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Stola S82 Spyder

When Porsche unveiled the original Boxster concept car at the 1994 Detroit Motor Show, it had many admirers. The styling seemed to combine the best elements of the German maker's classic models, such as the 550 Spyder made famous by James Dean, with smooth, modern lines.

March 2002

When Porsche unveiled the original Boxster concept car at the 1994 Detroit Motor Show, it had many admirers. The styling seemed to combine the best elements of the German maker's classic models, such as the 550 Spyder made famous by James Dean, with smooth, modern lines.

So when the final, toned-down production version hit the streets, many fans were disappointed. Among them was Alfredo Stola, head of an Italian coachbuilding firm which has been building concept cars and specials for big manufacturers for the past 82 years.

He promised himself that, one day, he would put the magic back into the Boxster design... and, at last, his dream is ready to hit the road and become a rolling showcase for his company's considerable talents. At first appearance, the resulting S82 looks like a slightly modified Boxster. But look closer and the details become apparent. In fact, Stola has changed every single panel of the original car, and only the dashboard is untouched.

First for the chop was the windscreen. As with all Porsche Spyders, the glass has been cut to reduce air resistance. Sitting 10 centimetres lower, it gives a far sleeker look, but the stiffening system has been retained to save the structural integrity of the car and provide protection in a roll-over. The hoops behind the seats have also been left as they were for that reason.

The clearest link with the 550 Spyder are the air intakes on the rear wings and engine cover. As well as being beautiful, they provide essential cooling air under the bonnet. Not as practical, but equally attractive, is the 550 race-style fuel-filler cap which sits on the bonnet. Be careful with those dribbles from the petrol pump!

As we approach the car, there is a moment of confusion - the door handles have disappeared. In order to create smooth looks and sleeker aerodynamics, Stola has removed them. Instead, to open the door, you have to reach inside. Retro-look rounded external mirrors are a nice touch, and these incorporate the front indicators, just like the latest Mercedes models.

If the visual changes don't get you excited, the mechanicals will. Out goes the Boxster's standard 2.7-litre engine, to be replaced with the 3.6-litre bi-turbo unit from the latest 911 Turbo. Even that wasn't enough for Stola, so power has been boosted from 420bhp to 450bhp with engine management and exhaust modifications. Climbing behind the wheel with some trepidation, we fire this awesome powerplant into life. From the driver's seat you can hear the air being sucked through the vents. Blip the throttle and the turbo's wastegate barks like an irritable dog, while the evil-sounding exhaust does its best to imitate a thunderstorm. Within a few seconds, it is apparent this is no amateur conversion. It drives just like a production car, with no creaks or rattles and perfect road manners. Floor the throttle and the S82 takes off like nothing else this side of a 911 GT2. Stola estimates a 0-60mph time of around four seconds and a top speed of 190mph. With the low windscreen providing only minimal protection from the blast of air at speed, we decide not to prove it. Despite its awesome performance, the S82's power is not peaky and the car is not difficult to drive even with such a highly tuned powerplant. Indeed, you can pull away from speeds as low as 30mph in sixth gear with no complaint.

The handling is delightful, as well. Despite wider tyres than the Boxster, the steering feels balanced and well weighted and, although we aren't going to push Stola's pride and joy too far, there are no nasty handling surprises. The only downside is the ride. Those ultra low-profile tyres transmit every ripple in the road. Yet, despite its fine performance, this is intended to be a purely visual showcase for Stola's coachbuilding talents. It seems Alfredo's previous handiwork, including the original Mercedes Maybach show car, isn't enough. But the S82 may not remain a unique machine. Stola has received hundreds of requests for the S82 from Porsche fans - many with very large bank accounts. 'We will reproduce the S82 in a few units, only for a number of friends,' Alfredo says. He's about to become a very popular man...

At a glance

* Tuned 3.6-litre bi-turbo Porsche 911 engine produces 450bhp

* Mid-engined, rear-wheel drive; limited production run

* Six-speed manual gearbox; 0-60mph in four seconds

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