Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.

Porsche Spyder returns !!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-25-09, 09:10 PM
  #1  
Gojirra99
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
 
Gojirra99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 30,104
Received 226 Likes on 153 Posts
Default Porsche Spyder returns !!



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
Gojirra99 is offline  
Old 06-25-09, 09:31 PM
  #2  
xioix
Racer

 
xioix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: so. cal
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

That concept art looks a bit like a MR2 Spyder
xioix is offline  
Old 06-25-09, 10:21 PM
  #3  
IS-SV
Lexus Fanatic
 
IS-SV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: tech capital
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

No thanks, I like my Porsches with flat sixes.
IS-SV is offline  
Old 06-25-09, 10:57 PM
  #4  
bad co
Lexus Champion
 
bad co's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Park Ridge IL
Posts: 2,485
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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
bad co is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 12:00 AM
  #5  
pvmike1
Lexus Champion
 
pvmike1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: California
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 1 Post
Default

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 =
pvmike1 is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 12:10 AM
  #6  
I8ABMR
Lexus Fanatic
 
I8ABMR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Waiting for next track day
Posts: 22,608
Received 102 Likes on 67 Posts
Default

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


My love will always be for the GT3RS and the GT2
I8ABMR is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 02:45 AM
  #7  
Parker Gen
Lexus Test Driver
 
Parker Gen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

It looks oright.... I guess.
At 3.9999999999m I think it'll look more silly than dominating.
Parker Gen is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 07:42 AM
  #8  
RX469
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
 
RX469's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MD
Posts: 2,804
Received 50 Likes on 39 Posts
Default

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.
RX469 is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 08:32 AM
  #9  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I thought I just read this was canned. Well I think its a great move.
 
Old 06-26-09, 08:57 AM
  #10  
nmpeter
Pole Position
iTrader: (15)
 
nmpeter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,443
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

When I saw that picture I thought of a mix between little kid with a huge smile across his face and the joker.
nmpeter is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 09:12 AM
  #11  
bruce van
Lexus Champion
 
bruce van's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: California
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

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.
bruce van is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 10:10 AM
  #12  
JessePS
Lexus Test Driver

 
JessePS's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: QC/FRANCE
Posts: 8,349
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I'll stick with the VW when it comes out.
JessePS is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 11:39 AM
  #13  
DustinV
Lexus Champion
 
DustinV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stuttgart
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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".

DustinV is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 01:19 PM
  #14  
MPLexus301
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
MPLexus301's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Friend Zone
Posts: 9,044
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

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

Hopefully that rendering is wrong
MPLexus301 is offline  
Old 06-26-09, 05:17 PM
  #15  
felixsc300
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (5)
 
felixsc300's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NorCal
Posts: 1,534
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I would settle for a used 993.
felixsc300 is offline  


Quick Reply: Porsche Spyder returns !!



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:57 PM.