Of course the benefits of the base-Boxster's suspension travel quickly went out the door on the smooth surfaces of Mont Tremblant raceway. The top-Boxster incorporates a crisper turn in and serves up more immediate throttle response. That makes sense considering its boost in horsepower and torque. Still, due to my limited track experience I found getting around in the base Boxster easier, probably because I didn't allow myself to reach speeds beyond my capabilities. My guess is given enough time behind the wheel in each car my times would be better in the Boxster S. My track tutor, 3-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Hurley Haywood, seemed appreciative I rarely drove beyond my limits mind you. When he took over the wheel for a couple of hot laps I not only realized how capable the Boxster is but how inadequate my own driving skills are, despite the advanced driving courses that I've taken. Alas, back to school I go.
Did I mention the new Boxsters have been tweaked for more power? It's true. Standard power improves to 225-hp at 6,300 rpm from 217, while its 192 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm remains the same. The 500 cc larger S engine receives a boost to 258-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. While the increase in horsepower seems minor compared to the 2002 ratings each car feels quicker during acceleration. The standard Boxster reaches 100 km/h in only 6.4 seconds, 2 tenths of a second quicker than the outgoing model, all the while emitting a sonorous exhaust note. The new engine also improves fuel economy to 11.7 / 7.4 L/100km (20 / 29 mpg) city/hwy, compared to 12.4 and 8.7 L/100km (19 and 27 mpg) in the 2002 Boxster. The S gets to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, also 2 tenths quicker than the 2002 Boxster S, while also improving fuel economy.
An increase in power combined with improvements in efficiency doesn't come by simply increasing displacement, but rather by adding new VarioCam engine technology that varies valve overlap from 1,250 to 5,120 rpm, and by improving the engine management system with hot film mass airflow sensors and E-Gas electronic throttle - it's now called Motronic ME 7.8.
Did I mention the new Boxsters have been tweaked for more power? It's true. Standard power improves to 225-hp at 6,300 rpm from 217, while its 192 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm remains the same. The 500 cc larger S engine receives a boost to 258-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. While the increase in horsepower seems minor compared to the 2002 ratings each car feels quicker during acceleration. The standard Boxster reaches 100 km/h in only 6.4 seconds, 2 tenths of a second quicker than the outgoing model, all the while emitting a sonorous exhaust note. The new engine also improves fuel economy to 11.7 / 7.4 L/100km (20 / 29 mpg) city/hwy, compared to 12.4 and 8.7 L/100km (19 and 27 mpg) in the 2002 Boxster. The S gets to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, also 2 tenths quicker than the 2002 Boxster S, while also improving fuel economy.
An increase in power combined with improvements in efficiency doesn't come by simply increasing displacement, but rather by adding new VarioCam engine technology that varies valve overlap from 1,250 to 5,120 rpm, and by improving the engine management system with hot film mass airflow sensors and E-Gas electronic throttle - it's now called Motronic ME 7.8.