Porsche Boxster range

BOX FRESH
Porsches Boxster has long been the benchmark car in the sports roadster sector. The latest revised more powerful version still is as Andy Enright reports


As tough as it may be to believe, Porsche isnt a company that frequently succumbs to the gratuitous chase for more power. The 521bhp Cayenne Turbo S 4x4 is the notable exception but, by and large, Porsches arent the most powerful cars in their sectors, the boffins in Stuttgart instead preferring to concentrate on offering an impeccable balance between horsepower and handling. True, the latest Boxster models do have a mild upgrade in engine output to match their hard top Cayman siblings but the increase is a sensible one.

The Boxster has an absolutely fabulous chassis but its one that has been designed to cope with specific power outputs. I once drove a prototype version of one of these fitted with a tweaked 911 Turbo engine, something that in production terms, historical baggage and red tape at Porsche would never actually allow. Driving the thing, I realised why: it felt ragged and unsatisfying, if blisteringly quick in a straight line. Where Porsche have traditionally scored with the Boxster is in offering a car that always felt fluid and cohesive in its handling, which offered more brakes than power and which boosted the confidence of less talented drivers while allowing hotshoes the chance to explore its repertoire of tricks at the limits. Relax: nothings changed.

The Boxster range continues as before with a standard model and a raunchier S version but whereas the models once made 240bhp and 280bhp respectively, power is these days eased up to 245bhp for the 2.7-litre car and a 295bhp for the Boxster S, a car which sees its capacity rise from 3.2-litres to 3.4. Lets take a look at each of these powerplants in turn. The entry level model, priced from 33,375, sees torque rise to 273Nm and its available from 4,600rpm. Give it the full monty off the line and 60mph will come and go in 5.9 seconds, plus youll also be able to see a top speed of 160mph (none of this electronically limited to 155mph nonsense from the Weissach company). Due to increased engine efficiency thanks to the VarioCam Plus valve control system, fuel economy has actually risen by 1mpg to 30.4mpg on the combined cycle.

Opt instead for the 39,995 Boxster S and you have a car that possesses performance that not too long ago was the preserve of fully fledged supercars. Here 60mph is a mere 5.1 seconds away and this model will nudge 170mph. Despite this crushing capability, fuel economy remains reasonable at 26.6mpg on the combined cycle. The 340Nm of torque gives this car real punch out of corners and means youll have to use the gears a little less. Although most customers will stick with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, both cars can be specified with a Tiptronic S transmission which now features revised hydraulics and electronics as well as variable shift programs. The Sport Chrono Package was always one of the most popular Boxster options and when combined with the Tiptronic gearbox, the sporty characteristics of these cars are amplified. For instance, up and downshifts only take place above 3,000rpm, plus downshifts for engine braking are executed quicker and take place at higher engine speeds. Whats more, when in manual mode, upshifts are no longer made automatically when the engine reaches the rev limiter.

Porsche has taken the opportunity to make a few other tweaks to the Boxster at the same time, although only the most ardent Porschephile will probably notice. The most obvious change is the option of 19-inch Turbo forged alloy two tone wheels that were developed especially for the 911 Turbo. Although they wont do a lot for your ride quality, they do look very special. Access for servicing has also been improved. The coolant and engine oil filler caps in the rear luggage bay have been repositioned behind a neat access flap so that the boot space can be better utilised. This boosts the Boxsters already very good practicality, helped by a reasonably sized rear boot and one up front thats deeper than you might expect.

The great thing about the Boxster is that despite the power boost, its still slower in a straight line than a BMW M-Roadster or a TVR Tuscan but will batter both of them down a B-road. Youll wait for the others to catch up smug in the knowledge that youre working smarter not harder, doing more with less. The way it steers and stops leaves you in absolutely no doubt that when it comes to building sports cars, Porsche simply know more than the rest - especially at the detailed level.

Likewise, when it comes to running the Boxster, you know that if you choose to sell it three years down the road, itll still be worth a good deal more of its original asking price than any direct rival. This low depreciation, reasonable fuel economy and an ability to look after its tyres better than most means that once youve swallowed the initial upfront cost, the ongoing costs arent exorbitant. The one thing to bear in mind, however, is the cost of Porsche options. Few customers will specify their cars in base trim and Porsche extras arent cheap.

Still built by Valmet in Sweden, the Boxster looks set to once again stamp its authority on the sports roadster segment. The range of rivals has steadily become more talented in the last decade but the Boxster has seen them all off and remains the benchmark by which every newcomer is judged. Power doesnt always mean pre-eminence.

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