Boxster Spyder
Discussion
http://youtu.be/R_Bmi-2Yk20
Evo diary today - in the fastest colour! And the spec I've ordered 😃
Evo diary today - in the fastest colour! And the spec I've ordered 😃
W12JFD said:
Thanks for posting. Would have liked a little more from the review somehow, but a good review nonetheless.I have to admit that I was never a huge fan of the Boxster...until I saw the Spyder at the FoS this year.
Now I want one.
But...I am rather averse to spending this sort of money without driving one first. So what are the options/chances of doing this, given that supply is so short?
One negative....maybe the videos don't do it justice, but I am quite unimpressed with the engine noise. My V8 M3 does sound much nicer (on video, at least).
Now I want one.
But...I am rather averse to spending this sort of money without driving one first. So what are the options/chances of doing this, given that supply is so short?
One negative....maybe the videos don't do it justice, but I am quite unimpressed with the engine noise. My V8 M3 does sound much nicer (on video, at least).
Tony B2 said:
I have to admit that I was never a huge fan of the Boxster...until I saw the Spyder at the FoS this year.
Now I want one.
But...I am rather averse to spending this sort of money without driving one first. So what are the options/chances of doing this, given that supply is so short?
One negative....maybe the videos don't do it justice, but I am quite unimpressed with the engine noise. My V8 M3 does sound much nicer (on video, at least).
I agree with the negative comment. I really don't like the exhaust note that comes from the 981, it seems so contrived versus the 987 engine/PSE. I've found myself turning it off when I've driven a 981 as it's just not enjoyable IMO. The 987 note just seems more genuine and sweet. Now I want one.
But...I am rather averse to spending this sort of money without driving one first. So what are the options/chances of doing this, given that supply is so short?
One negative....maybe the videos don't do it justice, but I am quite unimpressed with the engine noise. My V8 M3 does sound much nicer (on video, at least).
For me this is the most likely reason that will tip me towards cancelling my 981 order, I think I could live with most of the other differences (steering, weight, gearing, appearance, bling etc) - a drive in it next week at the PEC will be the crucial moment.
DAWRacing said:
I agree with the negative comment. I really don't like the exhaust note that comes from the 981, it seems so contrived versus the 987 engine/PSE. I've found myself turning it off when I've driven a 981 as it's just not enjoyable IMO. The 987 note just seems more genuine and sweet.
For me this is the most likely reason that will tip me towards cancelling my 981 order, I think I could live with most of the other differences (steering, weight, gearing, appearance, bling etc) - a drive in it next week at the PEC will be the crucial moment.
When are you at PEC? I'm there on Thursday.For me this is the most likely reason that will tip me towards cancelling my 981 order, I think I could live with most of the other differences (steering, weight, gearing, appearance, bling etc) - a drive in it next week at the PEC will be the crucial moment.
I think they are all sold. I'm not sure that the OPCs will be getting test cars - if they do, it seems a bit pointless if there's none to buy - what usually happens in these circumstances?
Tony B2 said:
I have to admit that I was never a huge fan of the Boxster...until I saw the Spyder at the FoS this year.
Now I want one.
But...I am rather averse to spending this sort of money without driving one first. So what are the options/chances of doing this, given that supply is so short?
One negative....maybe the videos don't do it justice, but I am quite unimpressed with the engine noise. My V8 M3 does sound much nicer (on video, at least).
Now I want one.
But...I am rather averse to spending this sort of money without driving one first. So what are the options/chances of doing this, given that supply is so short?
One negative....maybe the videos don't do it justice, but I am quite unimpressed with the engine noise. My V8 M3 does sound much nicer (on video, at least).
I posted this on PCGB forum
Hi All,
Put in my 2p having driven the Silverstone PEC 981 Spyder this morning for an hour or so on the road followed by handling circuit and the straights (new to me);
A little background; I had one of the first 987 Spyders and currently drive a Boxster GTS so feel fairly well placed to make some comparisons.
First Impressions in the flesh:-
Familiarity breeds contempt? The PEC car is GT Silver with classic interior so matches the spec of the car I have ordered; the car has a much more purposeful front end but I feel the rear has lost something over the 987; it doesn't wow me as much as the that car did; but maybe that's because it's not the original!
I found the roof easy enough to take on and off and after a few goes I think it will be a doddle; didn't have any problems locating the release buttons in the fabric as some have cited and no need for any strongarm stuff lifting the hood as in the 987; so functionally an improvement for ease of use and driving at high speeds; less sure about the interior finish of the hood; the exposed metalwork left me cold and for those used to an alcantara style roof lining the quality imho was lacking somewhat.
Keeping with differences interior wise the steering wheel is a peach, the smaller wheel feeling instantly comfortable and tactile and sporty; less impressed with the look of the door pulls; preferred the 987 ones; they work fine but have a bit too much function over form for me (the material reminded me of the straps on a rucksack)
I have the sports seats in the GTS and immediately felt much more at home in the buckets (standard not the LWB which I have ordered, which are now subject to a 4 week delay); unless you hate buckets I would spec them over the sports seats as they suit the car very well; I was able to achieve a great driving position with little effort.
Except for the interior classic colour scheme most of the cabin is the 981 which I personally prefer to the 987 but each to their own.
The Road
At start up/low revs without the sports exhaust on I couldn't really tell any noise difference between the GTS and the Spyder however this changes once you start increasing the revs and with the sports xorst on the car is probably louder than the GTS and has a more grown-up less contrived noise; I think the purists will prefer it to the GTS noise wise.
The car was very compliant in sport mode on the road (A, B motorway, town centres) and I didn't feel it was any less compliant than my GTS with PASM; a great job by Porsche; the smaller wheel adds to the sense of occasion and may have contributed to the feeling that the car had a little more feel than the GTS although that may have been the lower suspension, the buckets and the smaller wheel, and less weight; however don't expect 996RS levels of feedback.
Road noise/wind noise was perfectly acceptable at motorway speeds with top off.
Bearing in mind the car had only done 400 miles I was very pleasantly surprised the first time (and subsequently :-) when I accelerated; you can definitely feel the xtra urge over the GTS none more so when you are accelerating from say 3K; I have found you have to keep the GTS cooking at 4K plus to make good fast progress but the Spyder had much more oomph at 3K so yes you can notice the benefits speed wise of the 3.8 over the GTS in day to day use. A quick car.
My GTS is PDK and was worried about the tall gearing often mentioned with the manual box; again imho, not an issue; maybe the bigger engine and torque helps but I had no issues whatsoever with the gearing when I was out on the road; 40 mph in fourth, road opens up, just put your foot down; didn't notice the gearing issue at all.
And it's a vey sweet gearbox, short-precise shifts, probably as good as you get in a manual box these days; it's a real pleasure snicking up and down the gearbox.
On the road the car shrunk round me more so than the GTS but I've put that down to the buckets/smaller wheel etc
Spyder or GTS?
The looks of the GTS have grown on me and I now find it a good looking car (mine is Carmine Red); to me the 987 Spyder was a step change looks wise over the 987 S; I'm not convinced this is the case with the 981; I can't argue with anyone who feels the 987 is the better looking Spyder.
The engine is imo a step change over the GTS; more grown-up, punchier, a cracker to drive in the Boxster chassis;
Am I pleased I was able to secure a 981 Spyder? yes, defo, however I'm not sure whether a GTS with the same 3.8, buckets, sports suspension, smaller steering wheel would be any less desirable.
These were my first impressions and I will add anything elase signifiacant that I haven't mentioned
regards all
Hi All,
Put in my 2p having driven the Silverstone PEC 981 Spyder this morning for an hour or so on the road followed by handling circuit and the straights (new to me);
A little background; I had one of the first 987 Spyders and currently drive a Boxster GTS so feel fairly well placed to make some comparisons.
First Impressions in the flesh:-
Familiarity breeds contempt? The PEC car is GT Silver with classic interior so matches the spec of the car I have ordered; the car has a much more purposeful front end but I feel the rear has lost something over the 987; it doesn't wow me as much as the that car did; but maybe that's because it's not the original!
I found the roof easy enough to take on and off and after a few goes I think it will be a doddle; didn't have any problems locating the release buttons in the fabric as some have cited and no need for any strongarm stuff lifting the hood as in the 987; so functionally an improvement for ease of use and driving at high speeds; less sure about the interior finish of the hood; the exposed metalwork left me cold and for those used to an alcantara style roof lining the quality imho was lacking somewhat.
Keeping with differences interior wise the steering wheel is a peach, the smaller wheel feeling instantly comfortable and tactile and sporty; less impressed with the look of the door pulls; preferred the 987 ones; they work fine but have a bit too much function over form for me (the material reminded me of the straps on a rucksack)
I have the sports seats in the GTS and immediately felt much more at home in the buckets (standard not the LWB which I have ordered, which are now subject to a 4 week delay); unless you hate buckets I would spec them over the sports seats as they suit the car very well; I was able to achieve a great driving position with little effort.
Except for the interior classic colour scheme most of the cabin is the 981 which I personally prefer to the 987 but each to their own.
The Road
At start up/low revs without the sports exhaust on I couldn't really tell any noise difference between the GTS and the Spyder however this changes once you start increasing the revs and with the sports xorst on the car is probably louder than the GTS and has a more grown-up less contrived noise; I think the purists will prefer it to the GTS noise wise.
The car was very compliant in sport mode on the road (A, B motorway, town centres) and I didn't feel it was any less compliant than my GTS with PASM; a great job by Porsche; the smaller wheel adds to the sense of occasion and may have contributed to the feeling that the car had a little more feel than the GTS although that may have been the lower suspension, the buckets and the smaller wheel, and less weight; however don't expect 996RS levels of feedback.
Road noise/wind noise was perfectly acceptable at motorway speeds with top off.
Bearing in mind the car had only done 400 miles I was very pleasantly surprised the first time (and subsequently :-) when I accelerated; you can definitely feel the xtra urge over the GTS none more so when you are accelerating from say 3K; I have found you have to keep the GTS cooking at 4K plus to make good fast progress but the Spyder had much more oomph at 3K so yes you can notice the benefits speed wise of the 3.8 over the GTS in day to day use. A quick car.
My GTS is PDK and was worried about the tall gearing often mentioned with the manual box; again imho, not an issue; maybe the bigger engine and torque helps but I had no issues whatsoever with the gearing when I was out on the road; 40 mph in fourth, road opens up, just put your foot down; didn't notice the gearing issue at all.
And it's a vey sweet gearbox, short-precise shifts, probably as good as you get in a manual box these days; it's a real pleasure snicking up and down the gearbox.
On the road the car shrunk round me more so than the GTS but I've put that down to the buckets/smaller wheel etc
Spyder or GTS?
The looks of the GTS have grown on me and I now find it a good looking car (mine is Carmine Red); to me the 987 Spyder was a step change looks wise over the 987 S; I'm not convinced this is the case with the 981; I can't argue with anyone who feels the 987 is the better looking Spyder.
The engine is imo a step change over the GTS; more grown-up, punchier, a cracker to drive in the Boxster chassis;
Am I pleased I was able to secure a 981 Spyder? yes, defo, however I'm not sure whether a GTS with the same 3.8, buckets, sports suspension, smaller steering wheel would be any less desirable.
These were my first impressions and I will add anything elase signifiacant that I haven't mentioned
regards all
tony h said:
By which you mean nasty?Akajak said:
I posted this on PCGB forum
Hi All,
Put in my 2p having driven the Silverstone PEC 981 Spyder this morning for an hour or so on the road followed by handling circuit and the straights (new to me);
A little background; I had one of the first 987 Spyders and currently drive a Boxster GTS so feel fairly well placed to make some comparisons.
First Impressions in the flesh:-
Familiarity breeds contempt? The PEC car is GT Silver with classic interior so matches the spec of the car I have ordered; the car has a much more purposeful front end but I feel the rear has lost something over the 987; it doesn't wow me as much as the that car did; but maybe that's because it's not the original!
I found the roof easy enough to take on and off and after a few goes I think it will be a doddle; didn't have any problems locating the release buttons in the fabric as some have cited and no need for any strongarm stuff lifting the hood as in the 987; so functionally an improvement for ease of use and driving at high speeds; less sure about the interior finish of the hood; the exposed metalwork left me cold and for those used to an alcantara style roof lining the quality imho was lacking somewhat.
Keeping with differences interior wise the steering wheel is a peach, the smaller wheel feeling instantly comfortable and tactile and sporty; less impressed with the look of the door pulls; preferred the 987 ones; they work fine but have a bit too much function over form for me (the material reminded me of the straps on a rucksack)
I have the sports seats in the GTS and immediately felt much more at home in the buckets (standard not the LWB which I have ordered, which are now subject to a 4 week delay); unless you hate buckets I would spec them over the sports seats as they suit the car very well; I was able to achieve a great driving position with little effort.
Except for the interior classic colour scheme most of the cabin is the 981 which I personally prefer to the 987 but each to their own.
The Road
At start up/low revs without the sports exhaust on I couldn't really tell any noise difference between the GTS and the Spyder however this changes once you start increasing the revs and with the sports xorst on the car is probably louder than the GTS and has a more grown-up less contrived noise; I think the purists will prefer it to the GTS noise wise.
The car was very compliant in sport mode on the road (A, B motorway, town centres) and I didn't feel it was any less compliant than my GTS with PASM; a great job by Porsche; the smaller wheel adds to the sense of occasion and may have contributed to the feeling that the car had a little more feel than the GTS although that may have been the lower suspension, the buckets and the smaller wheel, and less weight; however don't expect 996RS levels of feedback.
Road noise/wind noise was perfectly acceptable at motorway speeds with top off.
Bearing in mind the car had only done 400 miles I was very pleasantly surprised the first time (and subsequently :-) when I accelerated; you can definitely feel the xtra urge over the GTS none more so when you are accelerating from say 3K; I have found you have to keep the GTS cooking at 4K plus to make good fast progress but the Spyder had much more oomph at 3K so yes you can notice the benefits speed wise of the 3.8 over the GTS in day to day use. A quick car.
My GTS is PDK and was worried about the tall gearing often mentioned with the manual box; again imho, not an issue; maybe the bigger engine and torque helps but I had no issues whatsoever with the gearing when I was out on the road; 40 mph in fourth, road opens up, just put your foot down; didn't notice the gearing issue at all.
And it's a vey sweet gearbox, short-precise shifts, probably as good as you get in a manual box these days; it's a real pleasure snicking up and down the gearbox.
On the road the car shrunk round me more so than the GTS but I've put that down to the buckets/smaller wheel etc
Spyder or GTS?
The looks of the GTS have grown on me and I now find it a good looking car (mine is Carmine Red); to me the 987 Spyder was a step change looks wise over the 987 S; I'm not convinced this is the case with the 981; I can't argue with anyone who feels the 987 is the better looking Spyder.
The engine is imo a step change over the GTS; more grown-up, punchier, a cracker to drive in the Boxster chassis;
Am I pleased I was able to secure a 981 Spyder? yes, defo, however I'm not sure whether a GTS with the same 3.8, buckets, sports suspension, smaller steering wheel would be any less desirable.
These were my first impressions and I will add anything elase signifiacant that I haven't mentioned
regards all
really enjoyed that review, very honest, and well written.... personally if i had the original spyder in a high spec, id REALLY struggle to make this move. I understand the move for the gt4 but not this one, the spyder seems like a GTS + more than a watered down gt4, which is what id hoped for! Hi All,
Put in my 2p having driven the Silverstone PEC 981 Spyder this morning for an hour or so on the road followed by handling circuit and the straights (new to me);
A little background; I had one of the first 987 Spyders and currently drive a Boxster GTS so feel fairly well placed to make some comparisons.
First Impressions in the flesh:-
Familiarity breeds contempt? The PEC car is GT Silver with classic interior so matches the spec of the car I have ordered; the car has a much more purposeful front end but I feel the rear has lost something over the 987; it doesn't wow me as much as the that car did; but maybe that's because it's not the original!
I found the roof easy enough to take on and off and after a few goes I think it will be a doddle; didn't have any problems locating the release buttons in the fabric as some have cited and no need for any strongarm stuff lifting the hood as in the 987; so functionally an improvement for ease of use and driving at high speeds; less sure about the interior finish of the hood; the exposed metalwork left me cold and for those used to an alcantara style roof lining the quality imho was lacking somewhat.
Keeping with differences interior wise the steering wheel is a peach, the smaller wheel feeling instantly comfortable and tactile and sporty; less impressed with the look of the door pulls; preferred the 987 ones; they work fine but have a bit too much function over form for me (the material reminded me of the straps on a rucksack)
I have the sports seats in the GTS and immediately felt much more at home in the buckets (standard not the LWB which I have ordered, which are now subject to a 4 week delay); unless you hate buckets I would spec them over the sports seats as they suit the car very well; I was able to achieve a great driving position with little effort.
Except for the interior classic colour scheme most of the cabin is the 981 which I personally prefer to the 987 but each to their own.
The Road
At start up/low revs without the sports exhaust on I couldn't really tell any noise difference between the GTS and the Spyder however this changes once you start increasing the revs and with the sports xorst on the car is probably louder than the GTS and has a more grown-up less contrived noise; I think the purists will prefer it to the GTS noise wise.
The car was very compliant in sport mode on the road (A, B motorway, town centres) and I didn't feel it was any less compliant than my GTS with PASM; a great job by Porsche; the smaller wheel adds to the sense of occasion and may have contributed to the feeling that the car had a little more feel than the GTS although that may have been the lower suspension, the buckets and the smaller wheel, and less weight; however don't expect 996RS levels of feedback.
Road noise/wind noise was perfectly acceptable at motorway speeds with top off.
Bearing in mind the car had only done 400 miles I was very pleasantly surprised the first time (and subsequently :-) when I accelerated; you can definitely feel the xtra urge over the GTS none more so when you are accelerating from say 3K; I have found you have to keep the GTS cooking at 4K plus to make good fast progress but the Spyder had much more oomph at 3K so yes you can notice the benefits speed wise of the 3.8 over the GTS in day to day use. A quick car.
My GTS is PDK and was worried about the tall gearing often mentioned with the manual box; again imho, not an issue; maybe the bigger engine and torque helps but I had no issues whatsoever with the gearing when I was out on the road; 40 mph in fourth, road opens up, just put your foot down; didn't notice the gearing issue at all.
And it's a vey sweet gearbox, short-precise shifts, probably as good as you get in a manual box these days; it's a real pleasure snicking up and down the gearbox.
On the road the car shrunk round me more so than the GTS but I've put that down to the buckets/smaller wheel etc
Spyder or GTS?
The looks of the GTS have grown on me and I now find it a good looking car (mine is Carmine Red); to me the 987 Spyder was a step change looks wise over the 987 S; I'm not convinced this is the case with the 981; I can't argue with anyone who feels the 987 is the better looking Spyder.
The engine is imo a step change over the GTS; more grown-up, punchier, a cracker to drive in the Boxster chassis;
Am I pleased I was able to secure a 981 Spyder? yes, defo, however I'm not sure whether a GTS with the same 3.8, buckets, sports suspension, smaller steering wheel would be any less desirable.
These were my first impressions and I will add anything elase signifiacant that I haven't mentioned
regards all
Beedub said:
personally if i had the original spyder in a high spec, id REALLY struggle to make this move. I understand the move for the gt4 but not this one, the spyder seems like a GTS + more than a watered down gt4, which is what id hoped for!
+1 and I had original spyder,was offered 981 spyder being first on list but getting GT4
itsybitsy said:
+1
and I had original spyder,was offered 981 spyder being first on list but getting GT4
Interesting, but even the rubbish I'm about to write is irrelevant.and I had original spyder,was offered 981 spyder being first on list but getting GT4
I had the option for either but the Spyder for me is a no brainier, the GT4 is trying to be something it is not, it'll never be a GT3. I know it drives superbly but so what.
A Spyder will only ever be a Spyder because to me it exemplifies the original Porsche spirit, the GT4 does not. There is a lack of something with the GT4 and a bit too much Halfords for me.
JPF40 said:
Interesting, but even the rubbish I'm about to write is irrelevant.
I had the option for either but the Spyder for me is a no brainier, the GT4 is trying to be something it is not, it'll never be a GT3. I know it drives superbly but so what.
A Spyder will only ever be a Spyder because to me it exemplifies the original Porsche spirit, the GT4 does not. There is a lack of something with the GT4 and a bit too much Halfords for me.
we all make our choices for our own reasons,but may I ask did you ever own the original spyder?as to me the new one is not a patch on the 987 spyder and as you say not in the original Porsche spirit and imo the 987 spyder is the one and only and the gt4 is what the caymanR should have been!I had the option for either but the Spyder for me is a no brainier, the GT4 is trying to be something it is not, it'll never be a GT3. I know it drives superbly but so what.
A Spyder will only ever be a Spyder because to me it exemplifies the original Porsche spirit, the GT4 does not. There is a lack of something with the GT4 and a bit too much Halfords for me.
I'm lucky enough to own the original Spyder and I'm getting the new one (and will keep the 987). However, I don't think anyone can make up their mind as to which is 'better' until they have lived with one for at least 3 months. We forget that the 987 Spyder was not an instant success (in the showroom at least) and I think we all look back with a little nostalgia regarding the 987 Spyder. Don't get me wrong I love it and would never sell it, but I think we need to give the 981 Spyder a bit of time before deciding which is 'better'...
itsybitsy said:
we all make our choices for our own reasons,but may I ask did you ever own the original spyder?as to me the new one is not a patch on the 987 spyder and as you say not in the original Porsche spirit and imo the 987 spyder is the one and only and the gt4 is what the caymanR should have been!
2010spy said:
I'm lucky enough to own the original Spyder and I'm getting the new one (and will keep the 987). However, I don't think anyone can make up their mind as to which is 'better' until they have lived with one for at least 3 months. We forget that the 987 Spyder was not an instant success (in the showroom at least) and I think we all look back with a little nostalgia regarding the 987 Spyder. Don't get me wrong I love it and would never sell it, but I think we need to give the 981 Spyder a bit of time before deciding which is 'better'...
I loved my 987 Spyder but I do also love my 981 S. I'm hoping that my new Spyder will combine the best bits of both, with a bit more get up and go. It's way too early to make any comparisons but if the Spyder lives up to my expectations, it'll be a keeper for me. I'm told mine will be here in November so not long to wait now to find out if this is my best Boxster yet. itsybitsy said:
we all make our choices for our own reasons,but may I ask did you ever own the original spyder?as to me the new one is not a patch on the 987 spyder and as you say not in the original Porsche spirit and imo the 987 spyder is the one and only and the gt4 is what the caymanR should have been!
itsybitsy said:
we all make our choices for our own reasons,but may I ask did you ever own the original spyder?as to me the new one is not a patch on the 987 spyder and as you say not in the original Porsche spirit and imo the 987 spyder is the one and only and the gt4 is what the caymanR should have been!
I owned 2 987 Spyders.A PDK which was great fun but not as fun as the black manual with PCCbs, the thing I walked away from this after owning a few GT3's was that this was a car providing all the B road fun without trying to be something it was not. The Gt4 will always be seen as cheaper GT3 in many people's eyes, it is for me. I'd rather a 991 Gt3.
I simply see the 981 Spyder as something quite unique in the same I did the 987 Spyder, in terms of which I prefer? Well the 987 Spyder looks too feminine for my liking, I always thought that if they they did the a 981 Spyder it would resolve the rear end, they have and I'm happy to say my car turns up after this year.
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