Porsche Boxster S
There’s just something about the rock solid strength of Porsche’s lineage that keeps us coming back for more. After returning from our trip back in time with our 550 Spyder Replica in our blog last week, it was time to take a closer look at the car that pays homage to the legend today; this car is the Porsche Boxster. You may wonder how the Boxster fits into the exclusive family that is the Porsche lineup. Introduced in 1996, the Boxster was Porsche’s first road vehicle since the 550 Spyder that was originally designed as a roadster. But while the famed 911 has direct ancestors dating back to 1963, the Boxster’s blood line is not as clear. Perhaps the 914 and 911 shared some parts? Or could the 968 had something to do with it before becoming extinct in 95’? With design cues inspired by the flagship Carrera GT and nearly 55% of its parts borrowed from the 911, there seems to have been some intermingling, allowing for a diverse strand of Porsche DNA. While the first Boxster was introduced in 1996, our 2005 model benefits from second-generation refreshments both inside out and out. More modern headlight design and aggressive vents along with a more unified interior design scheme make the second generation Boxster’s nip & tuck a true success. Porsche suggests it performed much more surgery, though, seeing as how they claim only 20% of its components are shared with its predecessor. Does this mean that our second-gen is 80% better? Your first time behind the wheel sure might make you think so.
Sure, any Porsche horizontally opposed six cylinder will get the fuel burning in your veins, but we wanted the most out of Stuttgart’s little rocket, so the “S” model it is, bumping output to 3.2 liters from 2.7. In addition, power is a more respectable 280 hp at 6,200 rpm and 236 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm. With a uniquely athletic disposition, this little powerhouse is really a hoot to drive and can be thrown around surprisingly fast; pace is really just a matter of skill, guts and conditions. Six seconds is all you need to get to 60 and at that point all you want are curves, curves and more curves; this is where the Boxster S truly shines. This car is overflowing with grip, even with a less overbearing Porsche Stability Management System. In fact, the new system lies back until the brake pedal is pushed hard enough to exceed the ABS control threshold on at least one front wheel. Point is, electronics won’t get in your way unless you’re taking a corner too fast or one of our furry friends makes an appearance on the Bay Area back roads. While you’d be silly to expect a supple ride from such an aggressive German, the firmness, which is really never harsh, is a small sacrifice for the two-seater’s quick reflexes. The relationship between the suspension and steering is a match made in heaven; the steering lives and breathes and the throttle is skin tight. You’d never think the brakes would be the mechanism you’d be so thrilled to use, but the Boxster S’s stoppers are magnificent, stopping the roadster from 60 in only 105 feet.
All in all, the Boxster S seems to borrow all the right moves from its bigger brethren while still maintaining a personality as unique as the classic 550 Spyder. And with reflexes good enough to take on Lombard Street in a hurry, this is one addition to our paddock that is sure to satisfy all your sports car cravings with flying colors.
