2007 Porsche Boxster: First Impressions

A practical sports car

Knoxville, Tennessee - At the Detroit auto show, Porsche presented a Boxster concept that was inspired from the Spyder 550 of the fifties. For

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

movie buffs, that's the car in which James Dean killed himself in 1955. With a more than favourable welcome, Porsche produced the Boxster in 1997. In 1998, the Stuttgart firm showed off the Boxster S, more powerful than its little sister. In regard to their vehicles, Porsche prefers evolution rather then revolution. It's only in 2005 that the Boxster received an 80% redesign. The engine was already resized in 2000. This time, under the supervision of engineer Martin Constien, Porsche developed new powertrains for its little sports car: a 2.7-litre for the Boxster and a 3.4-litre for the S version, the same engine found in the Cayman.

Improved air induction
By creating these new engines, doctor Constien's team paid close attention to the air aspiration and dispersion inside the engine block. The

(Photo: Porsche)

company uses a new variable valve timing system composed of two valve stems of different sizes, which are electronically activated. The smaller one works when the engine is idling or at a constant speed. The bigger one (10.4 mm) activates during acceleration, which allows for greater air induction. However, the engineers went even further to increase the engine's power while increasing fuel economy. They modified the intake runners to increase airflow towards the combustion chambers, and two valves were added inside the intakes. These electronically controlled valves open during acceleration and increase air pressure near the intake valve; a better combustion is achieved, and horsepower goes up substantially. The new 2.7-litre unit in the Boxster develops 240 horsepower, while the 3.4-litre unit in the S model provides 295 horses at 6,250 rpm.

Other components
Aside from the engine, the team paid close attention to the cooling system

(Photo: Porsche)

of the car. The brakes and suspension were also revised, to cope with the additional power. Head engineer Martin Constien explained to us that tuners will be able to squeeze out more horsepower. However, they will do so at the expense of the engine's longevity. Too often, tuners don't realize that engine modifications increase its temperature, which directly affects its lifespan. That's why we often see modified engines die prematurely.

Comfortable cabin
Surrounding seats, excellent lateral support, controls within easy reach,

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

we find all this in the Boxster. But these sports cars aren't perfect, and we can criticize certain little details that are important in the North American market. The cupholders are useless. The seat belt has a tendency to tighten up too much, and becomes aggravating; my passenger also found that the belt was to close to his neck, which became uncomfortable. However, the Boxster is the only such sports car I know that can carry 280 litres of cargo, thanks to its two trunks, one in front and one in back. You can go on a one-week trip and bring luggage for two.