982 GT4 Spyder?
12-02-2018, 12:29 AM
#1021
Banned
If Porsche made an auto-top version of the Spyder (call it Boxster R, or whatever), it would outsell the Spyder by at least 3:1. There’s zero reason for a GT performance roadster to be exclusively offered with a fussy manual top.
12-02-2018, 01:02 AM
#1022
Weight.
12-02-2018, 01:43 AM
#1023
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Totally agree about that fussy roof. There's zero reason why the next car should have the one single design feature shared by the previous two generations of cars, which makes all Spyders utterly unique, exotic and sexy. No, this time around Porsche should instead break with traditional on the 982 and go with a less attractive and heavier fully electric top, which runs contrary to the car's ethos, to ensure the Spyder blends in as much as possible so it becomes totally indistinguishable from the other Boxster variants. While they're at it, Porsche should also get rid of those fussy streamliners, too, which are purely cosmetic. In fact, Porsche would probably sell 3x more Spyders if they would just water down the car's design to the point where it is identical in appearance to the base, S and GTS models.
12-02-2018, 02:04 AM
#1024
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Totally agree about that fussy roof. There's zero reason why the next car should have the one single design feature shared by the previous two generations of cars, which makes all Spyders utterly unique, exotic and sexy. No, this time around Porsche should instead break with traditional on the 982 and go with a less attractive and heavier fully electric top, which runs contrary to the car's ethos, to ensure the Spyder blends in as much as possible so it becomes totally indistinguishable from the other Boxster variants. While they're at it, Porsche should also get rid of those fussy streamliners, too, which are purely cosmetic. In fact, Porsche would probably sell 3x more Spyders if they would just water down the car's design to the point where it is identical in appearance to the base, S and GTS models.
12-02-2018, 08:35 AM
#1025
Banned
Totally agree about that fussy roof. There's zero reason why the next car should have the one single design feature shared by the previous two generations of cars, which makes all Spyders utterly unique, exotic and sexy. No, this time around Porsche should instead break with traditional on the 982 and go with a less attractive and heavier fully electric top, which runs contrary to the car's ethos, to ensure the Spyder blends in as much as possible so it becomes totally indistinguishable from the other Boxster variants. While they're at it, Porsche should also get rid of those fussy streamliners, too, which are purely cosmetic. In fact, Porsche would probably sell 3x more Spyders if they would just water down the car's design to the point where it is identical in appearance to the base, S and GTS models.
The weight diff is only 20lbs and that only refers to the top itself (motors and insulation). The larger Spyder trunk cover would weigh more than the standard Boxster one if both were made of the same material, if it’s not already heavier as it is. Finally, they could take the roof motors and sound insulation out of the Boxster R top and make it manual and lighter than the Spyder’s, Miata-style — open and close it manually without leaving your seat. People who prefer form over function could still choose the Spyder. Beauty of the free market.
Last edited by hf1; 12-02-2018 at 09:08 AM.
12-02-2018, 09:41 AM
#1026
Rennlist Member
Totally agree about that fussy roof. There's zero reason why the next car should have the one single design feature shared by the previous two generations of cars, which makes all Spyders utterly unique, exotic and sexy. No, this time around Porsche should instead break with traditional on the 982 and go with a less attractive and heavier fully electric top, which runs contrary to the car's ethos, to ensure the Spyder blends in as much as possible so it becomes totally indistinguishable from the other Boxster variants. While they're at it, Porsche should also get rid of those fussy streamliners, too, which are purely cosmetic. In fact, Porsche would probably sell 3x more Spyders if they would just water down the car's design to the point where it is identical in appearance to the base, S and GTS models.
12-02-2018, 11:18 AM
#1027
Burning Brakes
Slippery slope. How about a retractable hardtop? Nope. I say go back to the original. Once you’ve done a few times it’s really not that bad.
12-02-2018, 11:54 AM
#1028
Drifting
If I recall correctly, 981 GT4 sales outnumbered Spyder sales by roughly 3 to 1. GT4's sold like hotcakes, often at a premium, while Spyders sometimes languished on dealer lots, some sold at a discount.
Question: Might we see a reversal this time around with 982 Spyder sales outpacing those of its hardtop sibling?
It will be interesting to see. The Spyder is no longer the unknown/unheralded entity it was when last introduced almost four year ago, having since achieved deserved notoriety as a canyon carver par excellence. The cat is thus out of the bag this time around and the secret is no more. Among those in the know, the Spyder is no longer viewed as merely a "GT4 lite." The car has stepped out from the long shadows cast by the GT4 and established itself in its own right. This should bode well for 982 Spyder sales IMO.
Question: Might we see a reversal this time around with 982 Spyder sales outpacing those of its hardtop sibling?
It will be interesting to see. The Spyder is no longer the unknown/unheralded entity it was when last introduced almost four year ago, having since achieved deserved notoriety as a canyon carver par excellence. The cat is thus out of the bag this time around and the secret is no more. Among those in the know, the Spyder is no longer viewed as merely a "GT4 lite." The car has stepped out from the long shadows cast by the GT4 and established itself in its own right. This should bode well for 982 Spyder sales IMO.
Totally agree about that fussy roof. There's zero reason why the next car should have the one single design feature shared by the previous two generations of cars, which makes all Spyders utterly unique, exotic and sexy. No, this time around Porsche should instead break with traditional on the 982 and go with a less attractive and heavier fully electric top, which runs contrary to the car's ethos, to ensure the Spyder blends in as much as possible so it becomes totally indistinguishable from the other Boxster variants. While they're at it, Porsche should also get rid of those fussy streamliners, too, which are purely cosmetic. In fact, Porsche would probably sell 3x more Spyders if they would just water down the car's design to the point where it is identical in appearance to the base, S and GTS models.
I suspect that Porsche moved the Spyder closer to the GT4 as they expect the result is that they will sell more Spyders. If the roof configuration holds back sales, I would expect that to also evolve (might be in future generations).
12-02-2018, 12:47 PM
#1029
Banned
As I said, the Spyder top would stay the same -- no need to change it. OK, maybe do a super-exclusive limited edition run with a third clip-on buttress in the middle so you'd have to hump the hump in order to clip it on/off. Imagine the added exclusivity, purist involvement and bonding...
12-02-2018, 12:54 PM
#1030
Banned
Cause this is just not purist enough...
12-02-2018, 02:44 PM
#1031
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I don’t disagree that the next gen Spyder could benefit from a similar top as the Miata but it would definitely lose the humps to make it work. The beauty of the original Spyder top is the true lightweight aspect which even the Miata top can’t match. There’s also the simplicity and the fact that there is no mechanical maintenance of the top, it’s truly form following function. Then there’s the added benefit of making a cool looking rear lid that actually does weigh less when you take into account all the other hatch area that goes away. No more mechanical wing either, just a permanent lightweight wing, further weight savings. All of this lost because Porsche listened to the more vocal buyers instead of listening to the enthusiasts. I guess the vocal buyers are the majority, or maybe not because the 981 production numbers weren’t all that different than the 987. Maybe Porsche doesn’t want to sell more than a 1000 Spyders?
12-02-2018, 02:59 PM
#1032
Banned
And that would be fine, though I don't see why Porsche wouldn't want to ALSO sell 3000 Boxster R (same as Spyders except for the simpler auto or manual top)? OK, maybe 1500 R, 500 Spyders cause that's what the market would bear. This would make the Spyders MORE exclusive (less of them around) AND allow Porsche to sell 2x more GT roadsters (at GT-level prices). As I said, win-win-win all around.
12-02-2018, 10:42 PM
#1033
Rennlist Member
And let me throw this log on the fire - what about the NEXT Spyder coming in like the CGT with a 2-piece Targa top that fits in the frunk. Seriously folks - how cool would that be? Simplicity at it's finest, keeping the power domes etc... Grant Larson at Spokane Parade did comment (Grant and I are like this - ha ha - fingers crossed 
) that there was not enough room to accommodate such an idea.
And... all this talk of a simple regular top? Don't forget the original "Spyder" DNA came from the open carriage with the "Spider" like tonneau cover that draped down covering the cab with 6 legs that were fastened under tension. The 987.2 mirrors this nicely, the 981 less so, and a regular top on a Spyder, well not at all.
I think Porsche can manufacture Spyders without a whole lot of re-jigging of the factory. If they only sell 1000 worldwide then I think they are profitable enough to do this and that's what I DIG about this company. They love producing unusual cars. Why else would they, to the awe of the automotive industry, buck trend and bring BACK the 6MT for the 991.2 GT3.
It's not that Porsche is a brand - it's that they HAVE brand - racing heritage, struggle, triumphs, losses, the confidence to lead the industry through uncertain times, the ability to take risk and take it again etc... That's why many many Porsche owners, who own companies, have our souls out on line, taking risks etc... relate so strongly with Porsche. We are kindred spirits.
And a Spyder top? Let's hope PAG eventually makes something even simpler, with radio and AC delete, some badass LW CF seats, and some iteration of a beastly GT engine with a LW flywheel that revs to the moon, a schnickity 6 speed MT and a tighty, nibly suspension. Whoa. I rest my case...
) that there was not enough room to accommodate such an idea.And... all this talk of a simple regular top? Don't forget the original "Spyder" DNA came from the open carriage with the "Spider" like tonneau cover that draped down covering the cab with 6 legs that were fastened under tension. The 987.2 mirrors this nicely, the 981 less so, and a regular top on a Spyder, well not at all.
I think Porsche can manufacture Spyders without a whole lot of re-jigging of the factory. If they only sell 1000 worldwide then I think they are profitable enough to do this and that's what I DIG about this company. They love producing unusual cars. Why else would they, to the awe of the automotive industry, buck trend and bring BACK the 6MT for the 991.2 GT3.
It's not that Porsche is a brand - it's that they HAVE brand - racing heritage, struggle, triumphs, losses, the confidence to lead the industry through uncertain times, the ability to take risk and take it again etc... That's why many many Porsche owners, who own companies, have our souls out on line, taking risks etc... relate so strongly with Porsche. We are kindred spirits.
And a Spyder top? Let's hope PAG eventually makes something even simpler, with radio and AC delete, some badass LW CF seats, and some iteration of a beastly GT engine with a LW flywheel that revs to the moon, a schnickity 6 speed MT and a tighty, nibly suspension. Whoa. I rest my case...
12-02-2018, 11:26 PM
#1034
Burning Brakes
Seems like the picture in post #852 may solve the convertible top profile controversy.
12-03-2018, 12:39 AM
#1035
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
