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Still a hairdresser’s car? New Porsche Boxster Spyder packs impressive 375hp

After the long awaited release of the Cayman GT4 last month, Porsche has launched its new Porsche Boxster Spyder at the New York International Motor Show this week.

The new open top sports car will join the Cayman GT4 at the top of the mid-engined 981 range, with the latest Boxster Spyder gaining the 3.8-litre Carrera S flat six engine, tuned to produce 375hp (a 45hp increase over the acclaimed Boxster GTS).

Like the last generation of Porsche Boxster Spyder, the new car will retain the manually retractable fabric roof while, like the Cayman GT4, the 981 Boxster Spyder will only be available with a manual gearbox.

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While the Cayman GT4 benefitted from extensive chassis tuning from Andreas Preuninger’s GT team (including the addition of 991 GT3 front suspension), the Porsche has made no such claims for the Boxster Spyder.

Instead, the car – inspired by open top sports racers such as the 718 Spyder – gets a 20mm lower ride height, brakes from the 991 Carrera and front and rear bumpers from the Cayman GT4.

There is also a subtle ducktail-style spoiler (rather than the Cayman GT4’s larger motorsport-derived rear wing) as well as the iconic Spyder bulges behind each headrest.

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Inside, the new Porsche Boxster Spyder follows the precedent set by Weissach’s latest launches, the 991 GT3 RS and the Cayman GT4 by utilising a 918 Spyder-esque steering wheel (clad in Alcantara) and bucket seats.

In order to ensure that the base specification adheres to Porsche’s lightweight, minimalist ethos, the new Boxster does not include a radio or air conditioning as standard, although these can be added as no-cost options.

The new Porsche Boxster Spyder can be ordered at dealerships now, with first deliveries expected in July. UK pricing starts at £60,459, with US pricing yet to be announced.

What do you make of new Porsche Boxster Spyder? Would you add it to your Porsche garage? Join the debate in the comments below or head to our Facebook and Twitter pages now.

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