_review

Haha I think my 98 is lighter with ac, power top and windows...


-
Weights: curb weight (kg) 1,280

[Topless]

After a few quick laps at Fontana last weekend... Did I like it? Yes I did. Did I place an order? No sir.

The Boxster Spyder is a special edition and really only suited for a select few of us who appreciate a pure German roadster and just have too much money. It is simply not practical to take to work, leave it parked at the beach for a day or short weekend trips. Ferry Porsche would probably appreciate your sentiments though. It was those same feelings that caused him to build the 356 in the first place.

My impressions? I like the look although it's a bit overstated with the humps. The power/PDK is marvelously balanced with lots of low end torque compared to my car. It is very quick out of the corners. The brakes are excellent, the suspension is firm but not punishing and extremely well balanced. Did I mention the car is very balanced? The Spyder is definitely more Mozart than Sammy Hagar. With a decent set of track tires you should easily dispatch all other production Porsches except GT3s on most tracks. A nice roadster for a select few buyers.