Think of this new Boxster S merely as an open-top version of one of the world's best coupes. In fact, think of it as one of the world's best open cars that also happens to come in coupe form with a different name on its tail.
Whatever your take on the situation, the Boxster S has become not just faster, but sharper and better to drive than ever. And to us it matters not one iota that it shares its drivetrain with the Cayman S.
Except we're not convinced that's all it now shares with its coupe cousin. Although Porsche claims to have made no other modifications to the Boxster S other than its engine and gearbox, there's definitely something more magical about the way this car goes down the road.
True, the way the engine now comes on stronger than ever above 4,500rpm and the delicious bark it delivers in the process possibly makes it feel as if it rides, handles and steers better than ever, too. And the fact that this car has the PASM and Sports Chrono packages, not to mention PCCB ceramic brakes, may also account for the difference in feel. But I'll eat my right arm if the people at Porsche haven't also fettled the springs, dampers, bushes and steering to make the latest Boxster crisper, cleaner and generally meaner than it ever was before.
"Performance has gone from good to good-grief and the rest of the package has taken a similar leap forwards."
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Don't for one moment think this means Porsche has spoiled the ride
or turned the Boxster S into some sort of neurotic quasi-racer. The way it glides across rough road surfaces is, if anything, even more serene than before. It's just that when the moment comes and the windshield starts to turn red, this car is faster, more responsive and better balanced than ever. Considering how fast, responsive and beautifully balanced the previous Boxster S was, that's almost impossible to conceive.
Downsides? Er, well, the PCCB brake option is a bit on the expensive side, some of the cabin design is a tad plain Jane and the ashtray is a wee bit small. But otherwise it's a largely fruitless exercise trying to highlight the flaws. Because there aren't many.
Truth is, if you're going to spend this kind of money on an open-top two-seater, there is no other place you should spend it. And if you can't afford to go over $50k, buy the basic model because exactly the same rule applies. In the end, it's not difficult to see why the Boxster is the savior of Porsche. In fact, it's hard to imagine it being anything else.
Peter Nunn/Autocar
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