Porsche AG will introduce the lightest, most powerful and most extreme version yet of the Boxster at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December. Weighing just 1,275 kg, the mid-engined Boxster Spyder is in fact the lightest Porsche model, representing the traditional Porsche sports car values of light weight, efficient performance, nimble handling and open-air driving pleasure.

The Boxster Spyder's formula is derived from Porsche's most successful road-going sports and racing cars, like the legendary 550 Spyder and the open-cockpit RS Spyder Le Mans prototype. It continues Porsche's philosophy of homologating race cars for the road, reflecting a common wish expressed by Porsche customers.

The new member of the Boxster family was developed first and foremost for driving in the open air. The low-slung, lightweight manual soft top extends in a seductive sweep to the rear. When closed, its silhouette, together with the extra-low side windows and the two striking bulges on the single-piece rear decklid, is reminiscent of the Carrera GT supercar.

More power than the Boxster S, significantly less weight, a lower centre of gravity and an all-new sports suspension give the Boxster Spyder the driving dynamics to back up its looks. Power comes from a 3.4-litre six-cylinder with Direct Fuel Injection mounted in front of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 bhp, 10 bhp more than in the Boxster S.

Equipped with Porsche's PDK double-clutch gearbox and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, while fuel consumption is a mere 9.3 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle. Top track speed is 267 km/h with the roof open.

In terms of its fundamental concept, the entire Boxster family is the spiritual successor to the legendary 550 Spyder, built back in 1953. Both models share the same mid-engine roadster concept, low weight and supreme agility. The 550 Spyder was the first sports car that Porsche developed specifically for racing, but which was also homologated for the road. Weighing just 550 kg, the 550 Spyder scored numerous victories on race circuits and in the road races so popular at the time; it was followed by other extremely successful Porsche Spyders such as the 718 RS 60 in 1960.

Like its racy exterior, the interior of the Boxster Spyder is stripped-down and focused purely on driving pleasure. Automatic climate control and a radio are optional, while the standard sport bucket seats feature a lightweight design with carbon-fibre shell and larger side bolsters. Fabric door pulls, like in the 911 GT3 RS, replace the traditional door handles.

Unlike the special-edition 550 Spyder and RS60 Spyder models introduced in 2004 and 2008, the new Boxster Spyder is a regular production model, despite its far-reaching design and technical changes from the Boxster S.

The Porsche Boxster Spyder will go on sale in February 2010, at a base price of $72,900.