The Porsche Boxster Is NOT A Poor Man's Porsche

The Porsche Boxster Range are extremely fast powerful sports cars and more importantly they are the best handling roadsters on this earth that are in production! The Porsche Boxster was first released in 1996 and has pretty much stayed unchanged other than a few interior tweaks and the odd engine mod. Porsche tend to do this they find a shape that works and sticks with it yet it still manages to refine it every year and well the best just keep on getting better. The bodywork of the Boxster is of course up to the usual high standard that Porsche is known for and the interior doesn't let the side down either. The centre console is truly a work of art and with the titanium panelling it really does look the part. The Porsche Boxster has a powered convertible roof which is very quick to drop down and thankfully in the time of the normal British weather it rains it can be up in a flash. But not only is it quick but the roof can be operated and speeds of no more than 30 mph which means you can drop the top in the town without finding somewhere to park!

The steering, brakes, suspension, gearbox and engine combine to make every burst of acceleration, braking and turning an immense pleasure. Despite all this, it can still cruise comfortably and cope with traffic jams. The 911 is not an ideal family car, although it could carry two adults and children. Insufficient boot space would be the key issue, as is access to the rear seats. The 911 is much too powerful and expensive for a first car, even in its more benign four-wheel drive form. The 911's reputation is founded on high quality, and almost without exception it delivers. It feels thoroughly engineered throughout and robust, with the only demerit being the slightly flimsy nature of some of the minor switches. The 911's image is even stronger, remaining one of the most desirable sports cars ever despite strong competition, and its reputation as a superb performance car is well known. For a sports car, the 911 is easy to get into. The doors are long and open wide, and although the seats are low set, it is not a long drop down into them.

Access to the rear does require the seat to be slid forward, which takes a few seconds if electric seats are fitted. With the optional Bose stereo system fitted, the 911 boasts a superb sound system. Radio, CDs and MP3 CDs can be played, and the sound quality is of a high standard. Steering wheel controls make it easy to operate, and unlike many cars these controls are small so they do not interfere during spirited driving. The 911 is available in a range of mostly subtle colours, with brighter hues like red, yellow and white for the outgoing. Inside the cabin is understated and sombre, but can be brightened by choosing different cabin colours and materials. Because of its unique shape, parking the 911 can be a little tricky. Visibility all round is generally good, but the sloping rear can make it difficult to judge. However, parking sensors are available as an option. Tyre inflation kit fitted as standard. Petrol engine options: 3.6-litre petrol (325bhp and 415bhp), 3.6-litre turbocharged (480bhp), 3.8-litre petrol (355bhp). All are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a Tiptronic automatic also available. There are no specific trim levels.

553 million settlement that BMW, Mazda, Toyota, and Subaru agreed to pay in May. A total of 4.4 million Nissan and Infiniti vehicles have been recalled in the U.S. Only 30 percent have been repaired. UPDATE 8/31/2017, 10:00 a.m.: Ford is recalling 650 brand-new vehicles in the United States that have defective airbags, although there is a critical difference from the general recall population of Takata inflators. Certain 2017 Ford Mustang and F-150 models have complete airbag modules built by Takata, while the faulty inflators inside the modules are made by ARC Automotive, a Tier 2 supplier in Knoxville, Tennessee. The passenger-side frontal airbags are affected. Takata notified Ford after it tested the airbags and found an 鈥渁bnormal deployment,鈥?Ford said. Since July 2015, NHTSA has been investigating ARC Automotive for defective airbag inflators after two ruptured in older-model Chrysler and Kia models not under the Takata recall. NHTSA currently estimates that up to eight million inflators may be defective in Chrysler, GM, Kia, and Hyundai models in the United States. UPDATE 10/6/2017, 4:00 p.m.: Mitsubishi is recalling the 2004-2006 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Lancer Sportback models a second time to replace Takata passenger-side airbag inflators.

The initial May 2015 recall replaced them with the same Takata part since no inflators were available without ammonium nitrate. In a NHTSA filing, Mitsubishi said it now has a sufficient supply but declined to specify whether the new parts were made by Takata. Owners will be notified by next week. UPDATE 11/13/2017, 5:00 p.m.: Honda is recalling a small number of cars that may have had their passenger-side airbags incorrectly installed during a previous recall of 646 vehicles, according to Automotive News. 鈥?Affected vehicles, which NHTSA and Honda are calling 鈥淎lpha cars,鈥?include the 2001-2002 Accord and Civic, the 2002 Honda CR-V and Odyssey, the 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL, the 2003 Acura 3.2CL, and the 2003 Honda Pilot. As of last week, there are roughly 137,000 Alpha Hondas that still need repair, a Honda spokesman told Car and Driver; about 100,000 of those vehicles are believed to be still on the road.

911, 918 Spyder, Boxster, Cayenne And Macan

Porsche is a German automobile maker that traditionally specializes in sports cars and lately SUVs and sedans. The company is owned by Volkswagen AG and has headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. It is the most successful automobile company in motorsport history with a total of 28,000 victories. The company was founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche. It initially did not build cars as it started as a motor vehicle development and consulting firm. It eventually went into car designing and one of its earliest works was the Volkswagen Beetle commissioned by the German government as a car for the masses. The Volkswagen Beetle is widely considered as one of the most recognizable and successful car designs of all time. The company produced military versions of the Beetle during World War II. It also produced tank designs during the war. Ferdinand lost his title as chairman of the company at the end of the war.

His son, Ferry, built his own car which would eventually become the Porsche 356. The said car is widely considered as the first ever Porsche. Like other auto mobile makers, Porsche was not hesitant to partner with other firms. Porsche has always been close with Volkswagen. After all its founder designed the very first Beetle. Porsche cars are associated with luxury. Some of its convertibles like the Porsche 911 Carrera, Porsche 911 Carrera 4, 911 Turbo and Porsche Boxster are considered best-sellers. In terms of sedans, its new four-door Panamera has not only won critical acclaim but has also sold well. It is one of the fastest four-door sedans in the world. Through the years, the Porsche 911 has been considered as the king of sports cars. But since it was introduced in 2006, the Porsche Cayman has also become a favorite of driving enthusiasts with its sleek appearance and excellent mid-engine handling. It also helps that the Cayman is lighter, smaller, and less expensive.

It鈥檚 down on power next to its rivals here, but only by a small amount and you won鈥檛 feel left behind in the British car. It doesn鈥檛 feel significantly slower on the road, but at the track the Cooper S did trail its rivals. Despite the sunshine in our pictures, we carried out our track tests in mixed conditions, and the MINI took 7.4 seconds to accelerate from 0-60mph and 6.6 seconds to go through the gears from 30-70mph, the slowest here. While the Ford was faster in gear, the Cooper S beat the Polo鈥檚 4.2-second 30-50mph time in fourth by one tenth. It was also faster than the Volkswagen from 50-70mph in fifth and sixth. The MINI鈥檚 gearchange isn鈥檛 as positive and enjoyable as the Ford鈥檚. However, it鈥檚 still much more engaging and fun than the DSG auto in the Polo. Testers鈥?notes: 鈥淎daptive suspension is only 拢375 and is therefore worthwhile. There鈥檚 not a huge difference between modes, but Sport is subtly stiffer.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is more expensive than its rivals here, at 拢21,520 in base GTI spec, but it鈥檚 also a five-door only, and there鈥檚 no manual option yet: it鈥檚 DSG automatic only for now. That accounts for the price, but is the Polo able to take class honours in its first group test? With a 197bhp engine and dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the Polo GTI is by far the easiest car here to extract performance from: just squeeze the throttle, the DSG drops down a few gears, and you鈥檙e off. With launch control the VW recorded an impressive 6.5-second 0-60mph time in our tests on a wet track, beating both rivals, and the automated shifts meant it was fastest through the gears from 30-70mph, too. However, while the DSG box is brilliant at firing up through the gears in a straight line, it feels out of its depth on a twisty road.

Is a Boxster a poor man's Porsche?

The answer was price. A mid-engine, convertible with a Porsche badge that wasn't as expensive as a Carrera sounded like a great deal, and still does. For this reason, the Boxster was nicknamed the 'poor man's Porsche' because only those who couldn't afford a Carrera bought one.is the boxster still a poor man's porsche? - DriveTribe

Here Are More Details About The New Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder

Lighter, more powerful, and naturally aspirated.

It’s no longer a secret that Porsche will shoehorn the 911 GT3’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six into the upcoming Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder. While we still don’t know exactly when either of those mid-engine delights will be revealed (a good guess would be Geneva for at least one), Autocar has managed to gather a few more details about both cars. First off, a six-speed manual will come standard while the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox will be optional for those wanting to maximize track performance times.

Porsche can’t allow a supposed “lesser model” to outdo the 911 GT3, so that engine will be slightly detuned from 493 hp to around 425 hp. Considering the 718 Boxster is already lighter than the 911, we doubt anyone will complain. Speaking of lightweight, the Spyder especially requires a number of weight-saving methods in order to achieve Porsche’s desired power-to-weight ratio. Problem is, any roadster/convertible weighs more than its coupe counterpart, but Porsche has experience overcoming this. The Boxster Spyder has always been the feather light, end of the generation ultimate variant for a number of years.

As such, the 718 Boxster’s electric folding hardtop is a goner; that mechanism system, impressive as it is, is simply too heavy. Instead, the familiar Spyder “tent top” will be utilized. Convenience features such as air conditioning and a radio will also be absent, though they could be optional. Sound deadening materials will also be removed, and this is actually a smart thing because Spyder buyers will naturally want to hear as much of the open road as possible. A set of Michel Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will come standard in order for the new Boxster Spyder to be one of the best-handling cars Porsche has ever built. It’ll certainly be the best-handling Boxster so far.

Overall exterior styling, save for the top, will be very similar to the new 718 Cayman GT4. However, the latter will be equipped with a large rear wing because, since it’s a coupe, will be considered even more hardcore.

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Check Out The Next Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder With Little Camo

Its official debut is getting closer. This summer, perhaps?

What you’re looking at could end up being the last naturally aspirated Porsche 718 Boxster ever. Or it may not be. Porsche hasn’t exactly made an official announcement. But what will be official is the production version of the 718 Boxster Spyder prototype you see here sometime this summer. Our spy photographers caught the roadster as it performed some final winter testing, and there’s actually fairly little camouflage covering it. When test engineers decided to make a pit stop, our photographers swooped in for an up and close look.

A few things to take note of: first off, notice the exhaust pipes have grown and moved position when compared to the last Boxster Spyder. Why is this significant? Because it was done in order to accommodate the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine found in the new 911 GT3, where it produces 530 hp. For the 718 Boxster Spyder and its coupe twin, the 718 Cayman GT4, power will likely be downgraded to around 430 hp. Another noteworthy addition is that rear diffuser, which is definitely not found in the base 718 Boxster. And, as with any Porsche Spyder variant, there’s the rear pair of humps, and a cloth cover that resembles a tent. Remember, the goal here is to cut weight wherever possible and add power.

A few snaps were also taken of the interior, which shows a six-speed manual. We already knew this gearbox would be happening, but what we don’t know just yet is whether the PDK will be an option. Porsche could very well keep the 718 Boxster Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 manual only. We’re expecting to see the Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder debut this summer and it’ll also surely be at Paris next fall. Why a summertime debut? Because also at Paris the next generation 911, the 992, will make its debut. Remember, the 911 will always take precedence over the Boxster and Cayman.

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Here Are More Details About The New Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder

Lighter, more powerful, and naturally aspirated.

It’s no longer a secret that Porsche will shoehorn the 911 GT3’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six into the upcoming Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder. While we still don’t know exactly when either of those mid-engine delights will be revealed (a good guess would be Geneva for at least one), Autocar has managed to gather a few more details about both cars. First off, a six-speed manual will come standard while the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox will be optional for those wanting to maximize track performance times.

Porsche can’t allow a supposed “lesser model” to outdo the 911 GT3, so that engine will be slightly detuned from 493 hp to around 425 hp. Considering the 718 Boxster is already lighter than the 911, we doubt anyone will complain. Speaking of lightweight, the Spyder especially requires a number of weight-saving methods in order to achieve Porsche’s desired power-to-weight ratio. Problem is, any roadster/convertible weighs more than its coupe counterpart, but Porsche has experience overcoming this. The Boxster Spyder has always been the feather light, end of the generation ultimate variant for a number of years.

As such, the 718 Boxster’s electric folding hardtop is a goner; that mechanism system, impressive as it is, is simply too heavy. Instead, the familiar Spyder “tent top” will be utilized. Convenience features such as air conditioning and a radio will also be absent, though they could be optional. Sound deadening materials will also be removed, and this is actually a smart thing because Spyder buyers will naturally want to hear as much of the open road as possible. A set of Michel Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will come standard in order for the new Boxster Spyder to be one of the best-handling cars Porsche has ever built. It’ll certainly be the best-handling Boxster so far.

Overall exterior styling, save for the top, will be very similar to the new 718 Cayman GT4. However, the latter will be equipped with a large rear wing because, since it’s a coupe, will be considered even more hardcore.

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Porsche 718 Cayman GTS And Boxster GTS Take A Bow

These will probably be the best 718 models until the GT4 replacement arrives.

Given its propensity for expanding its model range, Porsche was never going to limit the 718 lineup with the base and S versions of the Boxster and Cayman. We recently spotted a camouflaged version of the 718 Boxster GTS out testing, and Porsche has finally revealed both the 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Cayman GTS. These will be the fastest 718 models yet, and will improve upon a car that is already just as fast as the previous generation Cayman GT4.

The GTS variants get a 15 horsepower power upgrade over the S models. Total power is 365 hp, which is 35 hp more than the previous generation GTS models with naturally aspirated flat-six engines. The 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four gets this power boost thanks to a newly developed intake duct and an optimized turbocharger. As always, the cars are available with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. The PDK will no doubt be faster, but the manual will offer better driver engagement. The GTS cars will also have a host of standard features that are optional on S models.

These include the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical rear differential lock, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The quickest GTS models will be equipped with the PDK transmission, and will hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and reach a 180 mph top speed. This is quicker and faster than the S models, which can hit 6- mph in 4.2 seconds and reach 177 mph. The GTS models are only marginally faster than the S, but also come with some styling differences. GTS models will have a new Sport Design apron at the front as well as the signature blacked out headlights for this trim level.

At the rear, the GTS is differentiated by tinted tail lights, black logos, a black rear apron and center-mounted black tailpipes. The interior of the car is filled with Alcantara, which is a signature of all Porsche GTS models. Since the changes to the 718 GTS aren't too drastic, they should be available very soon. Porsche says to expect 718 GTS models in dealerships in mid-December 2017 starting at $80,850 for the Boxster, including destination, or $82,950 for the Cayman. These will be the fastest 718 models until Porsche decides to replace the GT4 and Spyder models.

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2019 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder: Everything We Know So Far

Will it be the last naturally aspirated 718 Boxster?

Whenever the end is near for the current generation Porsche 718 Boxster, the German automaker goes all out with the last variant of the popular roadster, the Spyder. Likely to arrive sometime this summer, the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is currently undergoing final testing, evidenced only a few weeks ago by spy shots featuring a lightly camouflaged advanced prototype. It was immediately evident this was the Spyder thanks to its tent-like soft top, a trademark feature limited solely to this hardcore variant.

Although Porsche, like it always is regarding future models, has been mum on details, we’ve managed to learn quite a bit about what could be the final naturally aspirated 718 Boxster (formerly known as just ‘Boxster’). Like its coupe sibling, the 718 Cayman, Porsche engineers are taking this mid-engined platform to its limits which, in some ways, makes it the preferable choice over the 911. However – and this has always been the case – Porsche won’t let the 718 Boxster/Cayman exceed the iconic 911 in terms of overall performance and general capabilities. What the upcoming 718 Boxster Spyder (and 718 Cayman GT4) will likely offer is the best-handling mid-engined sports car on the planet today.

Power is expected to come from the very same 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six found in the 911 GT3, though it’ll be detuned from the latter’s 500 hp to around 425-450 hp, give or take. Power will be directed to the rear wheels only through either a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Those seeking to optimize track performance are recommended to go with the latter gearbox option. An ideal (or close to it) 50:50 weight distribution is all but guaranteed. One of the other key obstacles engineers had to overcome was weight. As is the case with all convertibles, slicing off the roof, believe it or not, increases weight because of necessary structural additions needed for rigidity.

And because the Boxster Spyder has always been the lightest of the current generation, specific weight-saving changes are needed. For starters, the electric folding top is swapped out in favor of that aforementioned “tent top”. Without the mechanism needed for the automatic soft top, a couple hundred pounds is eliminated right there. Features like sound-deadening materials, air conditioning and a radio will also be removed, although the latter two could be options. Porsche is so hardcore about shaving weight that as it's done in the past, removed the traditional (metal) interior door handles, in favor of nylon-like handles.

As far as the exterior goes and aside from the unique top, previous spy shots clearly show a new rear diffuser and the rear pair of “humps”. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will be standard to further provide the best-handling driving experience possible. Although we expect Porsche to reveal the new 718 Boxster Spyder sometime this summer online, it likely won’t make its live debut until early October at the Paris Motor Show. However, this is also when the next generation 911 could make its debut appearance, so we’re a bit unsure as to whether Porsche wants its most iconic model to share the spotlight with anything else, no matter how incredible it’ll be.

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