Porsche Spyder returns !!

[Gojirra99]

Porsche Spyder returns !!

All-new entry-level Porsche will share its platform with the VW Bluesport and takes inspiration from original 550 Spyder

Auto Express Car Reviews
Text: Jack Rix / Photos: JFH

23rd June 2009

One of the most revered names in sports car history, the Porsche Spyder, is back! And our exclusive illustrations show for the first time how the sub-Boxster two-seater will shape up when it arrives in 2013.

Based on the VW Bluesport Concept’s underpinnings, also set to be shared with the forthcoming Audi R2, the new ‘baby’ Porsche will be aiming to maintain the firm’s reputation for unrivalled driving dynamics, but in a much lighter, fuel efficient and affordable package than any model in recent memory.

The new Spyder will offer the same open air driving experience as the Boxster, thanks to its folding canvas roof, but at just 3.99 metres long, it will be significantly smaller than the current entry-level Porsche. That means a range of four-cylinder turbocharged engines raided from the VW parts bin will be plenty to deliver genuine sportscar thrills.

Entry-level cars will use a version of the 200bhp 2.0 TFSI engine borrowed from the VW Golf GTI, mounted behind the driver and between the two axles for optimum handling balance. A Sport version will feature the same unit, but turned up to around 280bhp for a scintillating turn of pace.

Prices will start from around £28,000, keeping the Spyder far enough away from the cheapest Boxster’s asking price of around £33,700, while maintaining a reassuring premium over the cheaper VW Bluesport.

Inspiration and the design philosophy behind the new Spyder, comes from the first Porsche 550 Spyder, unveiled at the 1953 Paris Motor Show. The compact two-seater was originally designed for racing and took a famous class-victory at Le Mans. But the notoriously tricky-to-handle roadster cemented its place in history when the Hollywood legend James Dean died at the wheel of one in 1955.

SOURCE

[xioix]

That concept art looks a bit like a MR2 Spyder

[IS-SV]

No thanks, I like my Porsches with flat sixes.

[bad co]

looks like the return of the 944, 4pot borrowed from vw/audi. good looks great power. sure to be a winner and will sway alot of people from z4's boxters and z's maybe even some tt's

[pvmike1]

I'd rather have a Porsche Spyder replica with a WRX engine (see middle of the page):

http://vintagespyders.com/turnkey.html



1300 lbs + 300 hp =

[I8ABMR]

not into paying Porsche money for a rebadged VW. I will pass.


My love will always be for the GT3RS and the GT2

[Parker Gen]

It looks oright.... I guess.
At 3.9999999999m I think it'll look more silly than dominating.

[RX469]

I guess this is the look the MR-S was going for. Except the Porsche look less awkard with the wheels not stuck on the fender's sides.
Uummmm, not too sure about this design yet.

[1SICKLEX]

I thought I just read this was canned. Well I think its a great move.

[nmpeter]

When I saw that picture I thought of a mix between little kid with a huge smile across his face and the joker.

[bruce van]

Originally Posted by pvmike1

I'd rather have a Porsche Spyder replica with a WRX engine (see middle of the page):

1300 lbs + 300 hp =

I'm with you there, brother!! The Porche 550 is probably my all time favorite car and I will have one of these replicas in my garage.

[JessePS]

I'll stick with the VW when it comes out.

[DustinV]

Originally Posted by I8ABMR

not into paying Porsche money for a rebadged VW. I will pass.

Over 120,000 people before you gladly forked over Porsche money for a "VW".

[MPLexus301]

That back end looks like it has it's pants down.

Hopefully that rendering is wrong

[felixsc300]

I would settle for a used 993.