Remember those childhood road trips, the wind whipping through your hair as you hung your hand out the window? That feeling of pure, unadulterated freedom? As life gets complicated with responsibilities and routines, that connection to simple joy can feel distant. However, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder is designed to recapture that feeling, distilling carefree driving into its purest form. It’s an invitation to let go, relax, and rediscover the joy of the open road.
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When Porsche extended the invitation to test drive the new Boxster Spyder in Hawaii, the answer was an immediate and enthusiastic “Yes!” Anticipation was high, exceeding even the excitement for the acclaimed Cayman GT4. While the GT4 impressed with its track prowess, the allure of an open-top Porsche Spyder held a special appeal. Could the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder redefine the standard for sports car exhilaration?
What Sets the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Apart?
The standard Porsche 981 Boxster is already a benchmark for driving pleasure. The Boxster GTS, previously reviewed and admired, delivers a thrilling experience. Yet, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder elevates this formula, focusing on maximizing driver engagement. While it boasts increased power, the essence of the Spyder is more profound than just raw numbers. The larger 3.8-liter engine brings a significant boost in torque, making everyday driving not just easier, but genuinely more enjoyable. As noted in the GT4 review, this engine’s torque curve harmonizes perfectly with the longer gear ratios, mitigating the need for constant gear changes and keeping the car in its sweet spot.
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Exclusively offered with a manual transmission, aligning with its manually operated soft top, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder marks a welcome departure from Porsche’s widespread PDK availability. This is a Porsche that demands a tactile connection between driver and machine, and the slick 6-speed manual delivers precisely that. While PDK is undeniably a technological marvel, offering lightning-fast shifts, the manual in the Spyder fosters an unparalleled sense of engagement. It’s arguably the finest manual transmission Porsche has ever engineered, offering crisp, precise shifts that become an integral part of the driving experience.
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Weighing in at a mere 2899 pounds, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder achieves a 66-pound weight reduction compared to a manual Boxster GTS. This diet is achieved through strategic omissions: the radio, air conditioning system, headlight washers, and some sound insulation have been removed. The manual soft top itself contributes 24 pounds to the weight savings. This focus on lightness, combined with increased power, results in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of just 7.7 pounds per horsepower – a difference that is palpable from behind the wheel.
The Evolution of the Spyder Top
Lightness is a defining characteristic of the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder, and the manually operated soft top plays a crucial role in achieving this. The previous Boxster Spyder’s top was notorious for its complexity and inconvenience – a cumbersome process to operate, unstable at higher speeds, and less than ideal in inclement weather. The new top, however, represents a significant leap forward in design and usability. Constructed from magnesium, aluminum, plastic, and high-strength steel, the frame is both light and robust. Further weight reduction is achieved through a polymer rear window replacing glass, the elimination of the power operation motor, and the removal of internal insulation.
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Operating the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Soft Top
The operation of the new soft top is drastically improved compared to its predecessor. The old top involved a tedious 14-step process taking over three minutes. The 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder’s top is lowered in under a minute, requiring just six steps. Furthermore, the new top offers proper sealing, maintains respectable quietness when raised, and is even rated to withstand the car’s top speed.
Detailed steps for lowering the top:
- Electrically unlatch the top and rear trunk lid using the top button.
- Manually detach the fin ends from the rear trunk lid and insert them into their designated pockets on the top.
- Open the rear trunk lid.
- Manually stow the top.
- Close the rear trunk lid.
- Close the left and right top cover flaps.
Detailed steps for raising the top:
- Electrically unlatch the rear trunk lid by pressing the trunk release button and manually open the rear lid.
- Open the left and right top cover flaps.
- Manually raise the top.
- Close the rear trunk lid.
- Detach the fin ends from the top and attach them to the rear trunk lid.
- Latch the top to the windshield frame using the top button.
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While the manual operation still necessitates stepping out of the car, the process is significantly less time-consuming. This deliberate involvement in raising and lowering the top adds to the ritualistic nature of open-top driving, requiring a conscious decision and interaction from the driver. However, it’s still a process that cannot be completed at a brief stop like a red light, which might be a consideration in areas with unpredictable weather. In contrast, the Mazda MX-5’s benchmark lightweight manual top can be operated with one hand in mere seconds, showcasing the spectrum of manual soft-top designs.
The Thrilling Driving Dynamics
Having experienced every iteration of the 981 Boxster, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder stands out as the most captivating. While personal preference often leans towards smaller, high-revving engines, the Spyder’s larger powerplant is simply exceptional. The same engine that impressed in the 911 Carrera S finds an even more perfect home in the Boxster chassis, creating a truly unforgettable Porsche combination. Drawing a parallel to the muscle car era of the 1960s, where large V8s were transplanted into mid-size cars, the GT4 and Boxster Spyder represent Porsche’s modern interpretation: muscle sportscars.
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The Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder are closely related, sharing a similar ethos despite Porsche’s distinct positioning. Having driven both, the GT4 is undeniably the faster car on a track. Its additional horsepower, enhanced torsional rigidity, GT3-derived suspension components, stickier tires, and aerodynamic downforce translate to lap time advantages. However, on public roads, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder offers an unparalleled fun-to-drive factor as a convertible. It provides a more compliant ride than the GT4, making it more suitable for everyday use. Lowering the top in the Spyder truly melts away stress, while the GT4’s stiffer setup might literally shake your fillings loose on less-than-perfect roads. Despite the deep admiration for the GT4, if a personal choice were to be made, the Boxster Spyder would win every time, especially considering personal funds.
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A Symphony of Sound and Performance
Igniting the engine of the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder unleashes a glorious barrage of sound from its sport exhaust. While shared with the Cayman GT4, the open-top configuration of the Spyder amplifies the auditory experience, making it feel as though the exhaust note is directly channeled to your ears. Driving past structures or through tunnels transforms the sound into a breathtaking symphony. Engaging the Sport Exhaust button further intensifies the aural delight, creating a crescendo of revs that culminates in crackles and pops on throttle lift-off, rivaling any aftermarket exhaust. While Jaguar has earned accolades for the F-Type’s sound, Porsche has quietly crafted an exhaust note that subtly surpasses it in richness and depth.
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Beyond the captivating sound, the driving experience is equally enthralling. The steering rack, reportedly borrowed from the 911 Turbo, delivers a direct and perfectly weighted feel, reminiscent of the previous Boxster Spyder and a significant improvement over other Boxsters. Porsche’s electric power steering calibration, often praised, is exceptionally well-executed in the Spyder. The suspension, while not as aggressively track-focused as the GT4’s, utilizes the X73 Sport Suspension package (optional on other Boxsters), featuring a 20mm lower ride height, stiffer springs, and firmer sway bars. This setup strikes a perfect balance – firmer than the standard Boxster for enhanced handling, yet more forgiving than the GT4 for daily driving. Porsche has seemingly found the “just right” suspension tune for a road-focused sports car.
The engine’s abundant torque propels the car forward effortlessly, providing a satisfying surge of acceleration. While some cars rely on power to mask chassis deficiencies, the 981 Boxster chassis approaches neutral handling perfection, making the power even more accessible and enjoyable. Even when entering corners with imperfect speed, the Boxster Spyder remains composed and easily correctable, inspiring confidence. Many corners during the test drive were easily navigated at speeds far exceeding the posted advisory limits, highlighting the car’s exceptional capabilities. The engine and chassis work in perfect harmony, creating a truly exceptional driving machine.
Specifying Your Ideal 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder
Among Porsche’s current lineup, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder is arguably the most desirable, with the GT4 as a close second. Its stunning aesthetics are matched by its exhilarating performance, representing a remarkable value proposition. If the previous Boxster Spyder’s appreciation is any indication, this special model is poised to hold its value exceptionally well. So, which options are essential?
For a purist driving experience, resisting the urge to add unnecessary extras is key. Keeping the car in its lightweight configuration, as intended by the factory – without air conditioning, headlight washers, and the radio – is the ideal approach. The standard sports exhaust provides all the auditory engagement one could desire. During a 300-mile drive in the Spyder, the radio was never missed, and even air conditioning felt superfluous. If heat becomes an issue, simply lowering the top provides instant relief – a decision you won’t regret.
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While the standard seats are comfortable, upgrading to optional seats is highly recommended, especially for factory orders. The Adaptive Sport Seats or the Fixed Back “Full Bucket” seats are excellent choices. The Full Bucket seats, while potentially less comfortable on long highway drives, perfectly complement the focused driving experience. And when considering interior options, the Spyder Classic Interior Package is a must-have. The two-tone blood-red and grey Alcantara interior is simply exquisite, elevating the cabin with a premium feel and a vibrant splash of color.
Beyond these interior considerations, exterior color choice becomes the primary personalization decision. With the Spyder Classic interior, opting for more understated colors is generally advisable. Test vehicles were presented in White, Jet Black Metallic, and GT Silver Metallic – all excellent choices. For a personal order, Rhodium Silver Metallic or Sapphire Blue Metallic would be strong contenders, offering sophistication and subtle flair. The Boxster Spyder’s character leans towards refined elegance rather than the overtly bold aesthetic often suited to the Cayman GT4.
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Even with premium paint and the top-tier interior, a well-optioned 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder still comes in under $90,000, including delivery. While Porsche might not want to hear it, choosing a Carrera S Cabriolet over the Spyder at a similar price point becomes a difficult proposition.
Final Verdict: The Pinnacle of Road-Going Sports Cars
This year has been a resounding success for Porsche, marked by motorsport victories, the launch of driver-centric sports cars, and record sales. Victories at Le Mans, coupled with the introduction of models like the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder, solidify Porsche’s position as a leader in performance and driving pleasure. The Boxster Spyder stands as a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess, possibly representing the finest road-going sports car platform ever created. For discerning driving enthusiasts, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder is simply the best.
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The 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder is an exceptional sports car, ideally suited as a weekend escape or a prized addition to a multi-car garage. It offers a compelling blend of comfort, exhilarating driving dynamics, striking aesthetics, and remarkable value. If space and budget allow for a fourth car, perhaps a Cayman GT4 could join it, but for pure open-road driving joy, the Boxster Spyder reigns supreme.
