Porsche -- a company known for creating light and highly efficient and desirable sports cars -- took the wraps off one of its most nimble and sportiest mid-engine cars ever: the 2011 Boxster Spyder at Los Angeles International Auto Show.
This new mid-engine Porsche represents the purist form of the roadster sports car, meaning it is agile, powerful, open and efficient. Weighing only 2,811 lbs. and delivering 320 horsepower, it goes on sale in February 2010 and will join the Boxster and Boxster S that made their world debut here last year.
This exciting new member of the Boxster family stands out among other versions of the company's famous roadster. Almost reluctantly, Porsche's engineers equipped it with a lightweight manual soft top meant for protection only; it is there to be deployed on those occasions when the elements absolutely demand it. This utilitarian top, when combined with extra-low side windows and two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, provides the Boxster Spyder with a sleek, low-slung silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.
"The new Boxster Spyder looks distinctly different from its Boxster siblings," said Klaus Berning, Porsche's executive board member responsible for worldwide sales and marketing, speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show press conference today. "Our designers borrowed from the rich history of our mid-engine sports and race cars of the '50s, but under the skin it has our most advanced technology so that its performance matches the Spyder's looks, making it the quintessential purist Porsche."
The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 horsepower, 10 more than the Boxster S.
The combination of more horsepower, 176 lbs. less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provide the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction.
When equipped with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top track speed is 166 mph -- with the roof open.
Hot New 911s shown for the first time in the United States
Another press conference highlight was Porsche's first North American presentation of its new 2010 911 Turbo, the flagship of the venerable 911 range, in both the Coupe and Cabriolet versions. The 911 Turbo features the first entirely new engine in the car's storied 35-year history. The new flat-six boxer engine now delivers 500 horsepower, providing 0-60 mph acceleration (with the Sports Chrono Package) in 3.2 seconds and a top track speed of 194 mph.
The 911 Turbo has helped spearhead innovations throughout Porsche's complete range of sports cars for decades. More than 80,000 911 Turbos have been delivered worldwide since it joined the 911 family in 1974.
The new 911 Turbo Coupe and Turbo Cabriolet go on sale in January with a MSRP of $132,800 and $143,800, respectively.
Premiering alongside the 911 Turbo is the asphalt-burning 911 GT3 RS, a race-bred 911 that is also at home on the street. The newest version delivers even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous 911 GT3s.
Like all 911s, the heart of the new, uncompromising 911 GT3 RS is the powerplant. The naturally aspirated RS engine now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers more power, while revving up even faster to its 8,500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 horsepower per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, this 911 GT3 RS engine remains fully suitable for everyday use.
The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the United States in early spring 2010 with an MSRP of $132,800.
Panamera joins the Porsche family, and media drive the Cayenne S Hybrid
Also at today's press conference, Porsche displayed its newest model, the 2010 Panamera Gran Turismo, which is the company's first four-door sports car. The Panamera went on sale in the United States on October 17th of this year and is off to a strong start.
Providing a look into the near future, Porsche is showing a prototype of its upcoming Cayenne S Hybrid SUV that will go on sale in the U.S. and Europe next year. Porsche is also participating in this year's Los Angeles Auto Show Green Cars Ride & Drive on Dec. 3, giving journalists a chance to test drive this prototype and experience a bit of Porsche spice in today's hybrid stew.
source: prnewswire
