Porsche is revisiting its 550 Spyder past (again) with a lighter, more powerful version of the Boxster S. The new ‘Spyder’ will weigh in at 1275kg – the lightest model in the company’s range – and has a tuned 3.4-litre, direct injection flat-six producing 320bhp. That’s an increase of 10bhp over the standard ‘S’.

The new version has a lower centre of gravity and all-new sports suspension. A sleeker (fabric) roofline with extra-low side windows, and double ‘humps’ over the rear, gives the car a little of the appearance of the now-discontinued Carrera GT.

The superb PDK automatic transmission is an option, and this gives the Spyder a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds when using Launch Control. Top speed, hood up or down, is 166mph and Porsche promises fuel consumption of around 30mpg in the New European Driving Cycle.

After a premiere in LA this December, the new car will be available from dealers in February 2010 at an anticipated price of 63,404 euros (to national specification and including VAT).

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Porsche