Administrator
02-02-2009, 05:30 PM
http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/d/8822-3/2009-porsche-boxter-s-458.jpg
If the original Mazda Miata is what re-ignited love for sports cars, the Porsche Boxster certainly cemented their return as capable, practical, and fun vehicles to own. Back in 1997 at your local dealer, you had a choice of transmission, a few options, and not much else. And with striking mid-engined proportions and only 205 horsepower, the Boxster was clearly an entry-level Porsche aimed at enthusiasts who simply wanted to enjoy their time behind the wheel.
A little more than ten years later, however, and you're able to get - for the first time - race-bred ceramic brakes that shorten stopping distances, a limited-slip differential that raises cornering speeds, a direct-injection engine that boosts horsepower and efficiency, and a dual-clutch (PDK) gearbox that shifts gears faster than humanly possible.
But despite being the technically better machine, is the latest Boxster too far removed from its roots?
More: 2009 Porsche Boxster S (http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/porsche/2009-porsche-boxster-s-984.html) on AutoGuide.com
If the original Mazda Miata is what re-ignited love for sports cars, the Porsche Boxster certainly cemented their return as capable, practical, and fun vehicles to own. Back in 1997 at your local dealer, you had a choice of transmission, a few options, and not much else. And with striking mid-engined proportions and only 205 horsepower, the Boxster was clearly an entry-level Porsche aimed at enthusiasts who simply wanted to enjoy their time behind the wheel.
A little more than ten years later, however, and you're able to get - for the first time - race-bred ceramic brakes that shorten stopping distances, a limited-slip differential that raises cornering speeds, a direct-injection engine that boosts horsepower and efficiency, and a dual-clutch (PDK) gearbox that shifts gears faster than humanly possible.
But despite being the technically better machine, is the latest Boxster too far removed from its roots?
More: 2009 Porsche Boxster S (http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/porsche/2009-porsche-boxster-s-984.html) on AutoGuide.com