Vehicle: 2008 Porsche Boxster S with Sport Design Pkg, PASM and 18″ Carrera Classic wheels
Price as tested: CDN$88230

Performance: The Boxster, as with its hardtop silibing, Cayman, is powered by 2 excellent powertrains. The base is a 245hp 2.7 liter flat 6 with 201 lb/ft of torque. Upgrade to S and one receives a wonderful 296 hp 3.2 liter flat 6 with 251 lb/ft of torque. Both of these engines are smooth operators. If you can afford the premium of S over the 2.7, 3.2 liter is the engine of choice in both Boxster and Cayman twins. Along with the usual solid while Teutonic engine note that is truly distinctive Porsche flat-6, it got all the usual advacement like VarioCam Plus for better breathing. As one expects from a Porsche, power has never been an issue even in the base car. The uplevel 3.2 liter is simply a gem of a motor in both low and high rev. It never runs out of breath when a driver revs it through redline, on the other hand, it doesn’t sacifice its daily drivability with plenty of low-end torque. 251 lb/ft arrives at 4400rpm as maximum torque is nothing short of impressive. Mated to this 3.2 liter is a 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic-S. If you really want to enjoy the driving of a great roadster, take the manual. For pure cruising ability, take the Tiptronic. Along with the clutch that has great engagement point and great feedback. Sweet is the best description of all Porsche manual gearbox. The throws are short and gates precise. Gear ratios are simply perfect for Boxster’s dual purpose as a cruiser. When there is an urge, its also aggressive enough for curve craving.

Handling: It would be hard pressed to find a Porsche that has a flexy chassis. All of Porsche’s chassis are build up to the highest standard with wonderful stiffness and rigidty. That explains the lack of any cowl shakes usually associate with convertible when driven over rough roads and patholes. The Boxster also rides like a luxury car even with the stiffest setting when PASM in “sport” mode. However, its sports car status remains unflattered with flat cornering abilities. When press the PASM in “sport” mode, both the suspension and springs tighted for more hardcore driving. Despite of the extra stiffness, this roadster rides firmly without feeling harsh. Its as equally livable with its “sport” as with regular setting. Steering is simply a delight. Its precise and sharp without being twitchy. Not to mention there are great steering feel both on and off-center. With its mid-ship, near perfect 50/50 weight distribution; its hard to find a more balanced and composed roadster in the market. Porsche’s stability control, or Porsche Stability Management (PSM). It got threshold enough for true enthuisasts who want to experience oversteer with it completely turns off. Or the one that is completely on for most daily driving. PSM, without a doubt, is the industry’s best stability management system.

Brakes: Porsche brakes are known for its capability on the track as on the road. This Boxster’s brakes are equally impressive. The stopping distance is short. While the brake pedal feel and modulation are nothing short of astounishing. Its completely fade-free after a couple of hard stops, on the other hand, ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily.

Interior: Just like the Cayman, Boxster got both front and rear cargo areas for 2 passengers on the go.

The rest of the interior is typical Porsche. That means all the nice plastic and leather materials in the cabin. It also scores with an effective automatic climate control for maximum cooling when the top opens. Those leather sports seats have great support when play.

Conclusion: Just like the original Boxster which came out in 97, this latest generation continues to set the standards for others to judge when it comes to building a proper roadster.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Porsche Boxster S
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5