2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder lightweight

The German sports car manufacturer has just released info with the new 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder lightweight version.
With a total curb weight of only 1,275 Kg this new version 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder is the lightest model from the company’s lineup and as you can imagine, all this will have a direct impact on performance as well as fuel consumption.
The 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder lightweight features an extensive list of components that are lighter than in the regular version, and include aluminium doors, a manual fabric roof with carbon fibre front frame, sports bucket seats also made from carbon fibre, a smaller fuel tank, lighter 19 inch alloys and other components with reduced weight.
The interior has also been re-worked while under the bonnet the 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder lightweight has a 3.4-litre boxter engine producing 320 HP whic is linked to a 6-speed manual transmission. When fitted with the PDK dual clutch transmission and the Sports Chrono Package the 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder lightweight can accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 267 Km/h.
The 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder lightweight version price is 46,387 GBP whic is 3,879 GBP over the Boxster S.
Porsche press release :
A lightweight version of the mid-engined Porsche Boxster roadster,
the Spyder represents the true, purist form of the Porsche sports car –
light, powerful, open-roofed, and very efficient.
This is precisely the formula already applied in creating the most
successful road-going sports and racing cars throughout the history of
Porsche, ranging from the legendary 550 Spyder of the 1950s to the RS
Spyder Le Mans Prototype race car so successful in motorsport today.
Weighing 1,275 kg, the Boxster Spyder is the lightest model in the
Porsche line-up, and continues this clear-cut philosophy in a package
offering full homologation for the road, and fulfilling a popular wish
expressed by Porsche customers.
The new model becomes the third version in the Boxster range,
joining the Boxster and Boxster S, yet at first sight stands out
clearly from the other models. This is quite simply because the Spyder
has been developed essentially for driving in the open air.
Bold and sporty styling
The Boxster Spyder is first and foremost a Boxster – but interpreted
in a totally new way. The purist character of the car is evident at
first sight, with particular emphasis on the two-seater roadster design
with its mid-engine. The new, elegantly long rear lid, together with
new wheels and distinctive styling touches inside and out, give the car
an absolutely unique look.
The low-slung, lightweight soft top extends far to the rear at a
distinctive angle and serves to protect the driver and passenger from
bright sunshine, wind and rain. When closed, the soft top, together
with the bespoke, shallower side windows and the two unique striking
bulges on the single-piece rear engine cover, boasts a stretched and
sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT super sports car.
And classic Porsche logos run along the bottom of each door as a leitmotif inspired by earlier Porsche Spyder race cars.
The main objective of the Porsche Design Studio in creating the
Boxster Spyder was to make the classic design of the current Boxster S
even purer and to make clear reference to classic Porsche racing cars.
Great importance was placed on emphasising the car’s functions. The
design of the manual roof is intended not only to perfect the
silhouette but also to meet the basic needs of the passengers in bad
weather. For this reason, the top speed with the hood raised is limited
to 124mph.
Two convex curves running lengthwise in the completely new aluminium
rear lid, the fixed rear spoiler and a modified front spoiler lip help
to optimise the car’s aerodynamics. As you would expect, the
aerodynamic qualities of the Boxster Spyder have been honed for
superior driving dynamics. The aerodynamic Cd rating of 0.30 is
identical to the Boxster S, while the drag (Cd x A) is in fact lower
due to the smaller frontal area. The excellent aerodynamics makes a
significant contribution to the agility of the car at speed, and also
to low fuel consumption.
Significantly, the Spyder weighs 80kg less than the Boxster S which,
combined with a lower centre of gravity and revised chassis settings,
gives the Boxster Spyder the calibre of driving dynamics that clearly
reflect the unique look of the car.
Higher performance through intelligent weight reduction
While the overall objective behind the Boxster Spyder was to improve
performance, this has been achieved in an intelligent way, not simply
by boosting engine power. Instead, every detail was scrutinised to
deliver the required dynamic responses, with the driver’s needs – as is
typical of Porsche – the primary focus.
The obvious point of difference between the Boxster Spyder and its
siblings is its manual roof instead of an electric folding one, and the
use of a large aluminium rear lid, that not only creates that essential
‘speedster’ look, but also contributes to the car’s lightweight
character and thrilling performance.
The purist qualities of the Spyder are delivered by a comprehensive programme of lightweight features:

• manual fabric roof with carbon fibre front frame reduces the Spyder’s weight by 21 kg
• aluminium doors similar to those on the 911 Turbo and GT3 saves 15 kg
• the use of an aluminium rear engine cover saves 3 kg
• since the Spyder was designed for sporty open-top driving, the air conditioning has been removed and saves 12 kg
• using lightweight carbon fibre sports bucket seats saves 12 kg
• the fuel tank has a capacity of 54 litres, 10 litres fewer than standard Boxster, saving 7 kg
• the lightweight design of the 19” Spyder alloy wheels saves 5 kg
• there is no radio and a smaller battery, saving approximately 3 kg
• dispensing with cup holders and using lightweight interior door trims with door opening loops saves 2 kg

The interior of the Boxster Spyder has been adopted from the Boxster
S, but re-worked with particular emphasis on purism, ergonomics and
authenticity. Finished mainly in black, the cockpit is complemented by
features in exterior colour and highlights in red. Of particular note
is the omission of the instrument cowl above the dials, which lowers
weight and also sends out a clear puristic signal
Chassis tuned for even sharper handling
As is evident, systematic lightweight design sets the Boxster Spyder
apart, and delivers an excellent power-to-weight ratio of 4 kg/hp (9
per cent better than a Boxster S) that manifests itself in remarkable
performance, culminating in a lap time around the Nurburgring
Nordschleife seven seconds quicker than that of a Boxster S.
The specially adapted chassis of the Boxster Spyder gives the car
its more dynamic character. Lowering the entire body by 20mm
contributes further to the car’s lower centre of gravity and the
combined use of modified anti-roll bars and even stiffer spring/damper
units significantly increases the performance potential. This is
supported by a front track width increased by 4mm and an 8mm wider rear
track. A mechanically locking differential is fitted as standard, and
delivers significantly improved traction on changing road surfaces and
when cornering at the extreme limits of performance. Locking values are
22 per cent under power and 27 per cent in overrun.
Although delivering a firmer and sporty chassis set-up, the Boxster
Spyder retains a remarkably compliant ride; not least as a result of
the tyre pressures being able to be set slightly lower due to the
weight reduction measures.
More power from classic flat six engine
The Boxster Spyder features a tuned version of the proven 3.4-litre
flat six ‘boxer’ engine with Direct Fuel Injection, which is mounted
amidships ahead of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 bhp, 10 bhp
more than in the Boxster S. As standard, the Spyder features a
six-speed manual gearbox, but the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK)
double-clutch transmission is available as an option. When equipped
with PDK and the optional Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using
Launch Control, can accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in 4.8
seconds. Again with optional PDK, fuel consumption is a mere 30.4mpg
(9.3 litres/100km) in the NEDC New European Driving Cycle and top
speed, in turn, is 166 mph (267 km/h) – with the roof removed.
The outstanding driving dynamics and steering precision of the
Boxster Spyder achieves a standard never before seen in any Boxster.
The car’s lightweight construction, combined with the increase in
performance and modifications of the chassis, offers not only superior
driving pleasure, but also a level of performance quite unique in the
market.
Market introduction of the new Porsche Boxster Spyder started
worldwide in February 2010, and the car is priced from £46,387 in the
UK. Standard specification on every Spyder includes 6-speed manual
transmission, 19” Boxster Spyder alloy wheels, manual two-piece hood
comprising sunshield and weather protector, wind deflector, sports
chassis lowered by 20 mm, lightweight carbon fibre sports bucket seats
trimmed in Alcantara/leather, Porsche Stability Management (PSM),
3-spoke sports steering wheel, fixed rear spoiler, and heat insulating
glass.
Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to
explore the dynamic attributes of their Boxster Spyder, and develop
their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience
Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.
Porsche Boxster Spyder key options:

Technical data – Boxster Spyder vs Boxster S:

The legendary heritage of the Porsche Spyder
In terms of its fundamental concept, the entire Boxster family is
the successor to the legendary 550 Spyder built back in 1953, both
models sharing the same mid-engined roadster concept offering low
weight and supreme agility combined with equally outstanding driving
pleasure – in essence, an authentic roadster experience.
Through their fundamental concept, all models in the Boxster range
are acknowledged as the successors to the legendary 550 Spyder built
back in 1953: The philosophy of these Porsche sports cars is based on a
mid-engine roadster concept, low weight, purist technology and style,
as well as superior agility combined with truly unique driving pleasure.
Introducing the 550 Spyder in October 1953, Porsche not only
presented the first sports car built in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
specifically for motorsport, but also set the foundation for a long
series of spectacular racing wins.
In technical terms the fast and agile Spyder stood out from the start through its independent
suspension as well as a pendulum rear axle and torsion bar springs.
Apart from the car’s excellent driving qualities, lightweight
construction was of course the topmost commitment of Porsche’s
engineers, overall weight of the 550 Spyder amounting to just about 550
kg or 1,213 lb. But contrary to many assumptions, the “550” model
designation has nothing to do with the weight of the car – rather, it
specifies the production number 550 given to the project by the Porsche
Engineering Office, which incidentally dates all the way back to the
year 1931.
The power unit featured in the 550 Spyder known to this very day as
the “Fuhrmann engine” is almost as legendary as the car itself. The
first drawings of this brand-new model developed under the guidance of
Porsche Senior Engineer Ernst Fuhrmann were completed on the drawing
board in 1952.
Destined to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Porsche AG in 1976, Fuhrmann used all the options of modern racing
engine technology in designing and building this 1.5-litre light-alloy
four-cylinder. Technical features such as four overhead camshafts with
side shaft drive, double ignition, a crankshaft running in four
bearings and eight-litre dry sump lubrication gave the engine reliable
maximum output of 110 bhp at 7,800 rpm. And in the years to come
maximum power of this engine code-named the 587 was to be increased
even further to 180 bhp.
The Porsche 550 A Spyder resting on an even lighter and much stiffer
tubular spaceframe instead of a flat frame and boasting engine output
of 135 bhp made its debut in 1956. The 550 A weighed 530 kg in
ready-to-drive condition, and it was the 550 A which gave Porsche the
Company’s first overall win in a race for the Manufacturer’s World
Championship. In May 1956, Italian driver Umberto Maglioli scored a
sensational victory in the Targa Florio, at the time the most
challenging road race in the world.
The 550 was followed by other extremely successful versions of the
Spyder such as the Porsche 718 RSK raced for the first time in 1957.
Standing out as a dynamic performer against bigger competitors, the
Porsche 718 RSK Spyder was indeed very successful in numerous World
Championship races not only in the 1.5- or 2.0-litre class, but also in
the top 3.0-litre class, frequently leaving even much more powerful
competitors far behind.
In response to new FIA regulations for racing cars requiring a
closer connection with their production counterparts, the 718 RS 60
developed for the 1960 season on the basis of the 718 RSK received not
only a larger 1600-cc power unit, but also features such as a larger
windscreen, a fully functioning roof and even a luggage compartment
behind the 160 bhp four-camshaft four-cylinder power unit, that is
components quite unusual on a racing car.
From outside the new Spyder was recognisable through its round and
low-slung front end, at the rear it boasted a bulge tapering out
towards the back of the car. On the track the 718 RS 60 quickly scared
the competition, giving Porsche the greatest success the Company had
achieved so far particularly in long-distance racing. In the car’s very
first event, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 718 RS 60 came first and
second with Gendebien/Herrmann and Holbert/Sheckter at the wheel.
Overall victory in the 44th Targa Florio also went to Zuffenhausen
in 1960, with Joakim Bonnier and Hans Herrmann crossing the finish line
more than six minutes ahead of the three-litre Ferrari. And a second
place in the 1,000 Kilometres or Nürburgring rounded off this unique
story of success. With Swiss racing driver Heini Walter at the wheel,
the 718 RS 60 soon also proved its qualities in hill-climbing, bringing
home the third and fourth European Hill-Climb Championships in a row in
1960 and 1961.
In 2004 and 2008 Porsche dedicated a limited edition of special
Boxsters bearing the additional name Spyder, inspired by these
legendary racing cars. By contrast, the new Boxster Spyder is a
regular, specially developed and upgraded production model with
far-reaching modifications versus the Boxster and Boxster S.
The current Porsche RS Spyder race car was developed in 2005 as a
completely new car from the ground up for LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2)
racing regulations. In the 34 races held in the American Le Mans Series
up to the end of 2008, the RS Spyder entered by the Penske Racing Team
brought home a total of 24 class and 11 overall victories.
Scoring this kind of success, the Porsche RS Spyder also won the
Manufacturer’s, Team and Driver’s Championships in the LMP2 class in
2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2007 and 2008, to mention yet another
outstanding example, the RS Spyder was the superior winner in its
category in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And last but certainly not least,
this sports prototype from Weissach also proved unbeatable in the 2007
Le Mans Series, winning all the races in the season and, obviously, the
Championship itself.
The RS Spyder has also won the Michelin Green X Challenge several
times as the car with the highest level of overall efficiency; that is
the best balance of lap times on the one hand, and fuel economy on the
other.
Such credentials are very much the epitome of Porsche Intelligent
Performance, and this brings the entire Spyder story full circle, with
the new Boxster Spyder likewise offering a supreme standard of
efficiency and the performance of a genuine winner right from the start.