That mule also bore an aggressive aerodynamic body kit we recognize from the Cayman GT4, as well as a lowered suspension and stouter brakes. While the two vehicles will share much of the same DNA, European bureau chief Georg Kacher reports that the Boxster Spyder will not receive the upgraded chassis components (such as the new forged-aluminum rear suspension) that make the Cayman GT4 such a potent driver’s car. The GT4’s chassis revisions—steering rack, front axle, wheel bearings, shocks, and front tires—migrate from the 911 GT3.
Exactly how the Porsche Boxster Spyder will be equipped is tough to say at the moment, but given the heritage of the Spyder moniker, we’re not holding our breath for much window dressing. The last Boxster Spyder, released in 2010, was fervently stripped: No power operation for the convertible top, no air conditioning, no radio, no cup holders, and even the interior door handles were swapped for fabric straps in service of weight reduction. The new Boxster Spyder may not go to this extreme, but the focus on performance rather than creature comforts will likely remain.
The 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 is on sale now, with a starting price of $85,595. There’s no indication just yet as to the cost of entry for the Boxster Spyder, but we don’t expect it diverge too far from that of the GT4.
