981 Spyder - Speculation
Discussion
Now that we know the specs of the GT4 Cayman, what do you reckon the spec of the Spyder will be? My view:-
1. Would Porsche develop the 3.8 engine (based on 991 but with different crankcase according to Autocar) for one low volume car at this price point? I suspect not and hope that this will filter across.
2, The spyshots of the alleged Boxster Club Sport has a similar (same) front bumper as GT4. Why would the Spyder need the extra cooling vents (at top of bumper) if it was still sporting GTS engine? It could of course be a mule fioor the flat 4 turbo engines which might well require additional cooling.
3.The spyshots also show what appears to be standard Boxster roof. I was expressly told when placing my LOI that a new roof has been engineered. Why engineer a new roof if rear bodywork is to remain the same? Surely if weight saving was the main point they could simply make existing roof a manual operation (perhaps that is what they have done!) My money is on a revised rear deck (I hope so!)
4. Not being track focused in the same way as GT4, it will not need all the revised suspension bits from GT3 etc or PTV so this should reduce cost. Given that Boxster has lower price point than Cayman I would bet on a basic price of about £59K
All speculation is pretty pointless I know but it is fun!!
1. Would Porsche develop the 3.8 engine (based on 991 but with different crankcase according to Autocar) for one low volume car at this price point? I suspect not and hope that this will filter across.
2, The spyshots of the alleged Boxster Club Sport has a similar (same) front bumper as GT4. Why would the Spyder need the extra cooling vents (at top of bumper) if it was still sporting GTS engine? It could of course be a mule fioor the flat 4 turbo engines which might well require additional cooling.
3.The spyshots also show what appears to be standard Boxster roof. I was expressly told when placing my LOI that a new roof has been engineered. Why engineer a new roof if rear bodywork is to remain the same? Surely if weight saving was the main point they could simply make existing roof a manual operation (perhaps that is what they have done!) My money is on a revised rear deck (I hope so!)
4. Not being track focused in the same way as GT4, it will not need all the revised suspension bits from GT3 etc or PTV so this should reduce cost. Given that Boxster has lower price point than Cayman I would bet on a basic price of about £59K
All speculation is pretty pointless I know but it is fun!!
Edited by Johnthepotter on Thursday 5th February 18:11
For what it's worth, I read that last picture differently. An earlier picture I have seen shows the "inboard side" of the flaps referred to. The line on the inboard sign looks more like a molding line rather than a panel gap to my eyes. This leads me to think that the "flaps" are a part of the main engine cover in the same way is the red loops are on the current Spyder and work in the same way with the hood "tails" being hooked over some form of "anchor" with tension again being applied by the closing of the hood. Also I think that the rear window is a more rigid plastic than on the current model which leads me to think that the second/smaller part of the hood is some form of solid moulding rather than canvas (perhaps breaking down into a number of easily stowable/assembled parts. I realy do not see how any of this could be electric - i stand as much chance of being right as any of you of course!
As an addendum - I just got back from a visit to the Stuttgart factory. Fascinating !! No sign of any prototype/development m ules but did see a nice collection of four 918's being loaded onto a transporter. I was also surprised at the number of GT3's going down the line - including one in Gulf Orange. Very spectacular but a bit loud for my taste. One "factoid" I picked up and of which I was not aware is that ony 911 and Boxster are built there. All Cayman production is now at a VW plant in Osnabruck . You learn something every day. Also, production is limited to 200 cars per day which is current maximum capacity as they work a 2 shift system and due to proximity of residential areas are not permitted to introduce a third (night) shift. Might explain why some models are indeed limited production !
As an addendum - I just got back from a visit to the Stuttgart factory. Fascinating !! No sign of any prototype/development m ules but did see a nice collection of four 918's being loaded onto a transporter. I was also surprised at the number of GT3's going down the line - including one in Gulf Orange. Very spectacular but a bit loud for my taste. One "factoid" I picked up and of which I was not aware is that ony 911 and Boxster are built there. All Cayman production is now at a VW plant in Osnabruck . You learn something every day. Also, production is limited to 200 cars per day which is current maximum capacity as they work a 2 shift system and due to proximity of residential areas are not permitted to introduce a third (night) shift. Might explain why some models are indeed limited production !
That would be disappointing but as the Cayman and Boxster are made at different factories I don't see production capacity as an issue which will affect Spyder. I would also be surprised if Porsche launched a special edition at the start of a new model run - interest in the new models would normally be high enough and would not need this form of additional marketing support.
I take your point swimd but can you believe Porsche would launch a "s........y" engine, I can't and don't undersdtand this prejudice against turbos. They have previous in the form of 944 Turbo and that was widely acclaimed in its time.I have a twin turbo 2 litre in my BMW 328. It produces almost as much power as Boxster S was a few years ago and is a great drive - not as responsive as my Spyder obviously but still fun and a nice noise above 4000 rpm. We are all entitled to our opinions though. It will indeed be an interesting (and long) 10 days
Fair point I think if you are using your car on track days (which I don't) , you may notice the lower response but in driving on public roads at the acceleration/speeds one can normally achieve I really don't think that the difference is that great or noticeable. The overall dynamics and sound of the new models will I am sure be up to usual Porsche standards and Walter does say "I'm sure they'll get that right"!! Anyway, exciting times !!
The following is from Bloomberg Business re New York Motor Show opening on 1 april:-
One Last Secret ...
Finally, Porsche will show for the first time a still-secret roadster it is describing as “radically high-performance.” So good they can’t even give us a teaser photo? Here’s hoping.
Can only be Spyder surely?
One Last Secret ...
Finally, Porsche will show for the first time a still-secret roadster it is describing as “radically high-performance.” So good they can’t even give us a teaser photo? Here’s hoping.
Can only be Spyder surely?
Edited by Johnthepotter on Monday 30th March 20:10
I was told by OPC last week that they are expecting about 150 cars. Not sure if that is 2015 only or 2015/16. So that would be around 3 or 4 cars per dealer I think. Given that "my OPC" already has at least a dozen LOI's, there will be a lot of disappointment I think (thankfully, I'm number 2!!)
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