What is it?
This is the facelifted Porsche Boxster S. Porsche has given its mid-engined roadster a host of subtle yet significant visual and mechanical upgrades, in line with its fixed-roof sibling, the Porsche Cayman, which we first drove back in early December.
With BMW getting ready to launch a second-generation Z4 and a soft-top version of the new Nissan 370Z on the way, the introduction of the facelifted Porsche Boxster S is timely.
Holding true to Porsche tradition, the visual changes made to this latest Porsche Boxster S are slight indeed, and will take the Boxster through to 2012, when an all-new model arrives.
As with the recently reworked Porsche Cayman, both Boxsters get a reworked engine, resulting in more power, better economy and reduced emissions.
The base model gets a slightly gutsier 252bhp 2.9-litre horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, up from 2.7 litres, while the more overtly sporting Porsche Boxster S retains a 3.4-litre engine.
However, the Porsche Boxster S gets direct fuel injection and a host of other enhancements to raise peak power to 306bhp, with torque up by 15lb ft to 265lb ft, although that’s 15bhp and 8lb ft down on the figures Porsche quotes for the Cayman S.
Along with the new engines, the Porsche Boxster S now comes with the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.
Another interesting development is the option of a limited-slip differential in combination with either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels. This is a complete turnaround from previous models and comes after pressure from owners demanding it.
What’s it like?
Even without a limited-slip differential the new Porsche Boxster S is, frankly, sublime. So good, in fact, that you step out of it after a good back-road thrash and wonder just how Porsche could improve upon it.
The reworked engine brings an added dimension in performance, with improved lower-end response, greater urgency through the mid range and a more linear delivery of power towards the top end.
Most will see the six-speed manual as the obvious choice of gearbox. And with such a slick and precise nature, it’s hard not to see why.
But don’t dismiss the twin-clutch PDK. The automatic operation of the clutch can be over-aggressive as you tip in the power at low speeds, causing some unnecessary driveline shunt, but in all other areas the PDK ’box on the Porsche Boxster S is brilliant. It’s lightning fast and, with an ability to hold on to a given gear all the way to the limiter in manual mode, you’ll never be able to match its operation.
Should I buy one?
Absolutely. Like its fixed-roof cousin, the Porsche Boxster S is one of the most enjoyable performance cars available at any price. And dynamically the Porsche Boxster S is still the king of the roadster brigade.
No rival comes close to matching its overall balance, adjustability, composure and superb braking ability. And the addition of a limited-slip differential now makes it even more involving.
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Re: Porsche Boxster S
Having taken delivery of my 2009 Boxster 2.9 a month ago and driven the new Boxster S as well, I agree they are both very good cars. Handling are as good as ever and both the 2.9 engine and direct injection are winners. The PDK option (flappy-paddle gearbox) is a very good automatic-streets ahead of tiptronic-but a bit over complicated. Only question is whether it is worth the extra money for the 'S' now- the old boxster was a bit tame but 2007 update was beter and now you;ve got the 2.9 it really has all the torque and top-end power you need unless you really want to get into supercar territory. Stick wiht the 2.9 and spend the differnce on toys!
Re: Porsche Boxster S
Would it be such a bad thing if Porsche developed proper paddle shifters for the PDK and put this on the options list, with a small charge to cover the development costs? Porsches argument for the silly counter-intuitive shift buttons is that they don't want to alienate their current customers who are used to the old style shifters for the tiptronic autos. By developing an optional paddle shift system, this would allow current porsche owners to choose the current PDK shifters at no extra cost, whilst allowing everyone else the option of a propper paddle system. In my opinion, Porsche may find that most people will opt for this new paddle system. Everyone would be happy and this would make the Boxster/Caymen/911 perfect! What do you think?
Re: Porsche Boxster S
This is Porsche, right? Actually negotiating? Amazing what a recession can do. Seems like it might be time to trade our 2005 987 2.7 with 20k miles... Can't wait!