982 GT4 Spyder?
12-13-2018, 05:48 PM
#1066
Rennlist Member
A power top would undoubtedly be more practical but without the speedster style humps the Spyder loses its charm. Just looks like another boxster then... meh
12-13-2018, 06:13 PM
#1067
Rennlist Member
Spyder can keep its humps, manual top, and charm. Many prefer the cleaner and simpler lines of the Boxster and the more practical auto top. Why not give those folks the big NA engine too? Along the lines of wingless 911 R and GT3 Touring.
12-13-2018, 09:12 PM
#1070
Rennlist Member
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zoaPG454vkg
The latest mule is sounding good. We might just get a 4.0 NA motor on a Boxster with adequate ground clearance and a regular top for those who prefer its practicality.
The latest mule is sounding good. We might just get a 4.0 NA motor on a Boxster with adequate ground clearance and a regular top for those who prefer its practicality.
12-13-2018, 11:45 PM
#1072
Rennlist Member
I get what you are saying... why doesn't porsche make a powerful NA practical boxster. Sort of a Boxster Spyder "Touring" that's not a spyder... while some folks may want this, unfortunately Porsche is not here to cater to every niche... the niche needs to be big enough to be more profitable against the existing offer. My guess is those that are hassled by the roof either get over the hassle and get a 718 Spyder anyway, will concede the NA and get a 718GTS or will concede the roof altogether and get a GT4. The remaining ones miss out but probably not enough to build an extra model around. I've had a Spyder for 3 years now and the roof hasn't stopped me once- if the weather is bad, the top just stays up- it's not the end of the world and not enough of a reason to miss out on the glorious NA... IMHO.
12-13-2018, 11:49 PM
#1073
Three Wheelin'
12-14-2018, 12:26 AM
#1074
Rennlist Member
I get what you are saying... why doesn't porsche make a powerful NA practical boxster. Sort of a Boxster Spyder "Touring" that's not a spyder... while some folks may want this, unfortunately Porsche is not here to cater to every niche... the niche needs to be big enough to be more profitable against the existing offer. My guess is those that are hassled by the roof either get over the hassle and get a 718 Spyder anyway, will concede the NA and get a 718GTS or will concede the roof altogether and get a GT4. The remaining ones miss out but probably not enough to build an extra model around. I've had a Spyder for 3 years now and the roof hasn't stopped me once- if the weather is bad, the top just stays up- it's not the end of the world and not enough of a reason to miss out on the glorious NA... IMHO.
Regarding the manual top hassle... On a typical sunny day drive I may make 2-3 stops — meet with friends, stop at the grocery, or pick smth else up on the way home. Doing TWO close/open dances around the Spyder each time I park it and leave it unattended (for a total of SIX dances per drive) will get old fast. Not to mention closing the top for the highway/fast sections and opening it up for the local roads, or closing it into a sudden rain shower. I know without asking that my wife too would rather avoid the hassle. All of this is pretty standard stuff that concerns most typical roadster users — I don’t think I’m in the minority.
12-14-2018, 01:10 AM
#1075
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
That's one of the reason's I love the Spyder, it wasn't built for the majority. Porsche gave the engineers free reign to focus on the driving aspect of the car rather than the convenience.
12-14-2018, 01:26 AM
#1076
Rennlist Member
The 20lbs saved in the top must change the driving aspect completely. 
I even doubt that it’s 20lbs savings all-in if you consider the much bulkier humps-trunk. It’s mostly “purist” marketing either way.
I even doubt that it’s 20lbs savings all-in if you consider the much bulkier humps-trunk. It’s mostly “purist” marketing either way.
12-14-2018, 03:32 AM
#1077
Rennlist Member
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If you plan to run a series of chores (i.e., groceries, dry cleaning, dropping something off, picking something up, whatever) and repeatedly leave your car unattended, then perhaps consider not putting the top down while doing that series of activities. Problem solved!
If you plan to drive on freeways and for some reason don't like having the top down when you do so, then here's an idea . . . . maybe leave the top up.
If it looks like it's going to rain, uh, maybe reconsider putting the roof down.
Bottom line: You can make anything a "hassle" if you truly want to. For the rest of us, it's really no big deal.
Personally, I wouldn't trade push-button convenience for the weight savings, exotic looks, and the consistent Spyder design elements the roof and humps afford. No way.
+1. The Spyder isn't meant for everyone. Porsche comes flat out and states in its Spyder press release that the lightweight design of the roof was prioritized over convenience. You either get it or you don't.
12-14-2018, 07:58 AM
#1078
Rennlist Member
Bingo. As far as the top being a "hassle," I suppose it could be if one doesn't employ a modicum of common sense.
If you plan to run a series of chores (i.e., groceries, dry cleaning, dropping something off, picking something up, whatever) and repeatedly leave your car unattended, then perhaps consider not putting the top down while doing that series of activities. Problem solved!
If you plan to drive on freeways and for some reason don't like having the top down when you do so, then here's an idea . . . . maybe leave the top up.
If it looks like it's going to rain, uh, maybe reconsider putting the roof down.
Bottom line: You can make anything a "hassle" if you truly want to. For the rest of us, it's really no big deal.
If you plan to run a series of chores (i.e., groceries, dry cleaning, dropping something off, picking something up, whatever) and repeatedly leave your car unattended, then perhaps consider not putting the top down while doing that series of activities. Problem solved!
If you plan to drive on freeways and for some reason don't like having the top down when you do so, then here's an idea . . . . maybe leave the top up.
If it looks like it's going to rain, uh, maybe reconsider putting the roof down.
Bottom line: You can make anything a "hassle" if you truly want to. For the rest of us, it's really no big deal.
Personally, I wouldn't trade push-button convenience for the weight savings, exotic looks, and the consistent Spyder design elements the roof and humps afford. No way.
The Spyder isn't meant for everyone. Porsche comes flat out and states in its Spyder press release that the lightweight design of the roof was prioritized over convenience. You either get it or you don't.
12-14-2018, 09:28 AM
#1079
Instructor
Never thought of this common sense idea efore. Thx. Would be even better if I could maximize my top down driving by easily opening and closing the top whenever I want. Hope someone invents a solution.
Personally, I would.
Exactly, I don’t get it. The folks that do, can still have their Spyder, the rest can have the Boxster T. Thankfully, people have different preferences all the time.
time me to move along, to the 718 Boxster thread maybe?
12-14-2018, 09:34 AM
#1080
Burning Brakes
Kinda funny wasn’t the Spyder originally designed without a top?