Porsche-Boxster one of the world’s most celebrated sports cars, the mid-engined Boxster has been universally praised for its handling and (relatively) affordable performance. The suspension has been uprated and goodies like active steering have been tacked on, as well as PASM active suspension.

 

The new Boxster’s styling is more curved and Coke-bottle in the way the doors are well in-board of the higher, hipper wheel-arches. The headlights are moved further back and are more vertical, like the last 911’s, though the lens covers are flatter and the fog-lights now separate across the upper section of the large front cooling vents. The S also gets a signature, thin central front vent and twin oval exhaust pipe.

 

It has Carrera GT-like headlamps and new side air-intakes. This is the first roadster to get head airbags. The cabin has been changed drastically, and now feels like a really up market cockpit, with traditional Porsche instrumentation but a modern, Cayenne-like centre console. The car accelerates to 100 kph in 5.5 seconds flat. Porsche literature gives a 100-200 kph time of 19.4 seconds.

 

The Boxster comes with a choice of two engines, a 2.7-litre flat six and a more powerful 3.2-litre boxer engine. The latter is equipped to deliver 266PS (at 6200rpm) and comes with a new 6-speed manual transmission. There is also the option of a 5-speed Triptronic S transmission. The 2.7-litre flat-six offers 228PS but is just as exhilarating to drive. Both engines feature Porsche’s VarioCam variable valve timing gear plus a Bosch Motronic injection system. Unlike the 911, the engine in the Boxster is mounted in the middle of the chassis endowing the car with a near neutral balance. The Boxster exhibits the same flat cornering attitude which many have come to associate with Porsches and its ride quality borders on the firm when being hustled while pottering in town it is quite comfortable. The Boxster rides on 18-inch alloys shod with 225/40 ZR 18 tyres up front and wider 265/35 ZR18 tyres on the rear.

 

The S version uses a 276bhp 3.2-litre flat six, good enough to take the car to 266kph. Its high 7200rpm red line, and works very well with the outstanding six-speed manual gearbox, now made better than ever. It works effortlessly and eagerly, as easy to drive in traffic as on a track.

 

It is super-precise around corners, and the car pretty much reads your mind when you drive. The Boxster S slices beautifully through mountain roads, aided by incredible brakes and a firm but refined ride. The only letdown is the active steering system: at low speeds, the steering feels lighter, fuzzy around the on-centre position, so that on first turning the wheel the steering seems slower and the car less nimble.

Filed under: Porsche Cars in India