Porsche: Spyder bites again

The Spyder's extra-low side windows and two humps on the single-piece engine cover combine to create a silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT supercar. Photo / Supplied

Porsche has reinvented the most treasured model name in its history - the Spyder.

The new model is the Boxster Spyder, a lightweight, driver-focused version of the mid-engined model.

It will be the lightest sports car in the Porsche range, tipping the scales at 1275kg, or 50kg lighter than the entry-level Boxster.

Inspired by the legendary 550 Spyder of 1953, the Boxster Spyder sports a new, low-slung silhouette with a lightweight, low-lying soft-top and windows.

It has been designed primarily as an open-top car. The extra-low side windows and two humps on the single-piece engine cover combine to create a silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT supercar.

In terms of its fundamental concept, says Porsche, the entire Boxster family is the successor to the 550 Spyder.

Under the bonnet, the Spyder uses Porsche's tried and tested 3.4-litre boxer engine, newly tweaked to put out 238kW.

The uprated engine can be paired with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the PDK twin-clutch system, which has now done away with its steering wheel-mounted controls in favour of a pair of paddle-shifters.

Porsche claims that a Spyder, fitted with the optional PDK gearbox and Sports Chrono Pack, will sprint to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, almost a second quicker than a PDK-equipped Boxster S. Top speed is more familiar, with the Spyder running out to 267km/h.

A lower centre of gravity coupled with a revised suspension set-up allows the Spyder to be even more agile than its predecessor, says Porsche. It is marginally more fuel-efficient - the carmaker claims town-and-around consumption of 9.4 litres/100km.

The 550 Spyder was the first Porsche sports car developed specifically for racing but also homologated for the road. It stood only 91cm high, weighed in at 550kg and scored numerous victories on race circuits and in road races.

In 2004 and 2008 Porsche built special Boxsters bearing the additional name Spyder. But the new Boxster Spyder is a specially developed and upgraded production model with far-reaching modifications, says Porsche.

The Boxster Spyder will be unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show next month and arrive in New Zealand next April/May. No price yet.