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My brief review is based on only 50 driven miles. Pictures to follow soon. (In parentheses I'll comment on what I would have done different). This is my first Porsche by the way.
Likes:
-Drives like a go kart with a giant engine behind you. The steering wheel and changes of direction are telepathic. The thickness and diameter of the steering wheel are perfect, not too thin, not too thick. (The steering feel is perhaps just a little too light)
-Engine: the S in my opinion is underpowered, not to mention the regular boxster. The 3.8 is excellent, haven't had a chance to flex its muscle yet, but so far feels very strong (nothing wrong with porsche giving us the whole 400hp so it could achieve 0-60 in 3.5 sec or so, but oh well)
-Exhaust: Mesmerizing, addictive (I'm concern it generates too much attention)
-Suspension: perfect for a sports car.
-Handling: Very playful, wonder how easy it would be to get it loose and oversteer on demand/drift
-Sound system: Got the Bose, seems adequate for its function (wished the rear speakers were stronger/Lauder/closer to my ears, they sound a little muffled)
-Transmission: Sublime, best I ever tried, shifts are instantaneous, clutch takeoff just right (no opinion yet regarding the “tall gearing” everybody else complains about)
-Seats: I got the basic 2 way seats (electric backrest, manual up/down, manual forward/back) … And I think…. They are just perfect. (The 18 way does NOT have a memory function (should be a deal breaker for anybody) and in my opinion, the more you fiddle with it, the more uncomfortable you get, just my humble opinion. So far I don't miss the lack of lumbar support but in case, I'm aware of a few aftermarket options)
- Roof: To me, it looks great aesthetically speaking.
-Interior: The leather/Alcantara/ deviated stitching is just beautiful (Nevertheless, the price payed is a blatant ripoff)
Dislikes:
-Roof: Doesn't matter how much I justify myself: going back to basics, bonding with the car, etc… It's a pain……At least, we all need the extra exercise, it is really good for us, fights obesity, diabetes, hypertension, muscle de-conditioning, Alzheimer's, you name it. FYI, the manual recommends opening the flaps before pulling the roof (not shown on any of the videos out there). The flaps open on their own as the roof is pulled, but Porsche is trying to divert any future failure to damage from not opening the flaps, which is a painful extra step including walking around the car one extra time.
-Rear view camera: the image is a joke, a caricature, never seen an uglier picture like that on any car, it's like a cheap Chinese 50 cent part. Everything looks distorted and almost useless in poor light. Is this the norm on Porsche rear view cameras?
-Open top driving: my wife loves it, she is cocooned inside. I seat higher, it does affect my hairdo.
-Alert, alert, if you get Bose or CD-R Plus, you will be getting the XM wart, I guess eventually I'll ignore it.
-No swag: C’mon Porsche
-Tires: Pirellis instead of Michelin PS2s
-No stitching on the Steering wheel (doesn't make any sense, the GT4 has it, must be a German thing, letz Ze F@&k ze customer)
-Yellow side markers instead of clear (is this some sort of stupid USA only law?)
Overall, the Spyder is amazing, my dislikes are minor. This is going to be a wonderful ride, and I expect a classic I will keep forever.
I'm wondering if the exhaust is already potentially too loud in your opinion, what adding that awesome fabspeed header and exhaust setup will do... that's how we will get all of our missing power back (and then some)... 42wheel hp in midrange increase!!!!!! you just can't leave that on the table, it's there for the taking, robbed from us by porsche! can't wait to try this in an open-top car like the Spyder.
Thanks for a detailed review Fiebrudo; and, congratulations.
Your very brief experience with the car sounds pretty positive. Consistent with universal reviews. The steering feel seems like the only possible downer (not withstanding your minor niggles). I am bit disappointed that why didn't they simply tune the GT3 for this application. The steering feel seems to getting better in each iteration and application. I am sure they will reclaim "all" of the hydraulic setup's feel, if they want to. It appears GT4 has better feel than the Spyder.
Rear View Camera: I am glad I am not getting this. Porsche still has a long way to go in some areas to catch up with quality luxury makers.
Top: What's your annoyance level that the rear trunk can't be opened (fully) with the top up? This is gonna bug me! Miata drivers would be laughing at us!!
Regarding not being able to fully open the rear trunk to me is a non issue. Remember that you have a "Frunk" in front that is actually bigger than your rear trunk, available anytime.
The steering is just a little light, however, perhaps I just need to acclimatize to it compared to my other cars, or perhaps the feeling is related to how light and tossable the car is compared to anything else. It is definitively surgically precise and a joy to drive.
From the Top Gear review of the new 911 now with turbos
"Got it. So now I can spot it, I can avoid it and go for the old one."
The Boxster Spyder is, despite the little annoying things I mentioned, probably the last great car ever made for anybody who loves to drive
The Top Gear quote on the 991.2 is revealing. I might consider the GTS Cab depending on how well it gets developed in next 2-3 years. It would be a lot worse when they switch to hybrid (coming up real fast)!! (a Porschepile got to have both mid and rear engines in the collection!)
As for the analog Spyder, we will get one more shot in the form of next gen Spyder. It will be NA as well (my forecast).
Can you get more specific and spell out the issue with the flaps and future failure?
This is from the manual
Fully open the rear luggage compartment lid.
Open the convertible-top flaps on the driver’s and passenger’s side.
HINWEIS
Risk of damage to the vehicle or convertible top.
Always open the convertible-top flaps before operating the manual convertible top.
11-16-2015, 10:20 PM
A Brief Review of the Porsche Boxster Spyder
