As tough as it may be to believe, Porsche isn’t a company that frequently succumbs to the gratuitous chase for more power. The 521bhp Cayenne Turbo S 4x4 is the notable exception but, by and large, Porsches aren’t the most powerful cars in their sectors, the boffins in Stuttgart instead preferring to concentrate on offering an impeccable balance between horsepower and handling. True, the latest Boxster models do have a mild upgrade in engine output to match their hard top Cayman siblings but the increase is a sensible one.
The Boxster has an absolutely fabulous chassis but it’s one that has been designed to cope with specific power outputs. I once drove a prototype version of one of these fitted with a tweaked 911 Turbo engine, something that in production terms, historical baggage and red tape at Porsche would never actually allow. Driving the thing, I realised why: it felt ragged and unsatisfying, if blisteringly quick in a straight line. Where Porsche have traditionally scored with the Boxster is in offering a car that always felt fluid and cohesive in its handling, which offered more brakes than power and which boosted the confidence of less talented drivers while allowing hotshoes the chance to explore its repertoire of tricks at the limits. Relax: nothing’s changed.
The Boxster Range continues as before with a standard model and a raunchier S version but whereas the models once made 240bhp and 280bhp respectively, power is these days eased up to 245bhp for the 2.7-litre car and a 295bhp for the Boxster S, a car which sees its capacity rise from 3.2-litres to 3.4. Let’s take a look at each of these powerplants in turn. The entry level model, priced from £33,170, sees torque rise to 273Nm and it’s available from 4,600rpm. Give it the full monty off the line and 60mph will come and go in 5.9 seconds, Plus you’ll also be able to see a top speed of 160mph (none of this ‘electronically limited to 155mph’ nonsense from the Weissach company).The Boxster Range continues as before with a standard model and a raunchier S version but whereas the models once made 240bhp and 280bhp respectively, power is these days eased up to 245bhp for the 2.7-litre car and a 295bhp for the Boxster S, a car which sees its capacity rise from 3.2-litres to 3.4.
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