Porsche for the purist

THE most powerful Boxster zoomed into the Eurokars showroom this week.

The new Porsche Boxster Spyder uses the same 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine found in the 911 Carrera S. With 375 hp and a six-speed manual transmission, it accelerates from zero to 100 kmh in 4.5 seconds. Zero to 200 kmh takes 14.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 290 kmh. When not concentrating on straight-line performance, its mid-engine layout ensures perfect balance for dynamic handling.

Visually, the Boxster Spyder stands out for the two prominent bubbles behind the headrests. Known as streamliners, they stretch over the long trunk lid. The use of a manually operated lightweight fabric hood not only lowers the Spyder's centre of gravity but keeps kerb weight down.