Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder spotted top down in the mountains

-    The 718 Boxster Spyder was last spied at the Nurburgring.

-    The Spyder body style is seen for the first time without its soft top.

-    It is expected to break cover later this year.

Porsche is readying a new Spyder body style for the current-gen 718 Boxster. The test mule of the 981-gen Spyder was first seen at the Nurburgring in April. Now, our spy sleuths have captured the Boxster Spyder undergoing high altitude testing in the mountains with its top down.

The production-ready prototype had no camouflage whatsoever. The flying buttress of the Spyder is seen in all its glory. It is slightly different from the 911 Spyder which Porsche is preparing as a last hurrah for the current 991.2. The double bubble buttress of the Spyder sits nicely behind the rollover hoops. There is a petite lip spoiler at the end to aid the aerodynamics of the two-seater. The diffuser at the back has integrated circular exhaust tips. The rest of the bodywork is similar to the standard 718 Boxster. 

The 718 Spyder will be high on weight saving measures. The cabin will be stripped off of unnecessary features. It might even drop air-conditioning and sound system for maximum weight reduction. The soft-top fabric will be installed manually. 

Powering the new Spyder might borrow the same powertrain from the hardcore 911 GT3. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six produces more than 500bhp, but will allegedly be tuned down in the range-topping 718 Boxster Spyder. The same motor will also power the impending 718 Cayman GT4 which was also spotted testing at the ‘Ring. The transmission will be a six-speed manual but Porsche might even decide to use the seven-speed DCT automatic. 

The new-gen 718 Spyder is expected to be revealed later this year. It will be joined by the hardcore Cayman GT4. Porsche also plans to reveal the new-gen 992 911 this year.