Porsche faced the darkest days in the early 90's. Not only sales dropped to below 15,000, 2 of the trio, 924/944/968 series and 928 died in 1994 after several years of slow sale. Ridiculously, the only survivor is the 911 series which was launched as early as 1963. Although in the recent couple of years, 911 became a great hit due to an unexplainable fashion, apparently it would be a risk to continue rely solely on it. Therefore the Porsche management decided to build another model which is smaller, lighter and less costly alongside with the 911. That is the Boxster, code name 986.  

In nowadays, developing a sports car with the perfect ability as Porsche used to require is a costly project. Since the competitors from other giant car makers can base their Boxster-rivals on mass-produced sedan platforms ( e.g., Mercedes SLK and BMW M Roadster ), Boxster should also find ways to cut cost. Here Porsche adopt a very radical idea - simply replace the old 911 with a new one which could share as much as a third of the components used in the 986 ! I am not dare to say this will be good to the legendary 911, but at least in Boxster side it is a good news. It makes Boxster only a little bit pricier than the 968 but the whole car is a lot more desirable, because the Boxster is a mid engine pure sports car with a beautiful soft top and a flat 6 engine.  

It is the first all new model in 20 years ( since the 928 in 1978 ). As every Porsche is supposed to serve for at least a decade, the engineers applied radical layout - Mid-mounted 24 valves flat six ( now finally becomes water-cooled ) with variable valve timing. Such specification will not limit the evolution in the foreseeable future. However, the small engine capacity ( 2.5 litres ) and less-impressive specific output ( 82 hp / litre ) plus the mere 5 speed manual box means that "This is only the beginning !" and preserves room for improvement in the future. Therefore the Boxster is not much faster than Mercedes SLK and will be definitely slower than the BMW M Roadster. It tops 139 mph and finish 0-60mph in 6.5 sec, which release the pressure on the new 911.  

Nevertheless, as many real drivers know, handling is the more-appropriate criterior to judge a sports car. In this respect, Boxster's superior balance, steering accuracy, steering feel, grip, brakes and the aid from the highly flexible engine make it to be one of the best handling sports car ever made. No matter drive it fiercely or drive it with ease, you can always experience high level of pleasure and fun. Any SLK and M Roadster will feel shame to compare with it.  

If you ask me whether Lotus Elise or Boxster has the best handling in roadster, I'll tell you it is the Elise. Nevertheless, Elise is a raw machine with an uninspiring engine, while Porsche refine in anywhere and its flat six is willing, smooth and sings beautiful songs. The Boxster is a perfect all-round sports car.  

How all-round ? Look at the stylish cabin, excellent driving position, perfect painting and build quality, the fast-operating electric hood and the traditional Porsche exterior styling ( or simply "911 look" ) and you will agree that it is a perfect car with no short. 
 

986 Boxster 2.7

Of course not. Porsche has planned and tested the 2.7-litre version of its flat-six since long ago. According to its tradition, you won’t expect a huge power jump for the new version, but Porsche will give you just enough. The displacement of 2687c.c. was made by means of lengthening the stroke to the same 78mm as the Boxster S. Therefore they share the same connecting rods. Besides, two-stage variable intake manifolds is added to improve mid range torque. Electronic throttle is adopted. 

Instead of 204hp and 181 lbft, the enlarged engine pumps out 220 hp and 192 lbft (upated: this rise again to 228hp in year 2002, thanks to the adoption of a new Variocam). Not big numbers, but in reality the difference is more than that. From 4,000rpm to 7,000rpm, the increase of punch is more noticeable, as seen by the 0-100mph of 15.5 sec. That is far quicker than the old car’s 18.0 sec and not far behind Boxster S’s 14.2 sec. What a pity it still drive through a 5-speed manual from the old car, without Boxster S’s 6-speeder to choose from. 

Nevertheless, the 5-speed unit is as delight to be shifted as ever. The superb chassis is still there, covering with the same pretty enclosure (that said, nothing’s changed other than the engine). The additional punch gives the driver more opportunity to enjoy the at-the-limit balance and communication of the wonderful chassis.  

The bottom line is, Porsche has cured the only weak link in the Boxster. Without raising the price (considering equipment level is upped.), the new Boxster 2.7 should settle the embarrassment facing by the old Boxster since the arrival of Honda S2000. 
 

986 Boxster S

The 911 Carrera pumps out a full 300hp from just 200c.c. in-excess of the Boxster. Both units feature VVT, electronic throttle and 2-stage variable length induction manifold, so why the 911 has a specific output of 87hp/litre while the newer Boxster engine achieves just 79hp/litre ? Remember just 3 months ago the 911GT3 broke the 100hp/litre barrier. 

For marketing reasons, of course. By deliberately detuned the 911’s flat six, losing a little bit displacement and more efficiency, the 3.2-litre Boxster S has the power exactly in midway between the base Boxster and the 911 Carrera. On one hand this should satisfy those complaining the Boxster as slower than many competitors, on the other hand the flagship 911 can remains earning superior profit without worrying internal competition. For you reference, the 911 Carrera reaches 60mph in 4.6sec and then 100mph in 10.5sec; the Boxster S does this in 5.7 sec and 14.2sec respectively. Whether this justify the extra 50% cost depends on your point of view. 

We can imagine that Porsche can easily make a 285hp Boxster without needing increase the engine capacity if it feels necessary. However, we must accept the fact that Boxster S has "only" 252 horsepower. Even with "just" 252hp, Boxster at least matches its nearest competitors, namely Honda S2000 and Lotus Elise 111S. Although Autocar magazine measured a disappointing 0-60mph of 6.0 sec, which is less believable than Porsche’s traditional honest claims, the 0-100mph time of 14.2sec edges out the S2000’s 14.3sec and Elise’s 14.8sec. And undoubtedly, the superior torque delivery of the 3.2-litre boxer engine is not comparable by Honda’s 2.0 VTEC and Elise’s 1.8 VVC. 

With extra power and torque, the long sleeping potential of the chassis could be fully exploited. The Boxster now has sufficient power to oversteer the rear tyres so that it is more adjustable in corner. The basic steering tendency remains to be mild understeer most of the time. The wonderful steering feel remains unchanged. Porsche is so confident that it made no modification other than slightly revising the rear suspension geometry and installing firmer springs / dampers to cope with the extra 45kg kerb weight as well as the increased cornering speed. Oh yes, it also adopted 911’s brakes and 6-speed gearbox, the former indicating that the Boxster S stops even faster than his elder brother.  

The styling of Boxster S differs very little from the base Boxster - there is a third air intake at the middle of the nose to draw air to the third radiator, hence drag coefficient is raised from 0.31 to 0.32. At the back, twin-pipe exhaust replaces the single pipe, still locates at the middle of the rear. The cabin now is surrounded by high quality plastic, some painted in aluminium colour. Standard equipment level has been upgraded. 
 

987 Boxster and Boxster S

The new Boxster is about the same size as before, but a boost of 20mm in width is a welcomed news, because it allows wider tracks to improve handling. On the other hand, chassis rigidity is up by 9% due to reinforced floorpan and stronger spot welding. Thanks to careful weight control (among which is the introduction of aluminum boot lid and magnesium frame for hood cover), the Boxster gains just 20kg. This already includes the new variable-ratio power steering and PASM adaptive damping, both come from the new 911, a car it shares 30% components. Outside, drag coefficient is lowered from 0.31 to 0.29, along with increased downforce (thanks to a rear spoiler that raises slightly higher). These changes are not big, but every aspect of the car has been polished and improved.  

More important, the new Boxster gets more power to fight against BMW Z4 3.0 and Mercedes SLK350 etc. By smoothening air filter, intake manifolds and reducing exhaust backpressure, now both the Boxster and Boxster S get considerable power increase, even though without altering engine capacity. Output of the standard 2.7-litre boxer engine is increased from 228hp to 240hp, while the 3.2-litre engine for Boxster S is up from 260hp to 280hp.  

Nevertheless, the Boxster is still slower and less punchy than its biggest rival Mercedes SLK350. Autocar found it needs 6.1 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph and 15.1 seconds to 100 mph. The SLK takes just 5.5 sec and 13.1 sec respectively. That's not in the same league at all. Although the Boxster is almost 100kg lighter than the Mercedes, its smaller engine capacity and 5-speed-only gearbox account for the difference.  

Naturally, Boxster S is much faster - it takes 5.2 seconds to 60 mph and tops 167 mph. The 280hp boxer is an engine it deserves, so is the new, slicker-shifting 6-speed gearbox from the 997. However, being 20% more expensive than the 2.7 Boxster, it competes in the league of Chevrolet Corvette instead. Tick a few necessary options and the must-have PCCB ceramic brakes, it is already in the price range of Mercedes SLK55 AMG. The fact is, Porsche Boxster never returns very good "Bang for the Buck".  

However, if you pursue engineering excellence and the ultimate driving fun, there is still no replacement for the Boxster, especially Boxster S. The perfect balance of its mid-engined chassis, the low weight, the intimate steering, the sharp turn-in, the massive grip, the beautifully weighted controls, the confidence-inspiring braking, the sweet gearchange, the turbine-smooth flat-6, the lovely voice of the boxer… all point to the most engaging driving experience any money can buy - not even 997 or F430. Behind that is a compliant ride that only Mercedes' roadster can match. This car is simultaneously your everyday car and your funniest toy. 

Compare with the old Boxster, 987 improves in every aspect - speed, handling, braking and damping. The changes might be small, but the accumulative effect is apparent.  

Any weaknesses? there are a few. As in the new 911, its variable ratio steering feels somewhat numb at the straight-ahead, a price it paid to enhance cruising refinement. It takes 30° to overcome the numbness, and gets better the more you turn the wheel. Luckily this does not affect the entertaining way it attacks corners.  

Another weakness is the dull-looking new dashboard and center console. Although we applause for the improved built and material quality, it deserves a more stylish design to match its rivals.  

But on the top of the wish list remains to be a more powerful engine. Porsche always afraid a more powerful Boxster could hurt the sales of its more profitable 911. But the Boxster chassis is actually better than the 911 and it deserves more power. Driven by Walter Rohl, the Boxster S lapped Nurburgring at 8min 18sec, or 9 second quicker than the old car. Is it fast enough? the answer is certainly negative to many Porsche fans. We hope Porsche could consider transplanting the 3.6 or even 3.8 engine of the 911 to create a super Boxster, especially in the presence of Mercedes SLK55 AMG.