Porsche announces modern interpretation of 1960s racecar

In case you ever wondered, the word "Spyder" simply refers to a sporty, "speedy" convertible. It harks back to the days of horse-drawn carriages where it was used to describe small, light two-seater carriages with a simple folding sunshade on top secured by four bows that looked like, well a spider sitting on top of the carriage. The name has made its way through into the auto business, and has been particularly popular on Euro sportsters.

The latest from Porsche is the limited edition Boxter RS 60 Spyder. The German company plans to produce only 1,960 of them in homage to the groundbreaking, "giant-killing" Porsche Type 718 RS 60 that blitzed the larger, more powerful competition in 1960's 12 hours of Sebring endurance race, and kicked off a successful streak in motorsport for the company.

The new car is designed to evoke the stance and style of the historic mid-engine two-seater race car. Its front end is taken from Porsche’s SportDesign Package and distinguishes the RS 60 Spyder significantly from the current Boxster S. Spacer plates move the 19-inch Porsche SportDesign wheels into a more prominent position in the wheel arches. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is standard. Modifications to the exhaust flow coupled with a dual tailpipe sports exhaust system increase engine output to 303 hp.

The RS 60 Spyder’s interior features and equipment also pay homage to its famous ancestor: door entry guards made of stainless steel that proudly show off the model designation, a race-inspired gearshift lever, and special surface texture in the center sections of the sports seats and the center door linings as well as on the steering wheel rim and handbrake lever.

The instrument cluster cover has been removed, prominently displaying the GT Silver Metallic instruments which have been set wider apart. This little touch goes a long way to making the RS 60 feel more like a race car.

The new 2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder will go on sale in Canada in early spring of next year with a MSRP of $81,900 and have its North American debut at the New York Auto Show on March 19, 2008.