Well, upon Just_me's insistance, I'd like to share my recent (and all too brief) exposure to the Porsche Boxster S 50th Anniversary limited edition.

As you'll more than likely know, the 50th Anniversary - oft referred to as the 550 Spyder* - is essentially the swansong for the previous 986 generation of the Boxster and is the most powerful iteration of its model line. With 196 kW and 310 Nm from a mid-mounted naturally aspirated flat-six, this car is a full 26 kW more powerful than the roadster I'm most familiar with - the BMW Z4 3.0i.

Without going into laborious detail as to how I happened upon a drive, I reckon this was a case of right time and right place; the sales consultant was friendly and efficient and after a brief discussion with her, she offered the keys to the silver Boxster S 50th that I'd been so intrigued with.

This particular car was one of two examples on the floor and both had similar very low mileage. The car I was presented with had the black interior as opposed to the more exclusive dark brown which I prefer.

Soon I was pulling the car out of the shop leaving wife and child to look on whilst I went off for my first recent model Porsche experience in over 10 years. My only other Porsche experience was at the wheel of a 930 Turbo way back in the early 90's.

So how was the drive? Fabulous. Naturally. I could go on and spew the regular superlatives about how the car just pivots around its central point, or how the enhanced exhaust just sounds the business or even go on to impart just how lustily the engine pulls beyond 5000 the rpm into the 7000 mark but you'll all have read such things many times over.

Yes, the handling is amazing with nary a hint of understeer and I had enough time at my disposal behind the wheel to tackle some familiar corners and sweeps in the area but the lasting impression is that of the ride. How a car with such sportily set up suspension manages to ride so comfortably, is simply astounding to me. Sure, you're completely aware of the presence of sharp, transverse ridges - they most certainly are felt - but they never intrude, never discomfort and never unsettle. Sublime...

During my experience one thing that didn't stand out and jump at me was the fabled Porsche steering and feedback. I suppose I'd been concentrating so hard on gear changes, heel-n-toe and cornering line that I'd omitted to take detailed cognisance of every nuance of the steering sensation. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the experience was rather free of any notable observations. All I did was point in the direction I intended, and the car delivered. No fuss, no unwillingness, the car just turns in and GOES. Perhaps that is the Porsche steering experience: unencumbered, fluid and obedient?
Of course, one of the reasons that I'd chosen a 986 series Boxster to drive was for the constant ratio steering - I didn't want to be left uncertain by the new variable ratio configuration.

All too soon it was with a sense of responsibility that I returned the car to the dealership after an acceptable amount of time behind the wheel. This was an exceptional experience that left me in no doubt about my passion for this brand. Here is a car that whilst exceptionally sporty and thrilling, never intimidates and rewards the inputs of the committed driver with one of the finest of driving experiences I can ever recall.

Parking the 986 next to a silver 987 also convinced me that the new car is better propotioned and more handsome throughout. The new interior is especially good and a huge leap in quality over the 986. It really is as good as all those publications claim. Now, I wonder if they'll let me drive that one next week...

Martin

*Not to be confused with the original 550 Spyder circa 1953

I have a Boxster S 2004 year model. But i dont think its that anniversary edition. Fabolous car!

Thanks Martin

i wonder if anyone here at GCZ have driven Boxster and Cayman and can tell us which one they like the most, if there are any differences

Nice Martin thanks.

BTW i made a minor change to your post by putting the image on top cause it deserves to be on main page. Hope you don't mind.

Not in the slightest! Thanks Yannis - that's super...

Thank you Martin for providing us with such a well written review on this beautiful car.

I like how you were reminded of the newer version when you pulled up.

I truly admire Porsche for their superb craftsmanship inside and outside. I would consider an older Porsche just because of that. I know new Porsche's seem to look better, newer, and faster--for the obvious--but I would still consider an older Porsche just because it has that Porsche spirit that can never be taken away.

Congrats martin on getting the previlage to drive a Boxter.
It is probably one of the best sports cars one can buy for less than 50k. I have seen a few 987s on the roads and they look fabolous.

From what I have heard and read the Cayman handles better than the 911 and offer sensational handling experience. Therefor I asume that the difference between the Boxter and Cayman is huge.

Nice review Martinbo - ever considered being a motor journalist?

I drove a Boxter about 3 years ago and a Cayman a couple of months ago. I would say they are not too far apart handling-wise and it may boil down to individual taste and some intangibles as to which one any one person prefers. I was awestricken with the Cayman regarding how solid it felt, how graciously it crossed over some railway tracks that normally cause most cars make noices as if they were breaking. The Cayman felt like a submarine encountering a bit of turbulence when crossing the tracks. And of course all the handling qualities martinbo was referrering to with the Boxter were also present with the Cayman. I have not driven the new Boxsters, but based on the experience a few years ago, I would expect the cars to be pretty close to one another. As to which one I liked the most, I guess the fact that the Cayman is a coupe makes me prefer the Cayman.

Roberto, thanks for the kind words of encouragement. Actually, I'd positively leap at the chance of being a motoring journalist. I love writing about cars, especially about my experiences behind the wheel. Unfortunately, I don't have any tertiary qualification in the field of the Arts so a post is an increasingly unlikely prospect. Nevertheless, I do pursue my passion for motoring as an instructor, presenter and product specialist for Subaru and I dabble in public advanced driver training too. It's a sideline thing and not a career prospect by any stretch of the imagination. I do the odd bit of writing too. I don't know if you've heard of GermanCarZone.com?

donau, loving your posts man. So descriptive and insightful... Given that the new Boxsters are even more solidly constructed than the 986, I'm positive that the Cayman ought to feel as impervious as a battleship given its stiffer construction, so I really enjoyed your recollection of your railway track experience.

As for Boxster S over Cayman? Too tough to call though I'd probably opt for the top-down thrills and versatility of the Boxster over the hardcore, ultimate ability of the Cayman.

The Boxster S is my dream weekend car. 987 all the way.

Thanks for all the positive feedback guys...