Porsche begins the 2015 convertible season with the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder

The new top model in Porsche's open two-seater series retains the independent character of the previous Spyder; the classic fabric roof is still opened and closed by hand, and the sports car is only available with a manual transmission.

In the Boxster Spyder, Porsche offers a traditional sports-car driving experience; this means a firm sports suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp. It only takes 4.5 seconds for the Boxster Spyder to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, with top speed rated at 290 km/h. Overall fuel consumption amounts to 9.9 l/100 km.

The design of the Boxster Spyder includes elements that recall the legendary sports and race cars from Porsche. For example, as a tribute to the 718 Spyder from the 1960s, the new Boxster Spyder has two prominent streamlined bulges that extend down along the long rear lid behind the headrests. The partially manually operated, lightweight top is suitable for everyday use and brings to mind roadsters from the past. The front and rear end of the model were taken from the Cayman GT4.

The driver and passenger sit in light sports bucket seats with large side supports, while the new 360 mm steering wheel helps ensure the mid-engined roadster can be driven with ease. In line with the model’s purist design neither a radio nor an air conditioner is included as standard equipment in order to reduce weight.

However, both can be ordered as optional equipment at no extra cost. In addition, the entire range of Boxster audio systems is available for customers to choose from as an option. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with all of its special features can also be ordered as optional equipment.

Local Porsche dealer, Stuttgart Auto, has just opened the order book for this model. The Boxster Spyder has a price tag of $382,588, without COE.