2011 Porsche Boxter Spyder.

2011 Porsche Boxter Spyder.

Porsche AG said Thursday it will introduce the lightest, most powerful and most extreme version yet of its Boxster sports car at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December.

Equipped with more power than the Boxster S and boasting significantly less weight — coupled with a lower centre of gravity and an all-new sports suspension — the Boxster Spyder accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, Porsche says. Top track speed is 267 km/h with the roof open.

Weighing 1,275 kg, the mid-engined Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche model.

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 is efficient too, with fuel consumption rated at 9.3 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle.

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

See more from the company's press release, below.

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.