Alan Smithee

...not too bad:

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2012...NEWS/120119962

Jon70

Looks better than I thought it would.

Craig67

I agree

Only1Buck

Wonder what 981 based Spyder would look like

orthojoe

Wow. It looks REALLY good. If they make a spyder version....

n2cars

I agree it does look much better than I thought. Major improvements in all areas. But I'm not tempted to sell my Spyder.

James Herne

http://stuttcars.com/porsche-models/boxster/981 tech specs and photos

nkhalidi

I like how it's significantly different from the 991. Has lots of CGT styling cues too. Rear a little busy with all those lines. Overall looks great. Loss of 200lbs is significant. Looks like the 987 is obsolete

CW-VIESOCK

That champagne color looks awesome.

James Herne

That is not true, the loss of weight is 55-77 lbs depending on modification.

66mustang

Now I have to figure out how to sell my 987 and buy the 981. I am sure my wife will agree

Alan Smithee

While I am hardly disappointed that the current Spyder weighs less and has more power, the neutering of the 981 Boxster (and likely the Cayman to follow) is at an all-time high and more blatant than ever, with the same 3.4 engine in the base 991 producing 35 more horsepower. Just let these cars have their own identity already, rather than trying to keep them in-step within a line-up!

I do think this 981 is a good looking car, and I think it will result in a great looking Cayman. But personally I still can't get over the fake transmission tunnel, luxury-car door panels, mandatory TV screen, and electric e-brake, all of which are even less appropriate in the less-GT like Boxster/Cayman. I really hope there is a lightweight interior in the works for the GT3/Spyder/R models that are sure to follow.

SY1970911S

What is the second set of lights under the rear spoiler. It looks like it could be a European fog lamp or, some sort of progressive brake light warning. What do you think?

Dr.Bill

I'll have to reserve judgement until I can see one in person.

It does look better than the current version with the top up. Not loving the interior or the minimal gain in hp though. Why can't the 'S' have 350hp?? The electric steering will have to wait for a test drive, but I doubt it's an improvement.

Could be the Boxster Spyder and Cayman R will remain the best of the breed for some time!

98Boxster

I really like it, looks good. Not sure ont that rear spoiler application, but may not look bad in person. I like the interior - make mine tan please. Now my 986 is 2 iterations behind.