Hello, Porsche brethren and whatever the feminine version of that word is.

After many years, I am back in a Boxster. I had an '06 Boxster way back when. It was the best car I ever owned.

I don't think people who haven't owned Boxsters/Caymans realize how easy they are to live with.

I traded that car for a Lotus Elise. That car was extremely fun, but not reliable or durable.

I sold it, started a few businesses, and sort of turned my thoughts away from automotive pleasure for a while. 6 years, to be exact.

But secretly, I kept longing for another Porsche. I would see that each dealer would have some leftover cars at the end of each year. I wondered if I should take a stab at getting a great deal. I never bit.

But the GTS and then the Spyder/GT4 really captured my attention. Not only were they faster with all the performance goodies, but the aero kits... OMG. Even the snootiest 911 lover couldn't say the GTS or Spyder/GT4 weren't mesmerisingly gorgeous (I've encountered the type a few times, unfortunately).

Anyway, without further gushing, here is my limited, early review of the 2016 Boxster Spyder; the last of a generation.


First of all, this car has presence. It has presence the way a 911 GT3, Z06, Viper, or F430 does. You can't miss it. It doesn't blend in. It immediately draws your attention and sparks your curiosity. I think that's a plus, not because I want to draw attention, but because it is extremely satisfying just to look at it -- gawk even -- and know that such as desirable car is mine.

First impressions inside. Well, ingress is as easy as ever. I test drove an Alfa 4C and while I adored the car, I really couldn't get inside. And remember -- I owned an ELISE! This considerably worse. Anyway, I expected the cabin to be devoid of any creature comforts. Not so. It has a backup camera, touchscreen infotainment unit, Bluetooth, and those are really the only things I use or care about. Seriously, I think I expected just an AM radio. The sound system is also quite good. This is all icing on the cake since I didn't expect anything.

The top seems extremely complex at first, but it really isn't that difficult to learn or do. I'm still getting used to it, and it is a bit annoying when you want to be out and on your way. I will need to teach the parking attendant how to do it. But it's part of what makes the Spyder unique, so I'll live with it.

The transmission is sweet. Some automotive journalists hate the auto rev matching on downshifts, but I LOVE IT! Not only does it give a nice bark, but it actually works and makes downshifting smoother. Oh, and the hill assist is so nice. I didn't even think it had it, but I noticed it on my hilly street. The car won't roll backwards AT ALL. Maybe purists won't like it, but it certainly isn't the most glamorous part of manual shifting. Also, I can tell there's a little rev assist when shifting into first which also helps. I imagine it will extend clutch life considerably. Makes going into first a less jerky affair.

Last note on the transmission: the long gear ratios actually make it easier to drive. You don't have to constantly worry about which gear you're in because 2-6 are all very usable at most speeds.

How's the drive? Well, I've only put like 35 miles on her, but damn. The car is really quiet until you hit Sport Plus and then it's just RIP SNORT (which, by the way, is what my new vanity plate is going to say). But once you're off the throttle in Sport+, it's quiet and tame. But the sound... It's actually addictive. I actually got annoyed at the radio for being on and distracting me from it. It's like a powerful bark. Not as deep as a Mustang 5.0 V8. Doesn't scream like an F360 Modena. But it has just the right amount of throaty, ferocious bark to it. It's the Carrera S engine, but it really doesn't sound like the Carrera S. It sounds like a GT3.

I really can't comment on acceleration because I'm still breaking her in, but from short bursts, she seems hella quick even at low RPMs. I really lamented not getting a Boxster S for my first Porsche and now I know why. I'm definitely going to look into some mods later... This is an amazing engine, but I think we all know Porsche left a lot of power on the table, particularly if they're able to coax 430 HP from it on the Carrera GTS.

As far as cornering grip, well, it's too early to say. It feels great to me because I drove a Lexus RX350 all day, but I need some time to find the fun roads and some track time.

The suspension is very compliant on the crappy roads around my apartment. These roads make my Lexus shudder. Nobody knows crappy roads like those in Manhattan

Cons?

Well, the top is a spectacle, at best. At worst, it's a minor annoyance. It's a 2 minute job.

It's VERY low. So low that in my new parking garage, it bottomed out slightly going down the hill into the garage. I was literally at crawling speeds. There was no way to get over without scraping the entire underside. So I tipped the guy to keep parked up top before the hill. Not Porsche's fault, but caveat emptor. There is a button that looks like it lifts the suspension (two arrows pointing up), but I couldn't notice anything when I hit it. Must be doing it wrong?

I keep feeling like my sweaty palms will ruin the microfiber, so I'm considering gloves or a cover.

By the way, does anyone in NY/NJ area know a decent clear bra/wrap installer? I'll check out our sponsors.


Some pics... The one with the bow is when I first saw her in the dealer a few months ago. I'm not the greatest photographer. This is all on my iPhone 6S+.

 

By the way, Porsche Larchmont has this blue Spyder also. The photos don't really do it justice. In person, this paint color is awe-inspiring. And the black wheels make it perfect. Actually, the red seat belts too.

I passed on it because it was about $9k more than mine and really that was for the GT3 bucket seats and paint color, but if you're looking for a new Spyder...

The GTS cab is a leftover 15 model.




















Random 4 GTS can --- leftover '15 model

 

Gorgeous car and nice write up!

I just picked up my GT4 a few days ago and since it shares many of the same parts, I can definitely see where you are coming from regarding the transmission, engine, and exhaust.

Everything just feels perfect. I'm only at 100 miles and following proper break-in guidelines is very difficult. It sucks having to short shift when the engine/exhaust start a vicious howl at 4,500RPMs that makes me want to take it to red line!

 

Red line it. The break in period is more for the driver than the car. Even Porsche engineers acknowledge the car be be driven hard from the start.

 

Hey! Congrats to you! Post some pics if you can!

I just drove mine 30 miles tonight (92 total) and I feel the EXACT same frustration!

I know break-in is a hot topic for debate. I'm sure that the car would be fine if I drove it hard as long as it's heated up, but I would like a more definitive source.

Deddie --- do you have a source for those Porsche engineers? I would love to read it. Did some digging online today but I'm still torn.

 

I'm personally following the break in advice of Andreas Preuninger, head of Porsche GT. Since he made the car, I figure he would know best.

He says:

“I can only tell you how I personally do it, or how we do it at Weissach – for the first 500 kilometers or 300 miles, we don’t drive that car ever over 5000 RPM, never. From then on, every 200 kilometers, we up the RPMs by 500, so we end up at 1300, 1400 kilometers at the threshold before we can really go full throttle, at 800 or 900 miles”

So you should be ready to wring the car out once it gets to 1,000 miles I think. The 2,000 mile break-in seems like total overkill.

Here's some pics of my car when I took delivery.









Here's a pic with the clear LED sidemarkers installed. Small change, but they complete the overall look much better than those garish orange pieces.

 

Firstly, whoa, beautiful car! Huge congrats to you. The side marker really does make a sizable difference.

Secondly, thanks for the tip on break in. I know this is one of those topics that has been discussed ad nauseam but it's nearly impossible to get clear info. My SA told me break in is 1500 miles with no further explanation

 

Congratulations! These are truly beautiful machines! I want one too!