Porsche Developing Boxster Spyder Successor As Flat-Six Era Ends

Jan. 27, 2015 8:20 AM ET by Jay Traugott / 21 Comments

In a nutshell, equally powerful but even lighter than the Boxster GTS.

Before its replacement arrived, the previous generation Porsche Boxster was turned into an even more purists' roadster: the Boxster Spyder. It was positioned above the Boxster S and a number of weight-saving elements were introduced, such as removing the radio, door handles and air conditioning. It also had a slight power increase but nothing significant over the S. More importantly, it had a firmer suspension and unique exterior styling traits that made it even more special.

In the near future the Boxster's flat-six engine will be replaced in favor of a new turbocharged flat-four. Fortunately the Boxster Club Sport is also now in the works. This hardcore roadster, according to various sources, won't have a power boost over the Boxster GTS. Instead, Porsche engineers are focusing on a lower curb weight and chassis refinement. Pricing will probably be even higher than the GTS and a launch date is expected sometime in 2016.