For a traditional sports-car driving experience, at a cost that’s at least somewhat affordable, it’s hard to beat a Boxster. After introducing a new GTS trim level last year, Porsche is launching a revived Spyder roadster for 2016, capitalizing on the classic, virtual “cult” status of earlier Spyders. Unleashing the biggest, most powerful engine in the Boxster lineup, the Spyder tops the price scale, but potential customers who savor the highest performance level aren’t likely to be scared away by cost.
What's New for 2016
Biggest news is the introduction of the Boxster Spyder. Ranking as top model for 2016, the Spyder features a manually-operated top, and comes only with a manual gearbox. A firm sport suspension is installed, and ride height has been lowered by 20mm. Brakes are borrowed from the 911 Carrera S, and the 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine produces 375 horsepower. In addition to being the most powerful Boxster ever, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, the Spyder is the lightest model in Boxster history. Also new for 2016 is a Black Edition of the basic Boxster.
Choosing Your Porsche Boxster
The only major choice to make is picking an engine. Each is a flat (horizontally-opposed) six-cylinder mid-mounted engine, ranging in output from 206 horsepower in the base Boxster to 375 horsepower emanating from the new Spyder. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all models, but the Porsche Dopplekupplung (PDK, or double-clutch) automated-manual transmission is available as an option, except on the Spyder. Acceleration is typically quicker than with an equivalent manual-shift model.
Fuel economy ranges from a less-thrifty 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the new Spyder, to 22/32 mpg for the base Boxster with automatic.
Five trim levels are offered:
Deciding upon one version of such a near-iconic two-seater, which means picking an engine, is no easy task. Any Boxster is sure to deliver an intense, rewarding road experience. Rather than choose two, we’ll specify two: either the base Boxster for its more moderate price, or the new high-dollar Spyder for folks who can afford to go all out with traditional-type sports-car pleasure.