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Carsales Staff1 Apr 2015
NEWS

NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Boxster gets GT4 makeover

Porsche winds up roadster with GT4-inspired appearance and mechanical upgrades

Porsche has beefed up its Boxster roadster with an injection of attitude from its recently released hard-core Cayman GT4.

And although the new Boxster Spyder is "not a GT4 without a roof", to quote local Porsche execs, it is the toughest version of the brand's entry-level open-top yet.

The Boxster Spyder makes its world debut tonight at the New York International Auto Show tomorrow. Sporting GT4-inspired front and rear bodywork including a twin-turret rear section, the two-seater features a 'classic' manual roof, and correspondingly 'classic' manual gearbox.

Although local variants will not follow the stripped-out theme some markets will adopt (see below), it will get the same "firm sports suspension with a 20mm lower ride height, brakes from the 911 Carrera, more direct steering and a 3.8-liter six-cylinder boxer engine".

The engine is derived from the Carrera S and is shared with the GT4. Unlike the 283kW Cayman, however, the Boxster Spyder's direct-injected naturally-aspirated six is rated at 276kW. Both are still a touch under their 911 donor at 294kW.

Porsche claims a top speed of 290km/h for the Spyder and zero to 100km/h time of around 4.5 seconds.

Although the Spyder will be no slouch at the track, it does not feature the bespoke suspension componentry of the GT4.

Porsche Cars Australia says Spyders "bound for Australia will have a higher specification level to meet market requirements".

Additional features of US and Euro spec Spyders include Porsche Communication Management (PCM) incorporating sat-nav and infotainment features, superior audio system, cruise control, heated seats and dual-zone air-conditioning.

The company has announced a starting price of $169,000 for the model, which will arrive Down Under in the third quarter of 2015.

Porsche Cars Australia has also announced three new ‘Edition’ models of the Panamera this week – all offering around $20,000 worth of extra equipment at "no additional cost".

Added goodies include 19-inch Panamera Turbo II wheels, Porsche Dynamic Lighting System (PDLS) LED headlights, adaptive air suspension (including PASM), reversing camera, Surround View, digital radio, comfort memory package with 14-way adjustment for front seats and power steering plus.

The rear-drive Panamera Edition sedan is priced at $204,600 plus ORCs, with the all-wheel drive Panamera 4 Edition pegged at $216,800. Both are powered by Porsche’s own 228kW petrol V6.

Along with the 221kW $208,400 Panamera Diesel Edition, the new variants go on sale in Australia in mid-July, with deliveries beginning in late September.

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Written byCarsales Staff
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