981 Spyder confirmed - Page 5 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Just in my local OPC and got confirmation that the 981 Spyder will be announced April for deliveries starting as early as July 2015. No details other than confirmed dates.

No opc would give out this info to be broadcast over the net!! Yet again pure speculation! I have spoken to more than one opc and non would slip any confirmed details on either cayman gt4 / spyder but will take loi but that does not confirm a built car!

A shame we won't hear any details and prices until April. I'm curious how significantly this will affect 987.2 Spyder prices. I wanted to pick one up soon-ish but guess I'll have to wait now.

EricE said: A shame we won't hear any details and prices until April. I'm curious how significantly this will affect 987.2 Spyder prices. I wanted to pick one up soon-ish but guess I'll have to wait now. I would not worry too much about 987 spyder prices ! Has the 991 gt3 damaged the value of the 997 gt3? No one knows if it's built what engine it might have,could be a 2 litre twin turbo! Also if said car is built going to cost circa £70k ish when specd up! Just think boxster 981 Gts on a diet IMHO It will only strengthen the current spyder value long term!

itsybitsy said: I would not worry too much about 987 spyder prices ! Has the 991 gt3 damaged the value of the 997 gt3? No one knows if it's built what engine it might have,could be a 2 litre twin turbo! Also if said car is built going to cost circa £70k ish when specd up! Just think boxster 981 Gts on a diet IMHO It will only strengthen the current spyder value long term! Hmm, 2 litre twin turbo sounds very unlikely because based on the timeline it will clearly be a 981.1 and not a 981.2. It seems highly unlikely that we'll ever see a 4-cylinder 981.1 due to packaging issues. Not sure if the 991/997 GT3 comparison holds water but I suppose there is a little bit of truth in it (electrical/hydraulical steering). On the other hand who is to say that it won't have the same 3.6/3.8 engine as the GT4? In that case they would have to price it well above the GTS which is already quite expensive compared to a used 987.2 Spyder. If it really will be £70k then I don't think there will be a market for it... might as well go GT4 at that pricepoint? It's all speculation anyway. I don't think a 981.1 Spyder will destroy the old Spyder's residuals but prices will definitely soften up in winter/spring IMO.

itsybitsy said: No opc would give out this info to be broadcast over the net!! Yet again pure speculation! I have spoken to more than one opc and non would slip any confirmed details on either cayman gt4 / spyder but will take loi but that does not confirm a built car! My OPC tells me more than yours then as does the OP's OPC ;-) not speculation at all.

mrdemon said: My OPC tells me more than yours then as does the OP's OPC ;-) not speculation at all. mr d i have spoken to a number of opc and no one is confirming or denying anything to both the spyder and gt4 being made.one thing they do confirm is internet speculation! one thing i did get confirmed is porsche will release more new models each year than ever before. no employee is going to risk their job before an embargo date are they?so they would not say a spyder or a gt4 is definetly coming in the next year Edited by itsybitsy on Wednesday 29th October 17:19

It's not just internet speculation - you mustn't have made it into "the circle of trust" Your OPC is clearly very discreet! There has been a recent Porsche marketing course for OPCs where various new product launches were canvassed...

rob.kellock said: It's not just internet speculation - you mustn't have made it into "the circle of trust" does make me laugh when some opc are already screwing deposits out of customers for a non exsitent car that if built will be available to the masses and not a limited run! also some have been told/informed it will be a 3.8 others a 3.4 some a flat 4 twin turbo!i was even leaked it could be a hybrid like the 918;) so glad i am not in "the circle of misinformation" to drum up even more internet hype!porsche must love all this free advertising or is this what they learned on the marketing course!

Nothing is hype or miss info or non exsitent , they should not be taking deposits but I guess some Dealers are not as good as others. OPC don't have full specs on cars, but they have to have numbers as they need to place orders of cars etc They know the cars, Dates and numbers of Both the GT4 and Spyder as do a few people on here. Some OPC's will tell you and some people will then post the info on here like the OP did. Yesterday the GT4 numbers were posted and I am sure Spyder numbers will follow of which a load of people know, just not you it seems ;-p As Rob said the recent Porsche marketing course for OPCs has been and gone and they all know what's coming. Specs on the other hand is much harder to come by,and your OPC will be last to know that info. Edited by mrdemon on Wednesday 29th October 18:50

Question you have to ask yourself is do I know more than you or less than you on both spyder and gt4?as you do not know me and what I know or don't know or what info I have gleaned!

itsybitsy said: Question you have to ask yourself is do I know more than you or less than you on both spyder and gt4?as you do not know me and what I know or don't know or what info I have gleaned! I think it's clear from your posts lol

mrdemon said: itsybitsy said: Question you have to ask yourself is do I know more than you or less than you on both spyder and gt4?as you do not know me and what I know or don't know or what info I have gleaned! I think it's clear from your posts lol

Seems a bit strange that they would release GT4 and Spyder in such rapid succession. I'd love to know if this will be another "real Spyder", i.e. improved upon the 987.2 version or more like a 987.1 Spyder RS60, i.e. Boxster S with limited numbers and a few bits but a pure marketing affair otherwise. If the schedule is really April 2015 for the reveal and late 2015 for delivery then we should have seen some prototypes by now, no? Edited by EricE on Wednesday 29th October 19:42

itsybitsy said: No opc would give out this info to be broadcast over the net!! Yet again pure speculation! I have spoken to more than one opc and non would slip any confirmed details on either cayman gt4 / spyder but will take loi but that does not confirm a built car! Think what you like, they got confirmation on dates yesterday. It makes no odds to me. They were quite happy to divulge what was fact and what was not. The GT4 is coming earlier, not for me, but I'm sure he said March for deliveries. Granted no further details on the actual car, so what, it's coming and sooner than most people think. Makes perfect sense to get cars to customer during the Summer.

rob.kellock said: It's not just internet speculation - you mustn't have made it into "the circle of trust" Your OPC is clearly very discreet! There has been a recent Porsche marketing course for OPCs where various new product launches were canvassed... Exactly, and those dates are being given to customers.

EricE said: Seems a bit strange that they would release GT4 and Spyder in such rapid succession. I'd love to know if this will be another "real Spyder", i.e. improved upon the 987.2 version or more like a 987.1 Spyder RS60, i.e. Boxster S with limited numbers and a few bits but a pure marketing affair otherwise. If the schedule is really April 2015 for the reveal and late 2015 for delivery then we should have seen some prototypes by now, no? Edited by EricE on Wednesday 29th October 19:42 The mule for the spyder would be a Boxster, not sure they'd want to be so obvious this time round. The customer is expecting a Spyder and that's what I was told they were going to deliver. You can bet though that it'll be the last flat 6 manual from them though.

JPF40 said: The mule for the spyder would be a Boxster, not sure they'd want to be so obvious this time round. The customer is expecting a Spyder and that's what I was told they were going to deliver. You can bet though that it'll be the last flat 6 manual from them though. Well, I am a potential customer and when I hear "new Spyder" I don't necessarily expect another fiddly fabric roof. The more obvious solution in my eyes would be a two-part carbon roof, similar to the 918 Spyder . It would be much more practical and so much quieter too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKVe6QVMGts

EricE said: Well, I am a potential customer and when I hear "new Spyder" I don't necessarily expect another fiddly fabric roof. The more obvious solution in my eyes would be a two-part carbon roof, similar to the 918 Spyder . It would be much more practical and so much quieter too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKVe6QVMGts That would be nice, the hassle is still there. I only took the panels off my CGT every now and then for fear of damaging them! It would be a better soliution though, especially at speed

I find it laughable that people think they are on the 'inside' if an OPC has told them something. Judging my OPC, they'll be told about stuff when the public do and have scant details prior to that. What is even worse, is people won't just repeat what they have been told. This isn't top secret level stuff. If OPC does know something, the info is out. And it is out because Porsche is ready to start having the info out. Whether that then spreads makes no difference to anything.. Why do you think they know!

there was a presentation of new models last week ,some opc principals were in attendance,not all of them and several models were revealed. I was told about the gt4 ,but nothing else,purely I suppose as its the gt4 I put my deposit on. It was speculation,it isn't anymore ...it was confirmed to those in attendance,if your dealership doesn't know they are either not well informed..or don't like you. I would hazard a guess that if the dealers who know about the gt4 say a spider is coming,the a spider will be coming.

DS240 said: I find it laughable that people think they are on the 'inside' if an OPC has told them something. Judging my OPC, they'll be told about stuff when the public do and have scant details prior to that. What is even worse, is people won't just repeat what they have been told. This isn't top secret level stuff. If OPC does know something, the info is out. And it is out because Porsche is ready to start having the info out. Whether that then spreads makes no difference to anything.. Why do you think they know! Not really, no one is on the inside bar the Porsche people(the real insiders) and they are not saying any thing on specs. OPC's have numbers of cars coming up and that's not in the pubic domain. IF your OPC manager has told you NOT to post numbers on the net, then you don't post numbers on the net. They know because they have to plan what to sell in the next 3 months, has nothing to do with spec, they are last to know on that, they don't work for Porsche. What is odd is some OPC will not even admit the cars are coming, so they are not going to tell you numbers. Some have admitted to the 2 cars, and some have told people about the numbers but not many it seems . Although some one posted the GT4 numbers yesterday. Nothing to get upset over, the people getting upset are the people asking their OPC and they stay stum, then rant on here saying it's bulls t.

If I was after something specific I'd go ask them. I suppose if I was desperate to get an early 981 Spyder, if one is coming. But generally I'd go and look at the cars and not really engage with the salesmen other than a hello/goodbye. They didn't even know specs when I ordered the Spyder after it was launched, so to be honest I wouldn't bother with them much on anything else. It's not crazy to think Porsche would spread the development costs of a GT4 Cayman into a focused boxster variant. It will be interesting to see what direction a Mk2 Spyder would take.

DS240 said: If I was after something specific I'd go ask them. I suppose if I was desperate to get an early 981 Spyder, if one is coming. But generally I'd go and look at the cars and not really engage with the salesmen other than a hello/goodbye. They didn't even know specs when I ordered the Spyder after it was launched, so to be honest I wouldn't bother with them much on anything else. It's not crazy to think Porsche would spread the development costs of a GT4 Cayman into a focused boxster variant. It will be interesting to see what direction a Mk2 Spyder would take. That makes sense, but I have the impression that a Spyder won't be anywhere near as hardcore as the GT4. Feels like it's different this time, unlike the 987.2 Cayman R vs 987.2 Spyder? I would hope for: - roof that's practical and preferable equally as insulating as the normal Boxsters even though I'd assume it will be manually operated) - manual box (don't think we'll see different ratios personally) - N/A flat 6 - LSD available without torque vectoring (highly unlikely) I'd have bought the previous spyder if it wasn't for the flappy roof. Wonder if they'll do the door cords this time? Also I wonder if they will just use the 3.4 in the Cayman GTS state of tune for an extra 10HP? If it doesn't tick the above then I'll probably get a Boxster GTS with sports chassis. Oh, and if the spyder did meet my needs, I'd order one with a radio and A/C ;-)

anonymous said: [redacted] The smaller engine, intercooler, new engine mounts, etc... why would they go through all that trouble for the 981.1 Spyder alone when the 981.2 is just around the corner?

981 Spyder confirmed by OPC. LOI submitted. The wait starts here !!

Which OPC..... Did you find out any other information? Phil

Hi Phil - no further info I'm afraid only confirmation that the Spyder is planned. They specifically said that they have no idea on spec or pricing. I hope that it is similar in "spirit" to current Spyder (which I have) and not a marketing special like the RS 60 Spyder of a few years ago.

Well your OPC has told you more then me. They wont confirm the Spyder yet. However my LOI is in. I also own the current Spyder. Hoping for the Spyder humps, low numbers and some spy shots soon! Phil

Will keep you posted if I hear any more. Not optimistic on the spy shot front though - I don't remember seeing any prior to the launch of "our" Spyder. The first I saw was a leaked Porsche document on the web just a few days before the OPC's got their info - spookily exactly five years ago this week !!

Johnthepotter said: Will keep you posted if I hear any more. Not optimistic on the spy shot front though - I don't remember seeing any prior to the launch of "our" Spyder. The first I saw was a leaked Porsche document on the web just a few days before the OPC's got their info - spookily exactly five years ago this week !! There were spy shots in April 2009... http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/spy-shots-porsc...

Thanks for that - hadn't seen those - so I stand corrected. Glad they dropped that ridiculous rear spoiler . I'm not a fan of GT3 type appendages!! So we may have something to look at and discuss in coming months then!

Autocar and auto express ran spy shots prior to launch. It was seen going around the ring in some of them. It didn't grab my attention though until the first launch shots. I'm thinking no humps, if an electric roof is going to be on it, as I've been informed.

If no humps, then thats good news for current Spyder owners.

philnotts said: If no humps, then thats good news for current Spyder owners. You can have humps and an electric roof, I was hoping they would go for targa panels like the CGT and 918, it would be a cheaper option. They could have even done something really cool like clear polycarbonate panels making the cabin more special, the cost again would be nothing compared to all the electric bits. ...and weight savings. .... who knows!

Most likely end up like the rs60 spyder and just a commercial exercise on the back of the current spyder!remember the 987 spyder was built as a model in the porsche boxster line up but failed as a seller due to the roof and a bit too hardcore for the masses so expect something a little softer and user friendly that will sell as many or may outsell the boxsterS

Oh and I don't believe all these whispers about limited numbers for the gt4 /spyder !Porsche want to sell to the masses

itsybitsy said: Oh and I don't believe all these whispers about limited numbers for the gt4 /spyder !Porsche want to sell to the masses True, but the increased cost, marginal impracticality, etc will mean smaller numbers which ever way you look at it. For me I just love the driveability for the £, it's that simple.

Porsche always sell to the masses But porsche always keep ltd number cars small also. They could have sold 3x the Ammount of 991 GT3’s

mrdemon said: Porsche always sell to the masses But porsche always keep ltd number cars small also. They could have sold 3x the Ammount of 991 GT3’s But actually how many were sold and how many are overs! The same thing happened with the R ( you have to order or you will not get one!)But at end of production porsche dealers had them stacking up and struggled to move them on!

mrdemon said: Porsche always sell to the masses But porsche always keep ltd number cars small also. They could have sold 3x the Ammount of 991 GT3’s Not true otherwise there would have been no third party's jumping on the band wagon

itsybitsy said: Oh and I don't believe all these whispers about limited numbers for the gt4 /spyder !Porsche want to sell to the masses I was told 100 Spyders for UK.

PeterB14 said: I was told 100 Spyders for UK. if true which i doubt which is about 1000 worldwide then its going to have a price tag to match!£80k+ it is more likely going to be another model in the boxster line up. 2016 boxster model line 981.2 boxster flat 4 2litre turbo c£45k+extras boxsterS flat 4 2.7 turbo c£55k+extras boxster spyder flat 6 3.4 n/a c£65k+extras

PeterB14 said: I was told 100 Spyders for UK. who ever gave you this figure is working on the premise of the fact only 101 991gt3 came to the uk which was not down to limited numbers but more to the fact not so many have bought in to it like say the 997.2gt3rs which sold 150 in the uk. so expect more like 250+ cars to the uk 2015/2016(majority in this year) likewise the gt4 which imho is a more realistic number Edited by itsybitsy on Saturday 8th November 09:08

itsybitsy said: who ever gave you this figure is working on the premise of the fact only 101 991gt3 came to the uk which was not down to limited numbers but more to the fact not so many have bought in to it like say the 997.2gt3rs which sold 150 in the uk. so expect more like 250+ cars to the uk 2015/2016(majority in this year) likewise the gt4 which imho is a more realistic number Edited by itsybitsy on Saturday 8th November 09:08 Where are you getting the 991 and 997.2RS numbers from? Re the RS, I believe it was just over 100.

Why all this angst over numbers ? You only need to worry about one - the one you buy!!

Johnthepotter said: Why all this angst over numbers ? You only need to worry about one - the one you buy!! Angst? No. Interest, yes.

Alpinestars said: Where are you getting the 991 and 997.2RS numbers from? Re the RS, I believe it was just over 100. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/veh01-vehicles-registered-for-the-first-time go here as this is the best way to get figures of cars actually registered but does not include un registered cars in storage you need veh0160

itsybitsy said: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-set... go here as this is the best way to get figures of cars actually registered but does not include un registered cars in storage you need veh0160 Cheers. But isn't that showing 120 RS'?

Alpinestars said: Cheers. But isn't that showing 120 RS'? 2010 115 2011 23 2012 1 2014 1 sorry my mistake 140 cars to many beers last night

PeterB14 said: I was told 100 Spyders for UK. wrong

itsybitsy said: Not true otherwise there would have been no third party's jumping on the band wagon What's not true ? Porsche could have sold loads more 991 GT3's not sure about the 3rd party comment. the R and old Spyder were never a ltd run. the new GT4 and SPyder numbers have been worked out on how many of the old cars they sold to make sure they sell them all this time. hence the 200 GT4's and the *** Spyders split into 2 model years.

mrdemon said: What's not true ? Porsche could have sold loads more 991 GT3's not sure about the 3rd party comment. the R and old Spyder were never a ltd run. the new GT4 and SPyder numbers have been worked out on how many of the old cars they sold to make sure they sell them all this time. hence the 200 GT4's and the *** Spyders split into 2 model years. Yes that was a bad comment too many beers last night what I meant the 991 gt3 we're not all private factory orders and demand was much less than previous gt3 I would say on spyder/gt4 front 200 maybe right but I think it will end up being about the same as the R sales of 250 unless porsche uk states on release that only 200 are coming to the uk Edited by itsybitsy on Saturday 8th November 14:48

itsybitsy said: Most likely end up like the rs60 spyder and just a commercial exercise on the back of the current spyder!remember the 987 spyder was built as a model in the porsche boxster line up but failed as a seller due to the roof and a bit too hardcore for the masses so expect something a little softer and user friendly that will sell as many or may outsell the boxsterS Maybe... We will find out early next year when it is announced

I'm watching this with interest. The 987 Spyder mule was spotted 7 months before the announcement and everybody seems to agree that the 981 will be announced around April 2015, so we should see some new pictures any time now. Likely testing somewhere near the US Westcoast like the GT3 RSes. Unless it will be a normal special edition Boxster. I hope it will be something special again.

I think the roof was the biggest weakness of the 987 Spyder. Not because of the fiddliness - I was totally up for that - but because it was far far too noisy roof up above 80mph. It therefore wasn't a car you could cover massive distances in in any kind of comfort. That and the too-long gear ratios were the only weakness for me.

unfortunatly the 987/2 spyder was a failure for porsche and a classic car for the enthusiast/collector. if you drive arround cheshire there are boxsters everywere used on a daily basis, the spyder does not fit the bill for 90% of boxster owners, it is down to us car enthusiasts to have, drive and own these super cars. if the 981 spyder is user friendly then it will appeal to "normal" boxster owners and may never achieve the status the 987/2 spyder is and will achieve.

barchetta_boy said: I think the roof was the biggest weakness of the 987 Spyder. Not because of the fiddliness - I was totally up for that - but because it was far far too noisy roof up above 80mph. It therefore wasn't a car you could cover massive distances in in any kind of comfort. That and the too-long gear ratios were the only weakness for me. Completely agree with the above, and it stopped me from buying one. Taking the roof on and off wasn't great, but it is like a little tent on the motorway. The gear ratios won't change IMO as this is emissions led/smog test in california etc.

Was at OPC earlier today and picked up a little snippet re new Spyder. Apparently a new rooof has been engineered which will be different from both 987 Spyder and current Boxster. Weight saving will again be a major focus. Not a lot but something to keep,us interested I think! (LOI already submited needles to say)

I still think a 914/918 style roof would make a lot of sense for this car. It's probably going to be something along these lines, possibly made out of carbon fiber. Good news for everyday usability, although arguably the lack thereof is part of what made the 987.2 Spyder so special.

It's not the roof you need to worry about but if it is not built until late next year it will most likely be a turbo to meet euro regs from sept 2015! Hence why I think the need for porsche to start producing the GT4 pre 9/15 to keep it n/a

Personally not concerned whether its Turbo or NA .Whatever it is I am sure it will perform to usual Porsche standards and I am not interested in tracking it . Its overall styling and exclusiveness/rarity is more important to me. I really want to it look different from run of the mill Boxsters - which let's face it are becoming very common on the roads now.

CMoose the point I was making - perhaps not very well - is that the cars performance will surely not be wanting be it turbo or not - at least at the limits reached on public roads but for the inevitable price premium I want something that looks a little bit different and I think image is important to anyone who buys a Porsche.

Had the "perceived rumours" above confirmed by my OPC yesterday. April launch, July deliveries , supply limited to about 100 cars. No further detail re specs etc but I guess these dates rule out the turbo engine being a necessity as sugested above.

Johnthepotter said: Had the "perceived rumours" above confirmed by my OPC yesterday. April launch, July deliveries , supply limited to about 100 cars. No further detail re specs etc but I guess these dates rule out the turbo engine being a necessity as sugested above. they were not rumors I gave the correct dates and there are 150 cars !!

Do you think any OPC's will be offering any deals, or if you want you buy!!

Phil, I cannot see any discounts on such limited numbers. My local OPC believe they have already got orders/Letters Of Intent for their probable allocation. Mr Demon - calm down , its only a forum!! and as far as I can see it wasn't you who quoted numbers or dates in the first place

Worth a try! haha. I wish my OPC would let some info out of the bag!. Any idea on prices?

Hi Phil, no news on prices or specs I'm afraid though it was SUGGESTED that engine would be same as GTS with weight reduction being the source of increased performance. I will share as soon as I hear anything. Logically, I would think base price will be a few K above base price of GTS - only my opinion though!

Looks like it will be a Boxster GT4 rather than a Spyder http://www.carscoops.com/2014/12/new-scoops-sugges...

Navanod said: Looks like it will be a Boxster GT4 rather than a Spyder http://www.carscoops.com/2014/12/new-scoops-sugges... Thanks Navanod. I see what Porsche did with the controversial rear line through the 981 tail-lights, very clever as they can't make fundamental changes but that mini-ducktail makes a hell of a difference to the lines.

Carl_Docklands said: Navanod said: Looks like it will be a Boxster GT4 rather than a Spyder http://www.carscoops.com/2014/12/new-scoops-sugges... Thanks Navanod. I see what Porsche did with the controversial rear line through the 981 tail-lights, very clever as they can't make fundamental changes but that mini-ducktail makes a hell of a difference to the lines. Agreed. I want that ducktail and front bumper. - The production versions, of course

So it's a cayman gt4r and a boxster gt4 spyder then and will there be the usual 10 hp between them!

Looks a bit plain to me. Nothing like the Spyder now..

philnotts said: Looks a bit plain to me. Nothing like the Spyder now.. Yeah, I know. I was hoping for the humps and a fabric targa roof.

Oh dear if that is it, it looks crap.

If indeed that is the new Spyder I will not be progressing my order !! However, I have been told more than once by OPC that a new lightweight roof has been engineered and that shown in the pictures seems to be the standard roof so I think more secrets to be revealed in coming weeks !! Let's hope so anyway !

Has the RS steering wheel too.

It's only a proper Spyder if it has the humps...

And these...

Johnthepotter said: If indeed that is the new Spyder I will not be progressing my order !! However, I have been told more than once by OPC that a new lightweight roof has been engineered and that shown in the pictures seems to be the standard roof so I think more secrets to be revealed in coming weeks !! Let's hope so anyway ! I hope you are right! The standard roof doesn't cut it for me.

2010spy said: And these... it's a good thing we're all different eh? I think they are the most useless, cliché'd thing I've seen on a car in recent memory!

Another: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/porsche/2016-porsche-...

If they are right about the pricing, then I'll be out.

It's rather underwhelming

I'm out if if looks like that. It may as well be a 981 Boxster Sport. There is nothing really unique. I can't see Porsche releasing anything like the current Spyder as its not user friendly enough for the market.

philnotts said: I'm out if if looks like that. It may as well be a 981 Boxster Sport. There is nothing really unique. I can't see Porsche releasing anything like the current Spyder as its not user friendly enough for the market. I agree. My hope was that would do a targa like the 918/914... but use a top that is framed fabric (think a paint canvas) like the 991 Targa, but make it a manual piece you remove like the 914. Simple/quick install, ultra lightweight and retains the signature hump design.

Phil - remember that they are only looking to shift about 100 units in UK, so don't give up yet!!

Thats good, but those pictures arent. Unless its going to look nothing like them?!

If the pictures are close the production version (5 months to go...) then the 987.2 Spyder will soon be a future "blue chip classic". I don't care if the car has a 4L 400 HP engine in it, that just looks far too plain for me. Typical marketing cash-grab after the artificially generated Cayman GT4 preorder hype.

I hope it looks like that, we will have £60k Spyder 987.2 prices next summer if it does :-)

Good point perhaps its not all doom and gloom after all!!

Jesus Porsche. It's not hard. All you need to do is: - leave the engine alone - lose 100kg if poss - humps, gorgeous wheels, carbon buckets - carbon targa roof that is quiet at speed - close ratio box - NOT one that puts me at 95mph if I rev 3rd out the final two would solve the only 2 flaws with the 987 version

Thinking further about the Topspeed article - why would Porsche develop a Boxster along the same lines as the Cayman GT4? Surely the 2 cars will address different markets. From what we believe of the GT4, it will be a track focused car - a la GT3. I do not attend track days but I should imagine that you would not see too many soft tops and serious racers would go for Cayman rather than Boxster. I think that the Spyder could to be less hardcore and more along lines suggested by previous poster. They could achieve suitable performance increases at minimal cost by using Cayman GTS engine and reducing weight leaving budget to be spent on bodywork revisions i.e. humps !! What do you think?

Porsche tend to get value for money when they engineer something. I fully expect whatever work they have done to make a cayman gt4, the exact same mods will be cross engineered into a boxster Spyder/gt4 version. With just the usual differences made to allow for one being a coupe etc. Judging from these latest pics, this would seem the case. I'm not sure we will see bodywork changes beyond bumpers. I don't think the Spyder sold in big enough numbers to do the humps and compromised roof again. The way it also looks, porsche aren't being overly concerned about building the R or Spyder names again. I think these may turn out to be unique to the 987. Again, I can see the 987 Spyder being a special model.

The car looks like an easy way for Porsche to recoup the development costs of the Cayman GT4. Looking at the pictures what I know (and don't...) it seems to me like Porsche greenlighted this Boxster after the surprising feedback they got from the Cayman GT4, so they figured they might as well put the extra bits on a Boxster for more revenue. Same engine minus 10hp, same diff, same suspension, same brakes, same wheels, same bumper, same spoiler, same interior (seats, steering wheel, door pulls), virtually the same calibration all around (ABS, PSM, etc) - job jobbed. However I remain sceptical that the new top-end Boxster won't get any other bodywork changes. A new roof is the very least they should do for this car. I also noticed that it doesn't have a GT4 rear bumper yet so maybe the rear is still "work in progress". Then again the 987.2 Spyder prototype was first seen in the wild with the new roof and camouflaged humps 7 months (April 2009 - see picture below) before the announcement (Nov 2009), the new Spyder/GT4 release is rumored to take place in 5 months. Plus they didn't launch the Cayman R and Spyder at the same time which arguably left more time for development. Time will tell. Edited by EricE on Thursday 11th December 12:51