Boxster Spyder
Discussion
ChesterDog said:
Had my PDE drive today for several hours.
I had hoped the Spyder woukd combine the best of my 987 Spyder with the best of my 981 Boxster, but it does far more than that.
Fantastic car.
Be interested to know more, if you could expand. Having spent a couple of days in a 981 Boxster S and jumping back in the 987 Spyder they are worlds apart in terms of driving experience. if the 981 Spyder isn't significantly lighter, livelier and just more engaging then I can't see me ditching my 987. The BS felt like a great every day cruiser that would explode into action if you wanted but I felt like a passenger all of the time.I had hoped the Spyder woukd combine the best of my 987 Spyder with the best of my 981 Boxster, but it does far more than that.
Fantastic car.
I'm driving the 981 at the PEC on 27th so any pointers on what made it so good for you would be interesting.
DAWRacing said:
Be interested to know more, if you could expand. Having spent a couple of days in a 981 Boxster S and jumping back in the 987 Spyder they are worlds apart in terms of driving experience. if the 981 Spyder isn't significantly lighter, livelier and just more engaging then I can't see me ditching my 987. The BS felt like a great every day cruiser that would explode into action if you wanted but I felt like a passenger all of the time.
I'm driving the 981 at the PEC on 27th so any pointers on what made it so good for you would be interesting.
I'll expand on it tomorrow, bit tied up tonight having only just got in from Silverstone.I'm driving the 981 at the PEC on 27th so any pointers on what made it so good for you would be interesting.
With regard to my drive...
You must bear in mind several caveats. For example, it is a couple of years since I sold my 987 Spyder, and the experience of the fabulous facilities of the PEC may not fully translate to use on the road in the real world.
I would say the new car is quite different from the 987 Spyder, but also different from a 981 Boxster, and yet does not really feel like a combination of the two. I have owned a 997/1 GT3 and I would say that - for me - it most closely resembles a comfortable, open-topped GT3 in a Boxster chassis. It is - I emphasise - different from the previous Spyder. It does not feel as 'carefree' or dainty, but it counters that by feeling thoroughly complete and painstakingly developed, and fabulously responsive to all driver inputs. Acceleration and braking are much stronger than the previous car's. The steering is noticeably more direct (different rack, smaller wheel) than the 981's, but is delicate and not heavy even with an armful of lock. It has plenty of feel. As much as the 987 Spyder's? I am honestly not sure but I found the steering delightful and feelsome (and have owned an Elise; my personal steering zenith).
I may write more tomorrow but, in short, it's a car in which steering, performance, handling, grip, feel, noise, ride, balance, braking and involvement are all highlights and all beautifully matched. There isn't one stand-out aspect. The car is simultaneously a real hoot to drive and a gloriously impressive demonstration of just what can be achieved with four wheels and an engine.
But... When considering its antecedent, it is DIFFERENT. As different as the lack of the Porsche side-stripes suggest. It has grown up a bit and is a little more sophisticated and much more complete. No longer a one-trick pony, now a fabulous thoroughbred.
Brakes are simply fantastic. Powerful, easy and satisfying to modulate even under extreme use, and the car is never even slightly squirrely even under massive braking loads.
The chassis feels playful and totally engaging even fully within the confines of the tyres' grip, and I found it natural to control and exploit even beyond that (I have a fair bit of past low-grip experience to call upon, which may have helped).
You must bear in mind several caveats. For example, it is a couple of years since I sold my 987 Spyder, and the experience of the fabulous facilities of the PEC may not fully translate to use on the road in the real world.
I would say the new car is quite different from the 987 Spyder, but also different from a 981 Boxster, and yet does not really feel like a combination of the two. I have owned a 997/1 GT3 and I would say that - for me - it most closely resembles a comfortable, open-topped GT3 in a Boxster chassis. It is - I emphasise - different from the previous Spyder. It does not feel as 'carefree' or dainty, but it counters that by feeling thoroughly complete and painstakingly developed, and fabulously responsive to all driver inputs. Acceleration and braking are much stronger than the previous car's. The steering is noticeably more direct (different rack, smaller wheel) than the 981's, but is delicate and not heavy even with an armful of lock. It has plenty of feel. As much as the 987 Spyder's? I am honestly not sure but I found the steering delightful and feelsome (and have owned an Elise; my personal steering zenith).
I may write more tomorrow but, in short, it's a car in which steering, performance, handling, grip, feel, noise, ride, balance, braking and involvement are all highlights and all beautifully matched. There isn't one stand-out aspect. The car is simultaneously a real hoot to drive and a gloriously impressive demonstration of just what can be achieved with four wheels and an engine.
But... When considering its antecedent, it is DIFFERENT. As different as the lack of the Porsche side-stripes suggest. It has grown up a bit and is a little more sophisticated and much more complete. No longer a one-trick pony, now a fabulous thoroughbred.
Brakes are simply fantastic. Powerful, easy and satisfying to modulate even under extreme use, and the car is never even slightly squirrely even under massive braking loads.
The chassis feels playful and totally engaging even fully within the confines of the tyres' grip, and I found it natural to control and exploit even beyond that (I have a fair bit of past low-grip experience to call upon, which may have helped).
Edited by ChesterDog on Thursday 13th August 22:32
Edited by ChesterDog on Thursday 13th August 22:36
DAWRacing said:
Be interested to know more, if you could expand. Having spent a couple of days in a 981 Boxster S and jumping back in the 987 Spyder they are worlds apart in terms of driving experience. if the 981 Spyder isn't significantly lighter, livelier and just more engaging then I can't see me ditching my 987. The BS felt like a great every day cruiser that would explode into action if you wanted but I felt like a passenger all of the time.
I'm driving the 981 at the PEC on 27th so any pointers on what made it so good for you would be interesting.
I know what you mean. I sometimes felt a bit like that in my 981 Boxster: a wonderful car, but so often relegated to trundling along in traffic, or on motorways where it hid its light under a bushel rather too well.I'm driving the 981 at the PEC on 27th so any pointers on what made it so good for you would be interesting.
I THINK the 981 Spyder will be more engaging more of the time, thanks to the quicker steering (with more feel), the smaller steering wheel, the ridiculously accessibly rorty sports exhaust and the encasing bucket seats. Also, the thin roof (as Spyder owners know) makes it feel/sound open even when it is closed. Whether or not it will feel as much 'on it' as much of the time as the 987 Spyder, I am not sure, but my guess - having driven it now - is yes.
ChesterDog said:
With regard to my drive...
You must bear in mind several caveats. For example, it is a couple of years since I sold my 987 Spyder, and the experience of the fabulous facilities of the PEC may not fully translate to use on the road in the real world.
I would say the new car is quite different from the 987 Spyder, but also different from a 981 Boxster, and yet does not really feel like a combination of the two. I have owned a 997/1 GT3 and I would say that - for me - it most closely resembles a comfortable, open-topped GT3 in a Boxster chassis. It is - I emphasise - different from the previous Spyder. It does not feel as 'carefree' or dainty, but it counters that by feeling thoroughly complete and painstakingly developed, and fabulously responsive to all driver inputs. Acceleration and braking are much stronger than the previous car's. The steering is noticeably more direct (different rack, smaller wheel) than the 981's, but is delicate and not heavy even with an armful of lock. It has plenty of feel. As much as the 987 Spyder's? I am honestly not sure but I found the steering delightful and feelsome (and have owned an Elise; my personal steering zenith).
I may write more tomorrow but, in short, it's a car in which steering, performance, handling, grip, feel, noise, ride, balance, braking and involvement are all highlights and all beautifully matched. There isn't one stand-out aspect. The car is simultaneously a real hoot to drive and a gloriously impressive demonstration of just what can be achieved with four wheels and an engine.
But... When considering its antecedent, it is DIFFERENT. As different as the lack of the Porsche side-stripes suggest. It has grown up a bit and is a little more sophisticated and much more complete. No longer a one-trick pony, now a fabulous thoroughbred.
Brakes are simply fantastic. Powerful, easy and satisfying to modulate even under extreme use, and the car is never even slightly squirrely even under massive braking loads.
The chassis feels playful and totally engaging even fully within the confines of the tyres' grip, and I found it natural to control and exploit even beyond that (I have a fair bit of past low-grip experience to call upon, which may have helped).
excellent review. so much more informative and incisive than anything else out there.You must bear in mind several caveats. For example, it is a couple of years since I sold my 987 Spyder, and the experience of the fabulous facilities of the PEC may not fully translate to use on the road in the real world.
I would say the new car is quite different from the 987 Spyder, but also different from a 981 Boxster, and yet does not really feel like a combination of the two. I have owned a 997/1 GT3 and I would say that - for me - it most closely resembles a comfortable, open-topped GT3 in a Boxster chassis. It is - I emphasise - different from the previous Spyder. It does not feel as 'carefree' or dainty, but it counters that by feeling thoroughly complete and painstakingly developed, and fabulously responsive to all driver inputs. Acceleration and braking are much stronger than the previous car's. The steering is noticeably more direct (different rack, smaller wheel) than the 981's, but is delicate and not heavy even with an armful of lock. It has plenty of feel. As much as the 987 Spyder's? I am honestly not sure but I found the steering delightful and feelsome (and have owned an Elise; my personal steering zenith).
I may write more tomorrow but, in short, it's a car in which steering, performance, handling, grip, feel, noise, ride, balance, braking and involvement are all highlights and all beautifully matched. There isn't one stand-out aspect. The car is simultaneously a real hoot to drive and a gloriously impressive demonstration of just what can be achieved with four wheels and an engine.
But... When considering its antecedent, it is DIFFERENT. As different as the lack of the Porsche side-stripes suggest. It has grown up a bit and is a little more sophisticated and much more complete. No longer a one-trick pony, now a fabulous thoroughbred.
Brakes are simply fantastic. Powerful, easy and satisfying to modulate even under extreme use, and the car is never even slightly squirrely even under massive braking loads.
The chassis feels playful and totally engaging even fully within the confines of the tyres' grip, and I found it natural to control and exploit even beyond that (I have a fair bit of past low-grip experience to call upon, which may have helped).
does it have the 918 seats or the folding buckets? if 918, any thoughts on how it compares to folding buckets?
any pics?
Didn't take any pics I'm afraid. Too busy 'doing'. :-)
Seats are the Sports Buckets, not the 918 Spyder ones.
I found them comfortable and supportive in spite of (or because of..!) the lack of adjustments.
My instructor was telling me he had spent the previous day in a GT3RS and he agreed with me that (lap times and high, high rev-limit apart) the new Spyder delivers all of the good parts of that driving experience, but in a far more accessible manner, in much greater comfort, and with a roof that comes off to boot.
I am sure all of the PEC instructors are excellent, but I would be grateful if anyone going along who happens to be with Mark (Marc?) reitterates my thanks to him. Tell him it's the chap whose wife is in a wheelchair and he will know. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he enhanced our pleasure from the day considerably.
Seats are the Sports Buckets, not the 918 Spyder ones.
I found them comfortable and supportive in spite of (or because of..!) the lack of adjustments.
My instructor was telling me he had spent the previous day in a GT3RS and he agreed with me that (lap times and high, high rev-limit apart) the new Spyder delivers all of the good parts of that driving experience, but in a far more accessible manner, in much greater comfort, and with a roof that comes off to boot.
I am sure all of the PEC instructors are excellent, but I would be grateful if anyone going along who happens to be with Mark (Marc?) reitterates my thanks to him. Tell him it's the chap whose wife is in a wheelchair and he will know. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he enhanced our pleasure from the day considerably.
Edited by ChesterDog on Friday 14th August 12:18
ChesterDog said:
My instructor was telling me he had spent the previous day in a GT3RS and he agreed with me that (lap times and high, high rev-limit apart) the new Spyder delivers all of the good parts of that driving experience, but in a far more accessible manner, in much greater comfort, and with a roof that comes off to boot.
call me cynical, but PEC instructors always seem to have some piece of 'personal' tit bit that helps you along to your own nirvana of justification for your chosen Porsche 
ChesterDog said:
You're cynical. :-)
He was genuine, and knows that I know many Porsche's inside out. Also, he is a genuine enthusiast. I had to practically tear him from my friend's 964 and back to 'my' Spyder.
To back up the point that some, if not all are genuine enthusiasts, the instructor I had has a Spyder on order. He was genuine, and knows that I know many Porsche's inside out. Also, he is a genuine enthusiast. I had to practically tear him from my friend's 964 and back to 'my' Spyder.
He also thought the 987 Spyder was one of the best cars Porsche have made and that I was mad to be thinking of selling it........most days I tend to agree.
ChesterDog said:
Here's a further thought.
I also have a motorbike - only a CBR300R, but I use it because I enjoy the intimacy and involvement of riding it.
Driving the new Spyder, I was struck by the thought that the car not only does that job just as well as the bike, but possibly better.
Thank you for your reports! Not long till I try the spyder with Daro911 now...I also have a motorbike - only a CBR300R, but I use it because I enjoy the intimacy and involvement of riding it.
Driving the new Spyder, I was struck by the thought that the car not only does that job just as well as the bike, but possibly better.
Good to hear the perspective from an ex 987 spyder owner.
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