Do you recall those childhood car rides, the wind whipping through your hair as you stretched your hand out the window, feeling utterly connected to the world? In those innocent years, the vehicle itself was secondary; it was simply the vessel for that profound sense of freedom. As life’s complexities accumulate, that connection often fades, buried under responsibilities and routines. However, the 2016 Porsche Spyder emerges as a potent antidote, a car meticulously engineered to distill that very essence of carefree joy back into your life. It’s an invitation to shed the weight of the everyday, to unwind, and to simply revel in the act of driving.
Alt text: A vibrant red 2016 Porsche Spyder speeding along a winding coastal highway in Hawaii, showcasing its open-top design and dynamic performance.
When Porsche extended the invitation to experience the new Boxster Spyder in the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii, the answer was instinctive and immediate. The anticipation for this launch eclipsed all others, fueled by a lifelong passion for open-top motoring, even exceeding the enthusiasm for the remarkable Cayman GT4. While the GT4 impressed with its track prowess, the allure of the Spyder lay in its promise of unadulterated, wind-in-your-hair thrills. Could the 2016 Porsche Spyder redefine the benchmark for modern sports cars, blending exhilarating performance with the sheer pleasure of open-air driving?
What Sets the 2016 Boxster Spyder Apart?
The standard Porsche 981 Boxster is already a captivating machine, delivering a thrilling driving experience. The Boxster GTS, with its enhanced features, further amplified this appeal. Yet, the 2016 Boxster Spyder elevates this formula to new heights, meticulously crafted to maximize driver engagement and enjoyment. While boasting increased power, the Spyder’s essence transcends mere horsepower figures. The larger 3.8-liter engine is the heart of this transformation, providing a surge of torque that fundamentally enhances the car’s everyday drivability. As highlighted in the GT4 review, the robust torque curve of this engine harmonizes beautifully with the Spyder’s longer gear ratios, ensuring effortless power delivery in any driving scenario.
Alt text: Close-up view of the 2016 Porsche Spyder’s interior, highlighting the classic manual gear stick and sporty cockpit design, emphasizing driver-focused controls.
In a deliberate departure from Porsche’s widespread adoption of PDK transmissions, the 2016 Boxster Spyder is exclusively offered with a manual transmission, a fitting complement to its manually operated soft top. This choice is a welcome embrace of driver involvement, fostering an intimate connection between man and machine through the tactile engagement of the stick shifter. While PDK remains a technological marvel, unmatched in speed and precision, the Spyder’s six-speed manual is arguably Porsche’s finest creation, offering a level of driver engagement that no dual-clutch system can replicate. This transmission is not merely a component; it’s an integral part of the Spyder’s soul.
Alt text: Side profile of the lightweight 2016 Porsche Spyder in motion, showcasing its sleek silhouette, distinctive rear humps, and the aerodynamic design elements contributing to its agility.
The pursuit of lightness is central to the 2016 Boxster Spyder’s character. Tipping the scales at a mere 2899 pounds, it achieves a remarkable 66-pound weight reduction compared to a manual Boxster GTS. This diet is achieved through strategic weight shedding: the omission of the radio, air conditioning, headlight washers, and the careful reduction of sound-deadening materials. The manually operated soft top itself contributes 24 pounds to this weight saving. This combination of weight reduction and increased power culminates in an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of just 7.7 pounds per horsepower – a figure that translates directly into the Spyder’s exhilarating responsiveness and dynamic performance. You don’t just read about it; you feel it in every fiber of the car.
The Redesigned Manual Soft Top: A Masterpiece of Simplicity
A significant aspect of the 2016 Spyder’s weight reduction and unique character stems from its lightweight, manually operated soft top. The previous Boxster Spyder’s top was notorious for its complexity, requiring a lengthy and cumbersome process for removal and deployment. It lacked stability at higher speeds and offered questionable protection in car washes or heavy rain. The 2016 Spyder’s top represents a quantum leap forward in design and functionality. Its frame is a sophisticated blend of magnesium, aluminum, plastic, and high-strength steel, meticulously engineered for lightness and strength. Further weight savings are realized through the replacement of the glass rear window with a polymer alternative, the elimination of the power operation motor, and the removal of internal insulation.
Alt text: Detailed view of the 2016 Porsche Spyder’s manually operated soft top mechanism, highlighting its streamlined design, lightweight materials, and improved ease of use.
Operating the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Soft Top: A Simplified Process
The operation of the new soft top is a revelation compared to its predecessor. The previous generation required a tedious 14-step procedure, consuming over three minutes. The 2016 Spyder’s top can be lowered or raised in under a minute, involving a mere six steps. Furthermore, the new top provides a proper seal, maintains a respectable level of quietness when raised, and is engineered to withstand the Porsche’s top speed.
Detailed Steps for Lowering the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Top:
- Initiate the electric unlatching of the top and rear trunk lid by pressing the designated top button.
- Manually detach the aerodynamic fins from the rear trunk lid and securely insert them into their designated pockets on the top.
- Open the rear trunk lid.
- Manually stow the soft top.
- Close the rear trunk lid.
- Securely close the left and right top cover flaps.
Detailed Steps for Raising the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Top:
- Electrically unlatch the rear trunk lid by pressing the trunk release button and manually open the lid.
- Open the left and right top cover flaps.
- Manually raise the soft top.
- Close the rear trunk lid.
- Detach the aerodynamic fins from the top and attach them to the rear trunk lid.
- Latch the top to the windshield frame using the top button.
Alt text: Rear three-quarter view of the 2016 Porsche Spyder with its soft top partially lowered, demonstrating the manual operation process and the car’s distinctive rear design.
While the manual operation still necessitates stepping out of the car, the significantly reduced time and effort transform the experience. However, this manual process injects a sense of ritual into top-down driving, demanding a degree of driver participation. Yet, it remains a subtle barrier to spontaneous open-air enjoyment. The operation time still precludes lowering or raising the top at a brief stop like a traffic light, which can be inconvenient in rapidly changing weather conditions. The benchmark for lightweight manual tops is arguably set by Mazda’s MX-5, where a one-handed operation completes in mere seconds.
The 2016 Porsche Spyder Driving Experience: Unrivaled Joy
Having had the privilege of driving every iteration of the 981 Boxster, the 2016 Spyder unequivocally stands as the most captivating. While a personal preference often leans towards smaller, high-revving engines, the Spyder’s larger powerplant is simply extraordinary. This engine, previously admired in the 911 Carrera S, finds its ultimate expression in the Boxster chassis, creating a Porsche engine and chassis pairing that is arguably the most rewarding ever conceived. Drawing a parallel to the muscle car era, the Spyder mirrors the philosophy of injecting a larger engine into a smaller, more agile platform, resulting in a “Muscle Sportscar” akin to the GT4.
Alt text: Dynamic shot of the 2016 Porsche Spyder cornering sharply on a racetrack, illustrating its exceptional handling, balanced chassis, and driver-focused dynamics.
The Cayman GT4 and the Boxster Spyder are kindred spirits, closely related yet subtly distinct. While Porsche positions them separately, their inherent similarities are undeniable. Having recently driven both models, the GT4 demonstrably excels in outright speed, while the Spyder edges ahead in pure driving fun, albeit by a narrow margin. On a racetrack, the GT4’s slight horsepower advantage, enhanced torsional rigidity, GT3-derived suspension, track-focused Michelin tires, and aerodynamic downforce provide a clear lap time advantage. However, on public roads, the sheer exhilaration of an exceptionally capable convertible like the Boxster Spyder is difficult to surpass. The Spyder also offers a more compliant ride compared to the GT4; with the top down, everyday stresses simply dissipate. In contrast, the GT4’s firmer setup might test the resilience of your dental fillings. Despite an immense admiration for the GT4, were a personal choice to be made, the Boxster Spyder would consistently win out.
Alt text: Low-angle front view of the 2016 Porsche Spyder parked on a scenic overlook, emphasizing its aggressive stance, iconic Porsche design, and the breathtaking backdrop.
A Symphony of Sound: Booming, Sonorous, Phenomenal
Igniting the engine unleashes a glorious torrent of sound from the Spyder’s sport exhaust. While shared with the Cayman GT4, the open-top configuration of the Boxster Spyder amplifies the auditory experience, immersing the driver in a richer soundscape. It’s as if the exhaust note is directly channeled into your senses. Driving past structures or through tunnels further intensifies this phenomenal sound. With the Sport Exhaust button engaged, the aural experience is simply unmatched. The engine’s revs build to a thrilling crescendo, and upon throttle lift-off, the exhaust tips erupt with a crackling and popping symphony that rivals any aftermarket system. While Jaguar has garnered acclaim for the F-Type’s sound, Porsche’s engineers in Stuttgart have seemingly eclipsed even that benchmark, making the F-Type sound almost subdued in comparison.
Alt text: Close-up of the 2016 Porsche Spyder’s sporty exhaust tips, highlighting the performance-oriented design and hinting at the powerful and resonant exhaust note.
Beyond the captivating sound, the Spyder delivers a driving experience of exceptional precision. The steering rack, reportedly derived from the 911 Turbo, offers a level of directness and perfectly weighted feedback that has been absent from Boxsters since the previous Spyder generation. It’s almost repetitive to state, but Porsche has truly mastered the calibration of their electric-assist power steering. It’s remarkably good, providing genuine feel and connection. The suspension setup, while not as sophisticated as the Cayman GT4’s, utilizes the X73 package Sport Suspension (an option on other Boxster models), featuring a 20mm lower ride height, stiffer springs, and firmer sway bars. This configuration strikes an ideal balance, offering a firmness that is both engaging and comfortable, bridging the gap between the standard Boxster’s softer ride and the GT4’s track-focused rigidity. Porsche has achieved a masterful calibration, delivering a suspension that is firm without being punishing.
The engine propels the car with seamless fluidity and authority. The abundant torque delivers a satisfying surge of acceleration as you accelerate. While some cars rely on sheer power to mask chassis deficiencies, the 981 chassis is inherently balanced, allowing the power to be fully exploited. On numerous occasions, approaching corners with either excessive or insufficient speed never induced any sense of unease, as the Boxster calmly allows for corrections without drama. The Spyder consistently surpassed posted corner speed recommendations by a significant margin, showcasing the exceptional synergy of engine and chassis.
Configuring Your Ideal 2016 Porsche Spyder
Among Porsche’s current lineup, the Boxster Spyder holds a top position in desirability, closely followed by the GT4. Its visual appeal is as captivating as its driving dynamics, representing a performance bargain, and historically, the previous Boxster Spyder has demonstrated remarkable value retention. Therefore, which options are truly essential?
For purists, the unadulterated driving experience should remain uncompromised. Keeping the car in its lightweight configuration, eschewing air conditioning, headlight washers, and the radio, aligns with the Spyder’s focused nature. The standard sports exhaust provides all the auditory engagement one could desire. During a 300-mile journey in the Spyder, the absence of a radio was never felt, and the need for air conditioning was easily addressed by lowering the top.
Alt text: Interior detail of the 2016 Porsche Spyder showcasing the optional Full Bucket seats and the Spyder Classic Interior Package with two-tone red and grey Alcantara, emphasizing the sporty and luxurious cabin.
While the standard seats are commendable, opting for upgraded seats is a worthwhile investment for enhanced comfort and support. The Adaptive Sport Seats or the Fixed Back “Full Bucket” seats are both excellent choices. The Full Bucket seats, while offering superior lateral support for spirited driving, might become less comfortable on extended freeway journeys. However, for a truly focused driving experience, they are unparalleled. Complementing the seats, specifying the Spyder Classic Interior Package is highly recommended. The two-tone red and grey Alcantara interior is visually stunning, exuding a premium feel and adding a vibrant splash of color to the cabin.
Beyond interior options, exterior color choice is a matter of personal preference. With the Spyder Classic interior, subtler exterior colors are generally more harmonious. Test vehicles were presented in White, Jet Black Metallic, and GT Silver Metallic, all displaying the Spyder beautifully. Personal favorites include Rhodium Silver Metallic and Sapphire Blue Metallic, both of which would accentuate the car’s elegant lines. The Boxster Spyder, unlike the more overtly aggressive Cayman GT4, lends itself to sophisticated rather than overtly loud color palettes.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a silver 2016 Porsche Spyder parked in a scenic location, highlighting its elegant color choice and the timeless Porsche design language.
Even with premium color and interior options, the 2016 Porsche Spyder remains surprisingly accessible, often priced below a Carrera S Cabriolet. This value proposition makes it a compelling alternative, offering a more focused and engaging driving experience for less money.
Conclusion: The 2016 Porsche Spyder – A Triumph of Pure Sports Car Engineering
This year has been a resounding success for Porsche, marked by motorsport victories, the launch of driver-centric sports cars, and record sales figures. The 2016 Boxster Spyder perfectly encapsulates this triumph, representing perhaps the finest road-going sports car platform Porsche has ever created. For those seeking the ultimate in driving pleasure, the 2016 Porsche Spyder stands as the definitive choice.
Alt text: A stunning sunset shot of the 2016 Porsche Spyder parked with its top down, symbolizing the freedom, joy, and exhilarating driving experience it offers, concluding the review with a powerful visual.
The 2016 Boxster Spyder is an exceptional sports car, ideally suited as a third car in a two-driver household. Its blend of comfort, exhilarating performance, striking aesthetics, and relative value makes it an incredibly compelling proposition. For those with the garage space and budget for a fourth vehicle, perhaps considering adding a Cayman GT4 to complement the Spyder would complete the ultimate Porsche garage.
