C ar S cene I nvestigation: Porsche Boxster S PDK

Being the 3^rd generation Boxster, we come to see how it stands up to competition, while keeping up with its spirited racing heritage.

· Design & Engineering:

Dubbed as the 981, the new Boxster features a new lightweight body and revamped chassis, enhancing driving dynamics and performance. From the front, the new Boxster looks as if it has grown off its older brother—the new 911. Use of bi-xenon and daytime running LED’s are standard as well. Shorter overhangs make for increased aerodynamics, despite the 60mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks—40mm in the front, and 18mm at the rear. In addition, the windscreen is angled at a slightly lower position, resulting in the Boxster being 13mm lower overall. From the side, any layman will mistake the roadster as a 911 Cabriolet, for it damn well looks like one, due to the wider side air intakes, sleeker curves, and classic soft-top. From the rear, an automated (thin) spoiler pops up, and slides back down, allowing for sexy looks and smoother aerodynamics as well. Unlike the previous Boxster, the twin tailpipes are separate, allowing for a more serious sporting feel.

· Interior

In the cockpit the Boxster’s interior has been completely redesigned in order to keep up with the more contemporary Porsche models, being the 911, Panamera and Cayenne. This means a familiar rising center console design, with inspiration from the Carrera GT. Like the 911, a large multifunction screen on the right of the rev. counter comes standard, displaying information such as G-force, lap times, oil temperature and pressure, etc. In the old Boxster, a bit of ‘manual labour’ was required in order for the soft-top to come off. The new model uses the wonders of technology, and retracts electronically with the simple pull of the rocker switch in the center console, taken from the 911 Cabriolet. As the soft-top is stored behind the passengers, it does not impede on boot space, thus eliminating the need of a convertible top compartment lid. On the whole, interior build quality and technology have both improved, thus providing for an even better driving experience.

· Ride & Handlings

With the engines, 2.7 and 3.4-liter engines are available. With the 2.7-liter, 10BHP more power is made, when compared to the previous generation Boxster. The 3.4-liter as tested outputs 5BHP more than previously, totaling out at a 315BHP. The new model’s 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds is 0.2 seconds faster than the 5.2 seconds its predecessor posts. This slight gain in performance can be attributed to the new model’s 30kg weight reduction, rather than the additional horsepower count. Besides offering more performance, the new Boxster is more fuel efficient, saving 1-liter of petrol for every 100km driven, when compared to its predecessor. As they say, “every little bit counts!” The featured PDK system has been tweaked slightly, and has further been improved and optimized in the latest Boxster models, resulting in crisper and livelier gear changes. Despite the gleeful rumble from the twin exhausts, just like the 911, the new Boxster offers a quieter and more refined ride than its predecessor, giving it a more mature and sophisticated overall feel.

· Verdict

With the new model, Porsche has done a fantastic, if not superb job of maturing the Boxster. It sports simply stunning and sensational driving feels, as well as thought provoking looks. Yep, that’s a winner alright.