A driver's cockpit
A comprehensive instrument panel sits right in front of the driver. I particularly liked the digital speedometer, which is easier to read at a glance than the traditional analog gauge. As Bertrand pointed out to me, the Porsche Boxster S offers a sporty driving position with nicely-sculpted seats and a fairly high steering wheel allowing a better grip for cornering maneuvers. The pedals are ideally laid out and pleasantly firm for improved driving feel.
Magic on four wheels
The performance-tuned yet flexible suspension becomes one with the road, meaning all four wheels remain in close contact with the ground in every situation, including bumpy roads. The Boxster S benefits from excellent weight transfers, making it an effective all-season performer despite the rear-wheel drive configuration.
In terms of comfort, Bertrand and I slightly disagree. I believe that the ride is too firm to be pleasant in city driving, while he feels it's just fine.
The engine displays exemplary flexibility. The fat torque curve is nicely matched to the powerband, which allows you to quickly reach higher RPMs and faster speeds, hence the fun of this sporty roadster. The 6-speed manual gearbox is properly calibrated and quite precise, although the throws could be a little shorter and firmer.
The ultra-precise steering communicates every detail in the road with amazing clearness. With your hands firmly tied around the steering wheel, you know exactly how to react to road imperfections.
Due to the boxer design of the engine (horizontally-opposed cylinders), the car's center of gravity is lower and allows near-perfect balance in corners. The Boxster S pushes the limits of traction farther than the Honda S2000 or even the Corvette. The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system grants a lot of freedom to the driver but it will quickly step into play to prevent a loss of control.
A comprehensive instrument panel sits right in front of the driver. I particularly liked the digital speedometer, which is easier to read at a glance than the traditional analog gauge. As Bertrand pointed out to me, the Porsche Boxster S offers a sporty driving position with nicely-sculpted seats and a fairly high steering wheel allowing a better grip for cornering maneuvers. The pedals are ideally laid out and pleasantly firm for improved driving feel.
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| This Boxster offers a high steering wheel allowing a better grip for cornering maneuvers. |
Magic on four wheels
The performance-tuned yet flexible suspension becomes one with the road, meaning all four wheels remain in close contact with the ground in every situation, including bumpy roads. The Boxster S benefits from excellent weight transfers, making it an effective all-season performer despite the rear-wheel drive configuration.
In terms of comfort, Bertrand and I slightly disagree. I believe that the ride is too firm to be pleasant in city driving, while he feels it's just fine.
The engine displays exemplary flexibility. The fat torque curve is nicely matched to the powerband, which allows you to quickly reach higher RPMs and faster speeds, hence the fun of this sporty roadster. The 6-speed manual gearbox is properly calibrated and quite precise, although the throws could be a little shorter and firmer.
The ultra-precise steering communicates every detail in the road with amazing clearness. With your hands firmly tied around the steering wheel, you know exactly how to react to road imperfections.
Due to the boxer design of the engine (horizontally-opposed cylinders), the car's center of gravity is lower and allows near-perfect balance in corners. The Boxster S pushes the limits of traction farther than the Honda S2000 or even the Corvette. The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system grants a lot of freedom to the driver but it will quickly step into play to prevent a loss of control.
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| The performance-tuned yet flexible suspension becomes one with the road. |