Tennis superstar Maria Sharapova samples new Porsche Boxster Spyder

Maria Sharapova called in at Porsche Centre Mayfair last night, ahead of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Pre-Wimbledon Party, for a ride in the latest Porsche, the mid-engined, two-seater Boxster Spyder. Sharapova, a Porsche Global Ambassador, was so keen to see the car during its short time on these shores, that she made a special stop on her way to the party to make sure she didn't miss out on a drive.

Available to order since being unveiled in April, but not arriving officially in showrooms until July, this left-hand drive Boxster Spyder is visiting the U.K. for a few days only. The Spyder made its world debut at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, and is the lightest and most powerful Boxster yet built by Porsche.

A sensational purist roadster, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports car driving experience combined with contemporary performance. It features a classic fabric roof, opened and closed by hand, and is available only with a manual transmission. The new car also features a 20mm lower ride height, powerful brakes taken from the 911 Carrera, and a 3.8-litre, 375bhp engine that is capable of 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, with capability to achieve a top speed of 290km/h.

Tipping the scales at 1,315kg, the lithe, powerful roadster can be driven precisely and with great agility; the perfect accompaniment to an athlete of Sharapova's status.