Well actually, despite the improvements made to the Tiptronic S I prefer the entire DSG sequential manual transmission, but then again I'd
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| Although there are three different seat options, the base ones are a good compromise to live with on a day to day basis. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
opt for the manual over either in a heartbeat, and Audi doesn't yet offer its top-tier TT with a manual, believe it or not. But I don't want to make this review a direct comparison to segment rivals, as the list of roadsters that compete with the Boxster is too long to go into sufficient detail about each particular difference. Back to what makes the Boxster stand out in this playful crowd, its seat options are as equally complex as its steering wheel choices. Starting with the base bucket, it is wonderfully supportive as previously mentioned, but biases the Boxster experience towards comfort over pure unadulterated sport. Those wanting a more extreme performance feel would want to upgrade to the optional sports seat, or maybe a cross between the two, being the adaptive sports seats which offer the aggressive bolstering of the sports seats with the convenience of power actuation. No doubt Porsche's third optional fully electric seat system will be popular, as many buyers in the Boxster's league want to enjoy a fair bit of comfort with their dose of sport. For me, the standard seats were easily up to the job of keeping me comfortable while stopping my backside from sliding around. They're a good compromise, and would be easy to live with on a day to day basis.
But I'm getting caught up in the countless intricacies that could keep me writing on and on for days, as no rival automaker gets close to offering as many options as Porsche. What will make Porschephiles even more thrilled with their favorite roadster this year is the car's improvement in overall driving dynamics. If it were just a couple of upgraded engines then
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| What will make Porschephiles even more thrilled with their favorite roadster this year is the car's improvement in overall driving dynamics. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
most fans of the brand would have been satisfied, but such is not the case. More so, Porsche has not only upped engine output quite dramatically, with the base 2.7-liter engine now pushing out 15 additional horsepower for a total of 240 at 6,400 rpm, plus an increase in torque by 7 lb-ft (10 Nm) to 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) from 4,700 to 6,000 rpm, and the optional Boxster S receiving a sobering 22 horsepower jump up the respectability chart to 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, and torque now up 7 lb-ft (10 Nm) to 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) from 4,700 to 6,000 rpm, plus both engines now deliver a throatier rumble at idle and more engaging roar at full throttle, but every other aspect of the driving experience has been enhanced to make the 2005 Boxster perform like no other Porsche before.
