Porsche Boxster RS60 Part 1: Design Review

Debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, the Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder represents the latest iteration of Porsche's entry-level car. Based on the more powerful Boxster S, the RS60 Spyder is essentially an anniversary present from Porsche to... Porsche.

While it may be new, this Boxster variant takes us back to the 1960s and to Porsche's successes in its early sportscar racing days. The car borrows part of its name from the car nicknamed "Giant Killer": the Type 718 RS60 Spyder. That famous racing Porsche earned its name by beating many cars with significantly larger engines to win the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring.

So, what exactly do you get over a standard Boxster S?

The exterior changes amount to a new two-piece front spoiler, which adds a bit of aggression to the otherwise soft-shaped Boxster. There are taillight lenses that are entirely red instead of the standard items with their white reverse lamps. The windshield surround has gone from body color to a blacked-out finish - again adding a touch of aggression and helping to make the windshield seem smaller, like that of the original Type 718 RS60 Spyder.

Model specific 19-inch wheels continue the aggressive trend as they sit more flush to the body due to wheel hub spacers. And finally, there's a sport exhaust system with two large diameter pipes exiting at the center of the rear bumper. Having not heard the exhaust note of the original 1960 racecar, I can't comment on how similar they may sound, but I can tell you that the Boxster RS60 Spyder makes an awesome sound when in "sport" mode.

To be honest, these changes are pretty subtle, and just barely enough to separate the RS60 Spyder from lesser Boxsters, although they do give this limited edition car a little bit more attitude.

All this for $64,900, $9200 premium over the standard Boxster S. So, is it worth it? From a design standpoint, it's difficult to justify the extra cost. The standard car is equally good-looking and can also be had with 19-inch wheels. But when you consider the collectability of this special edition, and the fact that only 1960 will be built, and out of those only 800 will come to the U.S., it's a little easier to justify the added cost, especially if collectability is something that is important to you. If not, it's hard to argue against the "regular" Boxster S.

Beyond its rarity, the Porsche RS60 Spyder offers the classic good looks of the Boxster S, with the special bits adding a little more personality. And while the basic Boxster shape may be getting a bit dated, the RS60 Spyder is still handsome enough with its GT Silver paint and gorgeous red interior to turn heads everywhere it goes.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior and User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder

Performance
- Acceleration: Impressively quick, and a sound straight from the Mulsanne straight
- Handling: Impressive amounts of grip - mid-engine balance
- Braking: Impressive power from the steel brakes - proves that you don't need expensive ceramics

Design
- Exterior: Getting a bit dated - still very clean and correct - the right size for a Porsche
- Interior: Impressive build quality - gorgeous red leather feels ultra-special

Utility
- Comfort: Impressive ride comfort as long as you don't use the "sport" suspension setting - great seats
- Space: Impressive amount of storage with two trunks

Safety
- Dynamics: Moves that allow you to proactively avoid whatever comes at you
- Technology: All you need in an impressively rigid chassis, especially for a convertible

Value
- Price: Tough to argue against the "regular" Boxster S and its $9k "discount" compared to this car
- Mileage: Light weight (relatively speaking) and six cylinders deliver the best of both worlds

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Impressively addictive - once you drive it, you won't look at it the same way - a true P-car
- Fun to spank: Impressive sound - impressive handling - impressive brakes - yeah, I'm impressed.

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Mid engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.4 liter, Horizontally opposed 6 cylinder
Power (SAE): 303 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 251 lbs-ft @ 4400 rpm
Redline: 7300 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed manual
Curb Weight: 2987 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.1 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.4 sec.
Top Speed: 170 mph
Mileage: 18 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $64,900
Competitors: BMW Z4 M Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, Porsche Boxster S