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| Road Test: Porsche Boxster (2005-) |
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| Roadsters |
by: Gavin Conway |
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Straight-six engines pump out 240 and 280bhp in standard and S versions respectively
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| PERFORMANCE RATING: |
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This is a bit of a dilemma for Porsche - if it created a very powerful Boxster, the end result might be fewer 911 sales for the Stuttgart firm. Performance from the standard 240bhp Boxster is stronger than before, though, with 0-62mph in 6.2secs, which is half a second faster. The Boxster S shaves a couple of tenths off, too, with 0-62mph in 5.5secs. Top speeds are 159 and 166mph, respectively. But the most significant change here is with revisions to the engine intake manifolds that improve torque response - subjectively, the Boxster feels a good deal quicker because you need fewer downshifts to access the performance. And while the standard car is available with a five-speed manual, we'd highly recommend going for the optional six-speed box, with its lovely, mechanically precise, short-throw action. You can also specify your Boxster with a Tiptronic automatic with sequential shift buttons mounted on the steering wheel. It is a clumsy, slow reacting device that does a dis-service to these marvellous engines. Get one only if you're more interested in the pose than the drive.
It's worth noting that Porsche's optional Sports Chrono Package offers, along with a silly looking chronometer sitting on top of the dash, a program that gives more aggressive throttle response and a more abrupt rev limit cut-out. For those times when you're coming over all Schumacher.
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Introduction After its introduction in 1996, the Boxster helped a struggling Porsche back ... |
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