2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder Review

Featuring a distinct SportDesign Package, exclusive 19-inch wheels, a 303 horsepower flat-six, and upgraded design elements paying homage to the original 1960 RS 60 Spyder, this Boxster limited to only 1,960 units is unlike the others.

Winning against a bigger and more powerful opponent is exactly what drivers Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien did at Sebring in 1960. Their racecar, the mid-engine Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder, propelled them to victory in the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring and helped solidify Porsche’s growing reputation as the “giant killer.” The 2008 Boxster RS 60 Spyder, to be introduced to the public next week at the New York International Auto Show, pays tribute to the legacy of the original RS 60 with style and substance that is worthy of its ancestry.

Boxster RS 60 Spyder Styling

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder emblem on trunk lid
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Photo: Amee Reehal

Its enhanced exterior and interior design cues reflect the 303 horsepower 2008 Boxster RS 60 Spyder bloodlines. The front end is taken from Porsche’s SportDesign Package and, when combined with 19-inch Porsche SportDesign wheels on spacers, helps distinguish the RS 60 from the current Boxster S. When you combine this extra power and aero package with standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and a dual tailpipe sports exhaust system, the reward is confidence-inspiring performance in all conditions.

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder front view at night with headlights on
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Photo: Amee Reehal

The exclusive GT silver metallic paintwork is further accentuated by the contrasting colors of the Natural Leather interior in Carrera Red with a matching red convertible top. An alternative of Dark Grey Natural Leather with a black roof will also be available.

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder Interior

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder interior front cabin
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Photo: Amee Reehal

Interior features and equipment of the new RS 60 Boxster reflect the racing heritage of its ancestor: door entry guards made of stainless steel that show off the model designation, a race-inspired gearshift lever, unique surface texture in the center sections of the sports seats, and center door linings as well as on the steering wheel rim and handbrake lever.

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder door sill interior
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Photo: Amee Reehal

The instrument cluster also gives the impression of a racecar as the cover has been removed, prominently displaying the GT Silver Metallic instruments set wider apart. Other special features include a black windscreen frame, red taillight lenses, GT Silver Metallic center console, rear sections of the seat backrests, and roll bars that blend perfectly with the seat belts finished in silver.

Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder Horsepower and Performance

2008 Porsche BoxsterS RS60 Spyder Review amee reehal
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Photo: Amee Reehal
  • Engine: 3.4L flat-six
  • Power: Approximately 303 horsepower
  • Torque: Approximately 251 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual (standard)
  • 0 to 60 mph: Approximately 5.0 seconds
  • Top Speed: Approximately 172 mph

The RS 60 Spyder comes equipped with a VarioCam Plus six-cylinder Boxer engine, which features increased horsepower over the Boxster S. Installed just ahead of the rear drive wheels, stability, agility, and control are maximized. These attributes are expected from Porsche and delivered with such efficiency that Boxster models, like all other Porsche sports cars, are certified as low-emissions vehicles and not subject to a gas-guzzler penalty.

If you can’t get your hands on this limited edition variant, check out our 2008 Boxster review here, with the smaller 2.7L engine.

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder parked in gritty area by train yard
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Photo: Amee Reehal

Designed to be a world-class roadster, the Boxster family can accommodate two people with cargo in a small, agile, open-top, and powerful sports car. A true engineering feat, the Boxster soft top can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph.

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder taillight
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Photo: Amee Reehal

Boxsters are all equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts and six airbags. In addition to two-stage frontal airbags, Boxsters feature the Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP) system with torso-protecting thorax side-impact airbags mounted in the outer edges of the seatbacks and special head-protecting side-impact airbags that deploy from the doors’ windowsills.

Reflecting its model designation, the new Boxster RS 60 Spyder is limited to 1,960 units worldwide, each number displayed on a silver-colored placard on the glove compartment lid. Less than 800 of the 1,960 units produced will make it to North American showrooms.

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder limited edition plaque inside
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Photo: Amee Reehal

2008 Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder Specs:

Price: US$64,900 (C$81,800)

Options on this model:

  • GT silver metallic: N/C
  • Red Top: N/C
  • Self-dim mirrors and rain sensor: $970
  • BI-XENON headlight package: $1530
  • Heated front seats: $ 680
  • Porsche wind stop (deflector): $ 525
  • Automatic Climate Control: $ 770
  • Storage Box on Engine Cover: N/C
  • Sport Chrono package without PCM: $ 340
  • A/C tax: $100
CategorySpecification
Engine3.4L flat-six
PowerApproximately 303 horsepower
TorqueApproximately 251 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed manual (standard)
Performance
0 to 60 mphApproximately 5.0 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 172 mph
Fuel Economy
CityApproximately 18 mpg
HighwayApproximately 26 mpg
Dimensions
LengthApproximately 172.1 inches
WidthApproximately 70.9 inches
HeightApproximately 50.8 inches
WheelbaseApproximately 95.1 inches
Weight
Curb WeightApproximately 2,932 lbs
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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.