Test Drive: 2012 Porsche Boxster S
Porsche's Boxster S has sublime handling, smooth power delivery, and zero bloat.
In 2011, I drove cars faster than Porsche’s Boxster S. I also drove cars loaded with more predictive, high tech wonders (automatic parallel parking, anyone?). And I certainly drove cars with many times the Boxster’s cargo capacity of 9.9 cubic feet. But when I pried the Boxster S out of Porsche’s hands for a three day test drive in early December, I found that none of those rides could match the Boxster S in one regard: the pure, elemental feeling it delivers to the driver.
Thanks in part to its mid-engined layout, Boxsters are gifted with a near-perfect 50-50 weight ratio between the front and rear. Combined with their low curb weight and body stance, stiff suspension, and sticky eighteen inch tires, the total package is confidence-inspiring. You never have to guess what this car is going to do next: after slowing for a turn, you’ll find it can handle more (and will want to be given even more).
While the Boxster S is an elemental ride, its onboard tech is impressive, particularly the sophisticated traction control system. Dubbed Porsche Stability Management, the system takes into account engine speed, vehicle speed, and individual wheel spin, which prevents you from losing control of the car when things get hairy. Drivers can select how much control they want to hand over to the computer, and I found sport mode allows just enough wheel spin for a taste of the surface (and just enough tire chirp to turn heads).
The Boxster S I drove featured a seven-speed PDK gearbox with manual shifters mounted to the steering wheel. Even stick shift purists will tip their lid to the PDK for its even power delivery, smart shift points, and rev matching. If you think you can do better on a manual: thanks for reading, Sebastian Vettel!
There’s no backseat – not even the faint hint of a backseat the 911 has. Storage space is divided up between two compartments in the front and rear, which fits weekend luggage for two (depending on how high maintenance you and your companion are). Let’s just say you might want to plan on using the hotel’s toiletries.
And what of the cheaper rival sometimes compared to the Boxster S, the Nissan’s 370Z? Sure, it’s 20 grand less, and a sweet summer roadster with many of the Boxster’s capabilities. It even jolts to 60 mph half a second faster. But the Porsche communicates so well – every jitter of the steering wheel seems mainlined to your brain – that the 370Z seems numb in comparison. The 370Z isn’t about to overtake its master — it’s just in a different classroom.
LOVE IT: Sublime handling, smooth power delivery, zero bloat: the Boxster S is the essence of cars built to deliver fun driving on everyday roads.
LEAVE IT: The hard-handling suspension never relents, so make sure there’s a tight lid on your Venti.
The Specs
2012 Porsche Boxster S
Price: from $58,600
Engine: 3.4-liter flat six
Horsepower: 310
Torque: 266 lb.-ft.
0-60mph: 5.0 sec
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Posted by Dania
on 09:03. Filed under