Boxster Spyder 3.8L 2016

Porsche unveiled the latest Boxster Spyder based on the 981 Boxster in April 2015 at the New York Auto Show. The 981 Spyder is a lightweight high performance version of the Boxster and the lightest Porsche in the model lineup at the time, weighing 1,315 kg (2,899lb). It is powered by the largest and most powerful engine used in a Boxster at the time, a 3.8ltr flat-6 shared with the Cayman GT4 and 911 Carrera S, rated at 375hp (280kW). The Spyder is only available with a 6 speed manual transmission.

The styling of the car is similar to the previous generation Spyder, continuing the twin hump rear deck and manually operated canvas top. The Spyder's lightweight design was achieved through the use of aluminum doors and rear boot lid, a manually operated canvas soft top with electronic assist and unique lightweight 20 inch wheels. The manual soft top results in a weight saving of 24lb (11kg) over the standard Boxster's electric powered top. Interior door handles were replaced with nylon door pulls for a weight savings of 1.2lb (1kg)and the air conditioning and audio system were also removed, although they could be added as no cost options. Total weight savings amounted to 66lb (30kg) when compared to a manual-equipped Boxster GTS despite the Spyder's upsized engine and chassis upgrades.

The Spyder is the only model from the 981 generation to feature an updated faster ratio steering rack shared with 911 Turbo S for improved steering response and feel. It is equipped with a smaller diameter GT steering wheel used in both the 911 GT3 and Cayman GT4. The Spyder's brakes are enlarged over other Boxster models, using six-piston calipers with 340 mm rotors at the front and four-piston calipers with 330 mm rotors at the rear shared with the 911 Carrera S. The Spyder features a sports suspension with 20mm lower ride height than the standard Boxster and a limited slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring shared with the Cayman GT4 was also used.

Reception was positive with high marks for its lightweight chassis and handling balance. The Spyder was a limited-production model with 2,486 units in total made with 829 of those destined for North America