German Car Zone

In my humble opinion, the 2008 Porsche Boxster, even at $59,070, is the ideal sports car for those who want to learn how to drive aggressively and enjoy a perfect blend of balance and performance on the road. Much like the base Mazda MX-5 or BMW Z4, not to mention the Honda S2000, you can get the most out of this car without relying on all sorts of gadgetry. What I'm saying is that you don't need to shell out the extra bucks for a Cayman S, a 911 or a BMW M3 to get the feel of a genuine sports car.

At $68,875, my tester came with additional features like bi-xenon headlights, Bose premium audio, rain sensors and a wind deflector. Only the latter is a must ($525), as it effectively reduces turbulence inside the car.

Nicely equipped
This "base" model still offers a lot of bang for your buck: a 245-hp engine, a 5-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch, a sophisticated stability control system and powerful brakes.

Inside, the driving position is very good, the seats are comfortable and the instrument panel is comprehensive. As expected, storage compartments and cupholders are at a premium. On the plus side, two generously-sized trunks allow long weekend getaways for two people. The electrically-operated fabric top is convenient and extremely airtight and watertight.

Whether the roof is up or down, access to the interior requires good flexibility. You have to sit sideways first and then pivot inward. And like most sports cars, you're sitting pretty close to the ground.

Reasonable comfort
While you shouldn't expect an ultra-smooth ride, the Boxster offers decent comfort on the road -- much more than the high-performance S model which is one of the hardest-riding cars I've ever tested. The suspension is not too firm, even on Quebec's winter-ravaged road network. The bolstered seats do a commendable job of holding your body in check through sharp corners.

Despite using AudioPilot noise compensation technology, which monitors road speed and ambient noise in the cockpit, the stereo is overshadowed by the engine beyond 4,000 rpm. However, below that point, the car proves quiet enough for occupants to keep a normal conversation.

My main complaint is that rearward visibility is significantly reduced with the top up. Backing up, passing a slower car or simply changing lanes requires extra attention. Moreover, the side windows and mirrors get dirty in a hurry when it rains.


Superb performance
The Boxster truly delivers a superb performance. While it may not be as dynamic as a Boxster S, let alone a Cayman S, it rewards the driver and offers reasonable fuel economy for a flat-six engine: 11.37 liters per 100 kilometers. With gentle use of the throttle, I was even able to drop to 10 L/100 km.

Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are completed in 7.6 seconds, which is good, while passing maneuvers from 80 to 120 km/h can be performed in under 5 seconds by using the second and third gears (5.5 seconds if you rely solely on the third gear).

What you need to remember is that this machine has to rev at high speed to unleash all its power. Other Porsches, meanwhile, offer more low-end torque. Still, the Boxster has enough gusto for daily driving and occasional blasts.

What you need to remember is that this machine has to rev at high speed to unleash all its power.
Safe and predictable
This German roadster won't catch you off-guard nor will it make you pay dearly for your mistakes. It handles like a charm, with a flexible clutch and gear throws that meet expectations. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) only steps in if you push the car too hard. Otherwise, it grants the driver plenty of freedom, even for sporty driving. Attacking corners is easy and, by maintaining a high engine speed, you can keep all your momentum upon reaccelerating.

Braking performance is just as superb. It took me 30.4 meters on average to stop from 100 to 0 km/h. I never got tired of putting the Boxster through its paces.

Will we see a new 4-cylinder?
Martin Constien pulled off miracles with this new engine and he managed to improve fuel economy at the same time. Having said that, with gas prices reaching all-time highs, I'm hoping Porsche brings back a 4-cylinder boxer. The legendary RS718 cars used to be powered by a 1.7-liter, flat-four engine producing 148 horsepower. They were the queens of hill racing and track competitions for a number of years.

So, if Porsche already has the expertise, why not go for it?
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