autoevolution
 

Porsche Boxster Prototype Spied with Ducktail and Manual, RS Spyder Coming

You know how Porsche is, always working on the next special edition of a model and for the time being, Zuffenhausen is applying its performance mantra to the Cayman and Boxster.
Porsche Boxster RS Spider spyshots 13 photos
Photo: Carpix
Porsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshotsPorsche Boxster RS Spider spyshots
If you thought the GTS models were the pinnacle of the current Cayman and Boxster, then you need to update your Porsche trivia skills and remember the ex-generation Cayman R or the Boxster Spyder. Those were stripped-out models with a bit of extra oomph, enough to make that mid-engine balance shine like nothing else.

Returning to the current 918-generation models, we’ve spied Porsche testing a track-addicted Cayman on numerous occasions and while the name hasn’t been officially confirmed, you should expect this to wear the RS Spider moniker.

Nonetheless, a recent winter spy stroll brought us a similarly-gifted open-top version, which means Porsche is currently working on a Boxster RS Spyder.

A ducktail spoiler on the Boxster, again

The prototype sports Porsche’s famous Ducktail spoiler, a move borrowed from the 987 Boxster RS - we’ll remind you the aero element was born back in 1973, when the Neunelfer moved from rally racing to GT motorsport. As for the street debut, the Ducktail first appeared on the 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7.

Sorry, we forgot this is not the 911, so we don’t have to start the description of the prototype from the rear. Moving to the front of the Boxster GT4 test mule, we find the same apron from the Cayman GT4 prototypes, but while those have already shed the camo, the Boxster test car still has it. The 911 GT3-like upper vent is on the house.

As for the tech package, while the Cayman GT4 is expected to squeeze between 370 and 400 horses from the same 3.4-liter flat six used for the S and GTS models, the Boxster GT4/RS Spyder will fall about 10 hp behind its coupe counterpart. While Porsche explains the level of performance the 911 GT3 has reached means a manual would only slow most drivers down (you can only have it with a PDK), the Boxster prototype here sported a three-pedal arrangement.

Both will also be put on a diet that will see them lose about 50 kg (110 lbs), so we’ll enjoy an uber-focused swansong duet before the next generation of the models lands.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Andrei Tutu
Andrei Tutu profile photo

In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories