Porsche has made a number of revisions to its Boxster for 2009, keeping it one of the most fun-to-drive convertibles on the planet.
First, power output has been increased. The base trim level of the Boxster now features a 255-horsepower 2.9-liter horizontally-opposed six-cylinder (H-6) engine in place of last year's 245-horsepower 2.7-liter version.
The sporty Boxster S retains its 3.4-liter H-6, but it has been retuned and now features a direct fuel injection system.
The result is a boost in horsepower from 295 to 310.
Regardless of which Boxster you choose, a six-speed manual transmission is standard. But the biggest news for 2009 is the arrival of the optional seven-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous model's available five-speed unit.
The seven-speed gearbox is not a typical automatic and it actually improves acceleration times over the manual gearbox.
The new seven-speed gearbox is referred to as PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgestriebe). The "DK" stands for "double-clutch."
Essentially, the PDK is a conventional seven-speed manual gearbox with two electro-hydraulically controlled multiplate wet clutch packs. One clutch pack controls odd-numbered gears and the other controls even-numbered gears.
As one clutch pack engages, the other simultaneously disengages and the result is more instantaneous shifts and improved performance.
My 2009 Porsche Boxster S tester featured the PDK ($3,420 option), which can be left in automatic mode or shifted manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The PDK quickly engages the engine to the driveline the moment you remove your foot from the brake pedal. Takeoff is very positive, much like what you'd expect with a manual gearbox. I enjoyed the way the PDK behaves and shifts with authority.
The Boxster is agile and exhibits little body roll when taking corners at speed thanks to its horizontally-opposed engine mounted near the middle of the chassis.
Steering is precise and you feel more connected to the road than with most other sport cars when piloting the Boxster.
During my weeklong test of the 2009 Porsche Boxster S, my brother-in-law, Steve, treated me to a Bears preseason game at Soldier Field. So I drove. I picked him up and as we cleared the ramp onto Interstate 57, I mashed the throttle pedal to the floor.
Before I could say, "Porsche Doppelkupplungsgestriebe," the needle on the speedometer quickly swung over and the digital speedometer readout at the top center of the cluster was showing three digits.
I didn't get too close to the 170 mph top speed, but I can say this car handles speed as well as cars that cost much more.
This car is built to be driven fast and an optional sport chrono package features a dash-mounted stopwatch that lets you keep track of lap times.
Brakes are impressive too. The Boxster comes fitted with extra-large cross-drilled rotors (12.52 inches in front, 11.77 inches in rear) and beautifully painted (and also large) four-piston, fixed, aluminum brake calipers.
Inside, the Boxster is luxurious and its race-inspired seats grip you like a finely made glove. The convertible top does let in some noise, though. The throaty engine roar was music to my ears, especially since - unfortunately - the sound system remained muted all week. Every button I pressed did not un-mute the unit. |
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Dropping the top is simple and quick and it nicely folds back out of the way.
I liked the optional piece of plexiglass mounted between the top of the seatbacks that cut down on wind through the cabin when traveling top down.
Unfortunately, if you're taking a road trip, there isn't much space in the front or rear cargo areas for your luggage. Nor is there space for your golf clubs, unless you drop the top and put your clubs in the passenger seat.
Another issue is that options quickly increase the Boxster's price tag. Base price for the Boxster is $46,600 while the Boxster S costs $56,700. But the Boxster is by far one of the most fun convertibles to drive and spend time in.
2009 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
ENGINE: 310-horsepower 3.4-liter H-6
TRANSMISSION: seven-speed (PDK ) automatic
DRIVET RAIN: rear-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 20 city/29 highway
BASE PRICE: $56,700
AS TESTED: $78,795 (including $950 for destination)
WEB SITE: www.Porsche.com |
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