(2008) Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder – Ultimate Guide
Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting a new version of the mid-engine Boxster sports car at the Bologna Motor Show in early December. In its colour, design, features and philosophy, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder brings back Porsche’s motorsport era of the ’60s: After countless class wins, the Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder was able to take on and beat its competitors also in the larger engine categories, scoring its first overall victory in 1960 in one of the most prestigious long-distance races for the Manufacturers’ World Championship in the important US market, Hans Herrmann/Olivier Gendebien winning the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida.
Now the new Boxster RS 60 Spyder is taking up the momentum and purism of that so successful mid-engine two-seater racing car. The front end of this special model taken as a standard feature from Porsche’s SportDesign Package distinguishes the RS 60 Spyder significantly from the Boxster S. A modified exhaust system made up of a sports exhaust combined with a dual tailpipe increases engine output to 303 bhp. Spacer plates move the 19-inch wheels in Porsche SportDesign into an even more prominent position in the wheel arches. Likewise featured as standard, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) ensures both sporting and comfortable driving pleasure at all times.
Paintwork in GT silver metallic is further accentuated by its contrast to the natural leather interior in Carrera red and the roof also finished in red. As an alternative there is also the choice of dark grey natural leather in conjunction with a black roof.
The features and equipment of this special model are likewise very special and sophisticated: Door trim strips made of stainless steel proudly bear the ‘RS 60 Spyder’ model designation, an extra-sporting gearshift lever, special surface grooves in the centre sections of the sports seats and the centre door linings as well as on the steering wheel rim and handbrake lever accentuate the sporting and exclusive ambience of the interior.
The design of the instrument clusters finished at the front in GT silver metallic is equally sporting and dynamic. With the binnacle otherwise positioned above the instrument cluster being dropped on this special model, the large central rev counter and the two circular dials at the outside add a unique and purist touch, presenting the exceptional flair of a racing car also in the cockpit.
This special look is further enhanced by other refined features such as the windscreen frame finished in black and red rear light clusters as well as the centre console, the rear sections of the seat backrests and the rollbars all finished in GT silver metallic and thus harmonising perfectly with the seat belts finished in silver.
Reflecting its model designation, the new Boxster RS 60 Spyder is limited to a Special Edition of 1,960 units proudly bearing a silver-coloured placard on the lid of the glove compartment.
Market launch of the new Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder is starting worldwide in March 2008. Including 19 per cent VAT and country-specific requirements, the retail price in Germany is Euro 63,873, the base price Euro 53,500.
