2007 Porsche Boxster Review

Specifications

Power On Par with Cayman & Cayman S

For Porsche, launching the new Cayman series sports coupe has proven to be a smart venture. It shares 30 percent of its components with the Boxster convertible and 50 percent with the 911, helping the German automaker save development money while still ending up with an all-new entry-level model, the transformation has nevertheless turned it into what many would argue is Porsches most enticing driving machine in S trim.

The addition of a fixed roof added rigidity against chassis flex, when comparing it to the open-top Boxster, while adaptive dampers and a larger 3.4-liter engine provide extra grunt in the top of the line Cayman S. So good are the improvements that the Cayman S has elevated what many believe to merely be a Boxster with a fixed roof, to a level of performance that has it nipping at the heels of the 911.

With all the focus on the Cayman S, and its new, less powerful base Cayman sibling, mind you, Porsche decided to give the Boxster a bit of attention in the form of a power hike. Starting August 1, the Boxster and Boxster S received engine upgrades that elevated its level of performance equivalent to the Cayman and Cayman S. The Boxsters 2.7-liter flat-six has now been massaged to produce an extra 5 horsepower, bringing the grand total up to 245, while peak torque has risen ever so slightly by 2 lb-ft to 201.

While the extra ponies arent enough to noticeably improve performance, at least when non-Boxsterphiles are behind the wheel, the engine enhancements have actually improved the average combined city/highway fuel consumption rating, which is now 25.3 mpg.
Not a giant issue amongst Porsche buyers, but more important than previously now that fuel prices have gone loco and critical for the brands CAFE rating.

Meanwhile, the Boxster S, arguably one of the most balanced sports roadsters on the market, will receive a far more significant upgrade. Porsche has actually fitted the 3.4-liter flat six out of the Cayman S, replacing the smaller 3.2-liter unit which has served the Boxster S for several years. Power is up by 15 hp to 295 horsepower, the same as the Cayman S, while 251 lb-ft of torque is produced.

The extra displacement and added power improve performance ever so slightly: the Boxster S accelerates to 60 mph 0.1 seconds more quickly than before (5.3 vs. 5.4 seconds), while top speed has been increased by 2.5 mph to 169 mph. For the record, the regular Boxster can now accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 162 mph with the optional six-speed gearbox. Consumption on the more powerful Boxster S is rated at 22.2 mpg, which is very reasonable for such a powerful vehicle.

With the announcement of the engine upgrades, Porsche also took the opportunity to make a couple of minor alterations to the Boxster to keep it fresh. Both the base model and the S will receive a standard tire pressure monitoring system, better access for the coolant and oil filler caps so as to improve use of the rear trunk, while new 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels shaped in the image of those fitted to the new 911 Turbo will be available.

Also new is a revised shift program for the Tiptronic automatic gearbox, if the Sport Chrono Package is equipped. When the program is actuated, up-shifts and downshifts will only be made if the engine speed is above 3,000 rpm, while the auto up-shift function, when the car reaches redline, has been deactivated, giving the car a sportier, more do-it-yourself character.

The price of this much improved Boxster starts at $45,600, while a Boxster S can be had for $55,500. Its relatively low pricing means that Porsche is certainly maintaining its aggressive stance with the revised 2007 Boxster, as it should considering the many rivals its up against now, compared to when the model started out in the previous millennia. Of course, the German automaker understands financial performance as well as it does street and track performance, so we should expect nothing less.