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Porsche has revealed a new version of its mid-engined Boxster roadster ahead of the car’s world debut at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy next week. The new car is labeled the Boxster RS 60 Spyder and takes its inspiration from the classic open top Porsche racers of the 1960s – the Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder in particular.

Using the Boxster S as a donor car, designers added a unique front spoiler, 19in Porsche SportDesign alloys, a high-flow exhaust with dual pipes and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) stability control. Final engine output stands at 303hp (226kW).

The RS 60 Spyder is scheduled to hit showrooms in March with a starting price of €53,500 without taxes.


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edit: Press Release from WCF:

Press Release

Porsche is presenting a new version of the mid-engined Boxster roadster at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy on December 5 - 16. In its distinctive design, features and philosophy, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder echoes the classic motorsport era of the 1960s, and in particular the success of Porsche sports cars during that period.

After countless class wins around the circuits of Europe and America, in 1960 the Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder beat competitors with much larger engines to score its first overall victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, USA, one of the most prestigious long-distance sports car races, courtesy of Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien.

The new Boxster RS 60 Spyder reflects the sporting character and design purism of that successful mid-engined two-seater sports racing car. The RS 60 Spyder is based on the acclaimed Boxster S model, but differs significantly in terms of its performance and features.

Externally, the RS 60 Spyder is distinguished by a unique front spoiler and 19-inch diameter Porsche SportDesign alloy wheels, which spacer plates have moved outwards purposefully in the wheel arches. A modified sports exhaust system combined with dual tailpipes increases engine output to 303 bhp as well as adding further definition to the car’s appearance. Completing the sporting orientation to the driving experience is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which adds further dynamism to the Boxster chassis.

Distinctive GT Silver Metallic paintwork is accentuated by the contrasting natural leather interior in Carrera Red. The roof is also finished in red. As an alternative, there is also the choice of Dark Grey natural leather in conjunction with a Black roof. The tail light clusters are also finished in red.

Inside, door trim strips made of stainless steel proudly bear the “RS 60 Spyder” model designation. The leather interior trim is further distinguished by a textured surface on the centre sections of the sports seats and the centre door linings, and this also extends to the steering wheel rim and handbrake lever. Completing the sporting ambience is a bespoke gear lever.

Complementing the exterior appearance, the faces of the instrument dials have a GT Silver Metallic finish and with this model not having the usual hood over the instrument cluster, the large central rev counter and the two circular dials on either side bring something of the flair of a racing car to the cockpit.

Further features include the windscreen surround finished in black, as well as the centre console, the seat backrests and the roll hoops all finished in GT Silver Metallic and thus harmonising with the seat belts also finished in Silver.

Reflecting its model designation, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder is limited to 1,960 examples, each one proudly bearing a silver-coloured plaque on the lid of the glove compartment.

Market launch of the new Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder is starting worldwide in March 2008. Including 19 per cent VAT and country-specific requirements, the retail price in Germany is Euro 63,873, the base price Euro 53,500.

Sexy but a bit pointless to use the RS 60 Spyder. Porsche is coming out with too many special editions these days. I don't like it.

The Boxster is getting really old to me. I think it is time for Porsche to tear this one up and start with a clean sheet for the next one. Brilliant as it is, it would nice if it got a new look.

M

It's not the first time that Porsche have offered a limited edition of the Boxster to generate demand - anyone remember the 986 Boxster S Anniversary?

Merc1, Boxster doesn't photograph well, but when seen on the road it is definitely one of the more pleasantly styled roadsters out there. It's low profile midship layout is certainly better and more exclusive looking than a "my bum is perched on the rear diff"-Z4 or "I have a banana on my bonnet"-SLK.

I agree Luw.

But then I was never a big fan of the Boxster to begin with...

Oh I agree. It is still a great looking car, and your descriptions of the Z4 and SLK are hilarious, but when I see the Boxster I still see the original 1997 vehicle. I just think it is time for a truly "new" look, but something still instantly reconizable as a Porsche.

M

^ Oh, I tend to agree Merc1, but you know what I think? [Here it comes, Porschephile heresy...] Porsche have styled themselves into a corner and there's no respite for their designers unless they take a drastic course of action that could negatively impact on the identity of the brand.

Let's be frightfully honest about Porsche's styling of late. The Cayenne whilst being big, with lots of on-the-bitumen road presence, isn't a styling success. The forthcoming Panamera is going to look ugly. The erstwhile Carrera GT was purposeful but oh-so-clinical and hardly the expression of passionate flair that is synonymous with an Italian supercar. The Boxster is heavily reliant on old Porsche roadster styling DNA and the 911 (the car with the least to worry about from a styling point-of-view such is its purity of form) is a creeping, inexorable evolution of a silhouette penned some 50 odd years ago.

The question is, where do Porsche go from here from a styling perspective? Classic lines and deeply entrenched DNA may look good in the metal but the familiarity is becoming a little too persistent.

You haven't seen it uncovered yet, have faith Martin

So, here is the porsche webspecial:

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One of the best Porsche webspecial in my opinion!!!

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Awesome interior