The two seat, open-air Porsche Boxster, in summary, is elemental. The Boxster is a coveted Porsche, just as the famed Spyder 550 made famous by none other than James Dean, the Boxster sports a body that is aggressive and low slung. It has a mid-mounted, optimized, V-6 engine; it grips the road at every turn, and it has amazing responsiveness. The chassis is well appointed and the car is unmatched in its segment to date.
For fans of the Porsche, the Boxster is ideal. It sports a six-speed manual tranny or an optional PDK seven speed dual clutch auto gearbox. You will soon be shifting like a professional racer as you smoothly flow through down and up shifts with magic-like fluidity. The PDK gearbox lends technological mastery to this full bodied vehicle too.
No doubt, the Porsche Boxster has a chassis that screams "I'm a sports car." The interior and exterior are heavenly. The steering is sublime. On the road grippage is spectacular. The Boxster has perfected front and rear balance too so your drive is also silky smooth.
The Range
Bodystyle: Convertible
Engines: 2.9L flat-six, 3.4L flat-six
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Models: Boxster, Boxster S, Boxster Spyder
What's New
Ok, there are new steering wheels for 2010, but the big news is the arrival of the 2011 Boxster Spyder. Featuring 10 horsepower more than the Boxster S (for a total of 320 hp), a significant weight reduction, and a bodyshell optimized for driving topless, the Spyder truly is a worthy successor to the legendary 550.
Exterior
All Boxsters are clean and lean, but the new Spyder -- with its twin deck domes behind the two seats -- really stands out. Don't bother with the Spyder's flimsy removable top; this one is meant for the open air only.
Interior
Not a dressy cockpit, perhaps, but the Boxster offers everything the driving enthusiast really needs: big gauges, a fat steering wheel, great seats, and a close-at-hand shifter. Navigation and iPod audio input are available.
Performance & Handling
When we put a Boxster up against three of its rivals in an MT comparo test, quickly it became clear we were dealing with one winner and three also-rans. The Porsche simply rules its arena -- offering the class's best suspension, a sweet and flexible six-cylinder engine, and excellent transmissions. For now, anyway, its competition simply can't compete.
Safety
Side thorax air bags and side head curtains are standard -- as are traction and stability control. Brakes a ventilated and cross-drilled for lasting stopping power. Rollover hoops are mounted behind the headrests.
EPA Fuel Economy
Boxster: 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway (manual), 20 mpg city/29 mpg hwy (PDK)
Boxster S: 19 mpg city/26 mpg hwy (man), 20 mpg city/29 mpg hwy (PDK)
Boxster Spyder: 19 mpg city/26 mpg hwy (man), 20 mpg city/29 mpg hwy (PDK)
You'll Like
- Jewel-like engines
- Superstar handling
- Near-perfect transmissions
- Sports-car purity at its best
You Won't Like
- Price climbs fast with options
- Not the dressiest cockpit in its class
Sum Up
Why twisting mountain roads were built
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi TT Roadster
- BMW Z4
- Nissan 370Z Roadster