perfectlap

The 981S bone stock appears to be nearly level with the flagship 991.
BGB and RUF have bolted in the 3.8L into Cayman and Boxster respectively. In RUF's case the car produces 420 HP. Now imagine if an aftermarket shop did this 3.8L engine transplant with a lighter 981 Boxster Spyder (turbo or SC too?). A 450+ HP car like this would make the rounds in the car magazines, blogs, YouTube pretty quickly and at some point would be matched up against a 991 S. Which makes me wonder if Porsche would even go there...

So do you think there will be a 981 Boxster Spyder?

perfectlap

3.8L Cayman S

perfectlap

RUF 3.8 Boxster

Alan Smithee

There will be a higher-performing 981 Boxster (and Cayman) variant for sure. However, because of the negative press on the 987 Spyder's roof, and because the 981 already uses aluminum extensively, I sincerely doubt the 981 versions will be lightweight specials like the 987s were. Note that the 991GT3 has increased in weight over the 997, even with a lighter structure and powertrain.

My prediction is that the turbo-4 will be introduced on the highest performing 987s, with power incrementally higher - say 330 and 340 - to stay below the base Carrera - but with much more torque than the 3.4. This would finally allow the mid-engined cars to outperform the base 911, but still be 'below' it in the model range with fewer cylinders and less horsepower. I expect a permutation of the double-humps on the 981 Spyder, along with unique calibration of PASM and 20" wheels, and availability of the upcoming sport bucket seats - but would be very surprised if it has any sort of manual top, or option to delete the AC, radio, etc. In other words, it will be faster in a straight line, faster around a race track, and a great looking mid-engined car - but it will not necessarily be 'better' than the Spyder and R as we know them.

zedcat

If history is a guide, yes there will be some specials, but down the road when sales weaken. Similar ro the past rs60, spyder, CR, black editions, etc. Porsche will be careful to slot them in below the contemporary Carrera in terms of performance. That's my crystal ball 2 cents.

orthojoe

They'll make one. It will be great, but it won't be for a while still.

perfectlap

Yes but the 981S is already so evenly matched with the 991 that it really wouldn't take all that much R tweaking to give the Boxster the advantage.

Also, the 991 GT3 had to have some things added, like FWS, that wouldn't need to go into the Boxster. If they allow for a mt option, lighten what else can be lightened, and that 981 cockpit looks like it can go on a ample diet, it should be a net weight loss. A conventional manual top like on a Miata would not be a huge engineering task with a worthwhile weight loss. The typical Porsche buyer around the world doesn't really seem to be fixated on sports cars, they seem to be more after perceived exclusivity and luxury.


I think the world has more billionaires and multi-millionaires than Porsche can churn out Panas and Cayennes. For the less wealthy, the mini Cayenne should soak up new sales globally like a big Hoover vac. I think with barely 20% of sales (in a non-launch year) coming from the flagship Carrera, we're getting to the point where Porsche can be financially strong/profitable without either 981 or 991. Luxury car buyers, both rich and aspirational, would continue chasing the brand without either 981 or 991 on offer.

orthojoe

I will gladly take FWS on my boxster.... or any other car.

terbiumactivated

Eventually it will happen but I'll still be happy with the original, after all you can't use all the power the current Spyder has on public roads and mine will always have a hand brake and P.S.

Larry L

I hope so.

perfectlap

You only need $3K

Ortho Joe's ride

the_vetman

LOL!!

orthojoe

Not sure if you got my sarcasm.

FWS = FRONT wheel steering.
We ALL have cars that steer with front wheels. Including you.

I know you meant RWS, but FWS is what you typed.

the_vetman

I got the joke, Joe. That link (with the name "Ortho Joe's Ride") was totally unexpected and therefore funny... to me at least. lol

good hands

There is no way there will be a 981 Boxster called a " Spyder " . It's not how Porsche rolls. There will certainly be some kind of special edition Boxster but it will have a different name. Boxster 550 comes to mind or Boxster Speedster.