| Drivetrain |
|---|
| Drive type | Rear-wheel Drive |
| Engine type | Naturally aspirated, direct-injected gasoline flat-6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 3,436cc (210cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, variable intake + exhaust-valve timing and lift |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 12.5 |
| Redline (rpm) | 7,400 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 320 @ 7,200 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 273 @ 4,750 |
| Fuel type | Premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission type | Six-speed manual with console shifter |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I=3.308:1, II=1.950:1, III=1.407:1, IV=1.133:1, V=0.950:1, VI=0.081:1, Final drive = 3.889:1 |
| Chassis |
|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent MacPherson struts with dual lower ball joints, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Hydraulic-assist, speed-proportional rack-and-pinion power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 15.4 |
| Tire brand | Bridgestone |
| Tire model | Potenza RE050A |
| Tire type | Performance front - performance rear |
| Tire size, front | P235/35ZR19 Z |
| Tire size, rear | P265/35ZR19 Z |
| Wheel size | 19-by-8.5 inches front -- 19-by-10 inches rear |
| Wheel material | Cast aluminum |
| Brakes, front | 12.5-inch one-piece ventilated cast-iron discs with 4-piston fixed calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 11.8-inch one-piece ventilated cast-iron discs with 4-piston fixed calipers |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | Because it's so light, the Boxster Spyder doesn't require the typical abusive Porsche launch -- only a little controlled wheelspin. Shifter could not be better: short throws find home with a palm push. Also very little shift shock or driveline lash. |
| Braking rating | Excellent |
| Braking comments | Distances vary with available grip but are very short nonetheless. Zero fade from firm-to-hard pedal, flat and straight every time. Brakes got better with heat, best run on #7. |
| Handling rating | Excellent |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Steering is so unfettered by weight that you can feel every last bit of grip ebbing and flowing with the surface and speed. Easy to keep a steady arc by manipulating throttle. With PSM on, it was more difficult to stay steady with throttle breathing on/off then subtle brake application. Slalom: Could only get better with more front-end grip; otherwise, every bit of feedback is useful and every driver input has a consequence. This is a precision driving tool. Eventually it understeers (gently, predictably) which limits the slalom speed. Steering is as good as it gets with crisp turn-in and immediate yaw reaction, and quick enough to catch a slide. PSM is intrusive when on. |
