Porsche has revealed the new Boxster Spyder, the lightest Porsche you can buy.

The Boxster Spyder will be a third standalone model, next to the Boxster and Boxster S. It sheds 176 lbs by removing the top mechanism, using aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS, brining it down to 2,811 lbs.

Mechanically it ain’t no slouch either, getting an extra 10 hp over the Boxster S (up to 320 hp) as well as an all-new sport suspension that lowers the car 20 mm, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels. When equipped with the PDK and Sports Chrono Package, the Boxster Spyder will get from 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds. Top speed is 166 mph.

Styling changes include a single-piece rear decklid with two Carrera GT-like bulges behind the seats and a fixed rear spoiler. A low-slung lightweight soft top adds to the purposeful sporty looks.

The new Boxster Spyder will be introduced at the L.A. Auto Show next month, and goes on sale in February 2010 with a price of $61,200. Get in line now!

More pics, video, and full press release after the jump.

[source: Porsche via Autoblog]

Porsche’s newest entry will be the lightest in its line-up

The 2011 Boxster Spyder goes on sale February 2010. U.S. pricing is $61,200.

The Boxster and Cayman are the latest models from Porsche to get the TechArt treament, with the famed tuner announcing several upgrades for the mid-engine P-cars.

The Aerokit I is a bodykit that features new front and rear spoilers, a sportier exhaust and sport springs. The Aerokit II features different front and rear spoilers from Aerokit I along with new side sills, mirror moldings, and LED daytime running lights. A track-widening package is also included, along with your choice of two different suspensions that can lower the car by up to 30 mm.

TechArt is also offering various interior upgrades which include a special 3-spoked steering wheel, front and rear center console, special door trims and door entry sills, custom leather upholstery, aluminum sport pedals, and lots of carbon fiber.

No word on pricing, but more pics and the full press release from TechArt follow the jump.

[source: TechArt via Autoblog]

PRESS RELEASE:

- Cockpit hood
- Sport chronometer dial
- TECHART 3-spoked sport steering wheel
- Front and rear center console
- Individualized door trims and door handles
- Door entry sills in carbon/stainless steel with illuminated personalized logo
- Leather upholstery and decorative stitching in custom-selected colors
- Aluminum sport pedals
- Carbon interior package I + II

Those earlier rumors about the Boxster getting a 4-cylinder engine are heating up. Auto Motor & Sport is reporting that Porsche is looking at shoving the Audi TTS engine into a cheaper Boxster.

The engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 272 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That’s actually 17 hp and 45 lb-ft more than the current Boxster flat-6 makes.

By using this engine, they say the price of the Boxster could drop by as much as $9,000. But my only question: could you still call it a Boxster without a boxer engine?

[source: Auto Motor & Sport via Autoblog]

Porsche has announced that the 911 and Boxster were ranked first and second for the smallest number of defects in all age categories between four and eleven years old in the recent Autobild TÜV Report in Germany.

The full press release is after the jump.

[Source: Porsche]

Porsche Offers Supreme Long-Term Quality

Stuttgart. The sports cars built by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, offer truly outstanding long-term quality now confirmed once again by the latest Autobild TÜV Report in Germany. Providing a detailed list of the most frequent defects on some eight million cars examined and tested in 2008 by TÜV approval authorities in the general motoring tests prescribed by law, this list is truly complete and meaningful.

According to the Autobild TÜV Report both the Porsche 911 and the Porsche Boxster model series show the smallest number of defects in all age categories between four and eleven years of ownership, ranking first and second in both cases – only in a different order. A particularly impressive point is that while in general the average defect rate increases dramatically from one year to the next to a double-digit percentage, it consistently remains at a stable and low level on all Porsche sports cars.

Through this truly impressive result, Porsche once again proves its leading role in terms of long-term quality. Last year the sports cars from Zuffenhausen already showed their immunity to defects, the 911 ranking No 1 in two age categories in last year’s TÜV Report and finishing second in two further categories. The Boxster, in turn, finished first, third, and fourth.

These results are the consequence of Porsche’s product and development philosophy, with the focus on evolution instead of revolution. Carefully planned and accurately secured development processes ensure significant progress in technology while avoiding all risks at the expense of the customer. Hence, Porsche’s sports cars offer not only superior driving pleasure, but also reliability and lasting value over a very long running life. Indeed, particularly the Porsche 911 enjoys great demand among connoisseurs and car lovers throughout all model generations. And last but not least, the statistics of the German Technical Inspection Authority also confirm the high level of service quality offered by Porsche workshops.

Porsche has unveiled the newest versions of the Boxster and Cayman at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the styling and specs are spot-on to what we reported back in August.

Both cars feature all new front- and rear-styling, along with new LED tail lights and new headlights. Inside, the new CDR-30 radio features a five-inch monochromatic display and the ability to play MP3 audio CDs. The optional PCM system has also been upgraded.

But the real news is under the skin. Both cars get all-new flat-6 engines with more power and better efficiency. The base Boxster and Cayman receive a 2.9L flat-6 which produces 255 hp in the Boxster and 265 hp in the Cayman. The Boxster S and Cayman S receive a 3.4L flat-6 with direct fuel injection, and produce 310 hp and 320 hp, respectively. The base Boxster with 6-speed manual will get from 0 to 62 in 5.9 seconds, while the Cayman S with PDK and launch control will get from 0 to 62 in 4.9 seconds. And, yes, I did say PDK. The double-clutch gearbox (Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) is available in all models.

The suspension and brakes are also improved. The suspension is a new set-up; the steering transmission has been modified for “more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour”; the new wheel designs are half an inch wider on the base models; and the base models also get the “S” brakes on the front.

PSM has also been updated, and includes two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and Brake Assistant. According to Porsche, whenever the driver “lets go of the gas pedal very quickly – which is typical of an upcoming emergency braking manoeuvre – the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure on the wheel brakes before the driver even presses down the brake pedal, moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly. When recognising that the driver is braking in an emergency due to very fast operation of the brake pedal and a defined brake force, the PSM hydraulic control unit actively delivers the brake pressure required for maximum stopping power.”

The new Boxster and Cayman will be available in February 2009.

Check out a ton more pictures and the full press release after the jump.

[source: Porsche]

Porsche’s Mid-Engined Sports Cars with New, Even More Fuel-Efficient Engines

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting the second generation of the mid-engined Boxster and Cayman sports cars for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The highlight of the new generation is of course the new flat-six boxer engines developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors. A further improvement of both fuel economy and performance is guaranteed by the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK for short, the new double-clutch gearbox.

Newly developed Boxer engines with even more power on even less fuel
Displacing 2.9 litres, the “basic“ engine develops 255 bhp (188 kW) in the Boxster and 265 bhp (195 kW) in the Cayman, an increase by 10 and, respectively, 20 horsepower over the preceding models. The 3.4-litre power unit in the S-versions, benefiting from Direct Fuel Injection, now delivers 310 bhp (228 kW) in the Boxster S and 320 bhp (235 kW) in the Cayman S, up by 15 and, respectively, 25 bhp. An outstanding power-to-weight ratio ranging from 4.2 kg (9.3 lb)/bhp on the Cayman S to 5.2 kg (11.5 lb)/bhp on the Boxster offers the driver maximum driving dynamics on minimum fuel. As a result, the Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control featured in the optional Sports Chrono Package accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, setting the benchmark in the range, while the Boxster with its six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard completes the same exercise in 5.9 seconds.

Featuring PDK, both the Boxster and the Cayman for the first time outperform the nine-litre consumption mark: Both models with the new 2.9-litre Boxer engine make do with 8.9 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.4 mpg US) according to the EU4 standard – 11 per cent less than the former models with Tiptronic S. Reducing fuel consumption by an even more significant 16 per cent to 9.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 25.5 mpg US), the 3.4-litre versions with PDK offer an even greater saving over their predecessors with Tiptronic S.

Roadster and Coupé with even more signs of distinction
The new two-seaters are clearly distinguishable from outside through their newly designed front and rear ends. The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, the new LED rear lights tapering out to the outside and integrated elegantly in the modified rear end of the car.

From the front the Roadster and Coupé differ clearly from one another through the distinctive design of their air intakes, from the rear through the new rear panels with diffuser inserts on the Boxster and a wind deflector plate on the Cayman.

The rod-shaped positioning lights in LED light conductor technology add a particular touch of class in terms of the cars’ looks, also through their horizontal arrangement in the outer air intakes. Yet a further highlight is provided by the foglamps featured as standard – rectangular in shape on the Boxster, round on the Cayman. For the first time both models are available with a Lights Package featuring bi-xenon headlights, dynamic curve lights and LED daytime driving lights. Replacing the foglamps, these light units are made up on the Boxster of four LEDs positioned next to one another, while on the Cayman four LEDs are arranged in round light units like the eyes of a dice.

PDK: shifting gears even more quickly, reducing fuel consumption by up to 16 per cent
All four sports cars are available for the first time with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK carried over directly from motorsport and replacing the former Tiptronic S. Equipped with the PDK double-clutch gearbox, the Roadster and Coupé accelerate to 100 km/h or 62 mph 0.1 seconds faster than with the manual six-speed gearbox now also featured on the “basic” models.
Acceleration is particularly fast and dynamic with one of the optional Sports Chrono Packages featuring Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standing start and the Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the fastest conceivable gearshift as an exclusive highlight on the PDK models. Benefiting from Launch Control, the respective models accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h or 62 mph yet another 2/10ths of a second faster.

The progress offered by PDK is even more impressive when it comes to fuel economy reduced by up to 16 per cent from the former figure on the first generation: According to the EU4 consumption standard, the Boxster and Cayman equipped with PDK consume just 8.9 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 26.3 mpg US, with the S-models offering almost the same level of economy at just 9.2 litres or 25.5 mpg US.

Dynamic suspension and supreme brakes
The suspension with its new set-up gives the new models a combination of even greater driving dynamics and enhanced comfort all in one. Modification of the valve control map on the steering transmission serves furthermore to reduce steering forces, giving the Boxster and Cayman even more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour.
The wheels come in new design and are half an inch wider on the “basic” models than in the past in order to accommodate the larger brake system of the S-models on the front axle. Both the Boxster and Cayman feature the latest generation of PSM Porsche Stability Management now offering two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Whenever the driver lets go of the gas pedal very quickly – which is typical of an upcoming emergency braking manoeuvre – the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure on the wheel brakes before the driver even presses down the brake pedal, moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly. When recognising that the driver is braking in an emergency due to very fast operation of the brake pedal and a defined brake force, the PSM hydraulic control unit actively delivers the brake pressure required for maximum stopping power.

New audio and communication systems
Both the Boxster and the Cayman come as standard with the new CDR-30 CD radio boasting an easy-to-read five-inch monochromatic display and the ability to play MP3 CDs. New PCM Porsche Communication Management available as an option complete with hard disc navigation serves as the central control unit for all audio, communication and navigation features.

PCM is now even more versatile, efficient and a lot easier to use than before, standing out in particular through its control monitor enabling the driver to select specific functions simply by tipping the appropriate key and increased in size from 5.8 to 6.5 inches.

As an option PCM is available with highly convenient voice control and, in conjunction with the optional, universal audio interface, can now be used also to control external audio sources such as an iPod® or USB stick.
Last but not least, Porsche’s new two-seaters are available as an option with seat ventilation combined with seat heating on both the standard seats and the comfort seats with full or partial leather.

The new models are entering the market in February 2009. The base price of the Boxster in the Euro countries is Euro 38,600, the base price of the Cayman Euro 41,700. The corresponding prices of the Boxster S are Euro 46,700, of the Cayman S Euro 51,500. Including VAT and national specifications, the Boxster retails in Germany at Euro 46,142, the Cayman at Euro 49,831. The Boxster S, in turn, comes at a retail price of Euro 55,781, the Cayman S at Euro 61,493.

German site Autobild has published some interesting shots of a next-generation Boxster caught testing. So what’s so interesting?

Well, sites are reporting that this could be a special “Speedster” variant of the Boxster. When I saw the disguised “humps” on the back of this test mule, my first thought was “nah, I think they are just testing a new version of the “Boxster Speedster Humps” option.

But, after I took a closer look, I saw something interesting: check out the angle of the side glass. That is not the same shape as the standard Boxster side windows. So, this very well could be a Speedster variant.

Hopefully we will know soon…

More pics after the jump.

[source: Autobild]

It sounds like the “entry-level” mid-engined roadster VW was going to unveil at the LA Auto Show will neither be at that show nor will it be an entry-level car.

A VW spokesman said the concept will now debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show. He also gave some more details about the car.

He said VW plans to launch the car in 2011, and it will be a halo model for the brand, not an entry-level model as first thought. He also said the car will ride on an upgraded version of the Audi R8 platform.

To me, this new information implies that Porsche will not create their own version of this car (since it no longer sounds like an “entry-level” car) and instead gives more credibility to the rumor that the Boxster itself will get a 4-cylinder engine.

(Also, note that the photo above is not the car they will show, it is a picture of the 2003 VW Concept R mid-engined concept car.)

[source: Motor Authority]

Rumors have been swirling about a new 4-cylinder entry-level Porsche, but now rumors are suggesting the Boxster itself will lose two cylinders from its current flat-6.

The upcoming European emissions standards mean even Porsche’s most efficient engine (the Boxster/Cayman 2.7L flat-6) doesn’t come close to complying, so Porsche needs to do something to offset the rest of its line.

If this happens, the Boxster will most likely feature a turbocharged 4-cylinder with about 200 hp. It is not known if Porsche will use the VW/Audi 2.0T, or if they will use a flat-4 based on the latest generation of flat-6 engines.

It’s getting difficult to keep track of all the current Porsche rumors, but this is certainly one to watch.

[source: Autoblog]

Silicon Valley startup GIMM showed a 1999 Boxster powered by compressed air at the recent Alternative Car and Transportation Expo in California.

The MIIN-AER Boxster has several air storage tanks in the trunks and gets its power by a drivetrain the uses compressed air “multiple times” for propulsion. It features an energy recovery system, has zero emissions, and its motor has no pistons and only six moving parts.

The car has a top speed of 65 mph and can go about 50 miles, depending on load and speed. The air tanks can be filled in about 10 minutes with a 4,500 psi air compressor, which takes about 25 kwh of electricity.

The company plans to start licensing their technology sometime next year.

Check out more pictures after the jump.

[source: Motor Authority]

Recent spy shots of a Boxster and Cayman suggest Porsche is working on RS variants of each car.

The spy shots of the Boxster reveal a ceramic brake package, an oversized rear wing, and a full roll cage. In addition, the tester is sporting a hard top with what appears to be a plastic rear window, to save weight.

The Cayman caught testing seems to be one of the upcoming Cayman S Sport special editions, but a closer look also reveals a ceramic brake package.

The RS variants would likely feature a higher-output version of the Boxster S/Cayman S 3.4 liter flat-six, and would probably appear as yet another special edition before the next generation Boxster/Cayman is released in 2011.

See a lot more pictures after the jump.

[source: Motor Authority 1 2]