The Porsche Boxster Spyder is one of a handful of world premieres at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The lighter-weight and more powerful Boxster model gets a Carrera GT-inspired clamshell rear with bulges to accentuate this car’s two-seat layout. Other design features include lower side windows for a chop-top look.

But what really makes the Spyder special is the light weight chassis and more powerful engine. In total 176 lbs of weight has been cut from the car, to deliver a curb weight of just 2,811 lbs. Power comes via the same direct-injection 3.4-liter flat-six as in the Boxster S, but with a 10-hp jump to 320-hp. Combined with Porsche’s new dual-clutch PDK transmission, the car can hit 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The only downside to the car is the new rag top that has to be put in place by hand. We watched two Porsche reps attach the material cover and it was not a simple or quick process,

The Boxster Spyder will be priced from $61,200 and will go on sale in February of next year as a 2011 model.

GALLERY: Porsche Boxster Spyder World Premiere

With the car’s debut at the LA Auto Show fast approaching, Porsche has released a large gallery of photos of its latest model, the Boxster Spyder. The photos show the car in detail, including the Carrera GT-inspired clamshell rear with bulges to accentuate this car’s two-seat layout. Other design features include lower side windows for a chop-top look.

But what really makes the Spyder special is its light weight chassis and more powerful engine. In total 176 lbs of weight has been cut from the car, to deliver a curb weight of just 2,811 lbs. Power comes via the same direct-injection 3.4-liter flat-six as in the Boxster S, but with a 10-hp jump to 320-hp. Combined with Porsche’s new dual-clutch PDK transmission, the car can hit 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The Boxster Spyder will be priced from $61,200 and will go on sale in February of next year as a 2011 model.

AutoGuide’s live coverage of the LA Auto Show begins December 2nd.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

After much speculation, Porsche has finally announced that it will introduce a light weight Boxster Spyder model at the LA Auto Show. Designed with inspiration from the iconic Carrera GT, the Boxster Spyder gets lower side windows for that chop-top roadster look and also comes with a unique single clamshell rear with two bulges to really accentuate the two-seater nature of this sports car.

But what really makes the Spyder special is its light weight chassis and more powerful engine. In total 176 lbs of weight has been cut from the car, to deliver a curb weight of just 2,811 lbs. Power comes via the same direct-injection 3.4-liter flat-six as in the Boxster S, but with a 10-hp jump to 320-hp. Combined with Porsche’s new dual-clutch PDK transmission, the car can hit 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The Boxster Spyder will be priced from $61,200 and will go on sale in February of next year as a 2011 model.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Porsche Boxster Spyder

See a video of the Boxster Spyder in action and the official release after the jump:

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