Porsche will unveil a commemorative 2004 Boxster S, designed to “reflect the spirit of one of Porsche’s most famous models,” the 550 Spyder, at the Detroit Motor Show.
Porsche will unveil a commemorative 2004 Boxster S, designed to “reflect the spirit of one of Porsche’s most famous models,” the 550 Spyder.
The Boxster is reportedly capable of reaching 266 km/h. Its 3,2-litre flat-six engine produces 192 kW at 6 200 r/min and a maximum torque output of 310 N.m at 4 600 r/min. The special edition is claimed to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 5,7 seconds.
Sportier suspension settings, 5 mm-wide wheel spacers on all four wheels and standard 18-inch Carrera wheels promise even better handling, while a 15 per cent shorter shift travel in the standard six-speed manual transmission will provide quicker shifts.
Porsche first introduced the 550 Spyder in October 1953 at the Paris Motor Show. It was the first car designed by them specifically for racing and has since been immortalised by the iconic ’50’s heart-throb, James Dean. The car earned instant fame (or infamy) for being the car that Dean drove on the day of his fatal crash.
Fifty years on, production of the special edition Boxster S will be limited to 1 953 units. Common to Boxster and Spyder are the mid-engined roadster layout, low weight (the 550 weighed only 550 kilograms) and a high level of driving pleasure.
To further enhance the Boxster driving experience, Porsche engineers have given the special “50 Years of the 550 Spyder” edition a series of equipment details and technical features that have been unavailable on the Boxster so far.
Since most of the 550 Spyders built in those days were painted in silver, the special edition has been finished in gleaming silver metallic too. This colour has so far been reserved for the Carrera GT and the “40 Years of the 911” model.
The soft top is available in a cocoa colour. The car’s interior is dominated by Cocoa and Silver, with matching carpet and floor mats with the Porsche inscription. Dark grey natural leather is available as an alternative, with the folding top and carpets in black.
The special “50 Years of the 550 Spyder” edition’s Detroit premiere is in January, and its introduction on international markets is scheduled for March 2004.
