BL Magazine

THE
AGENDA
12
12. BOXSTER CLEVER
Powered by the same 3.8-litre engine found
in the 911 Carrera S, the new Porsche
Boxster Spyder is sleek, slick and full of
intent, writes Danny Cobbs. Streamliners
behind the headrests – a stylisation that
evokes the Porsches of a bygone age –
transform this version into an easily
recognisable yet instantly different car
from the one it’s been based on.
It trumps many of its rivals with some
notable performance figures – 0-62mph in
4.5 seconds and a 180mph top speed. But
it’s the way it takes all that power and turns
it into speed that makes this two-seater
convertible so impressive. A greater power-
to-weight ratio – it’s now 30kg lighter
than a regular Boxster – wider rear wheels,
lowered suspension and a mechanical
differential take this car to a new level of
competency. It’s amazingly precise and
surefooted, guaranteeing the tightest
of corners are executed to perfection,
while displaying an unyielding and
endless enthusiasm to please. It really
does exceed all expectations.
The standard model comes in at just over
£60,000, which includes a six-speed manual
transmission, race-derived carbon-shell
seats and Porsche’s Sports Chrono package.
However, certain onboard niceties, such as
air conditioning and an audio system – all
of which have been stripped out to save
weight – are now found on the options list.
For far too long the Boxster was
considered a pastiche – a dumbed-down
Porsche constructed to a sell to the masses
and devoid of any sense of its own identity.
Conversely, the Boxster Spyder represents
something thrillingly new. It’s relevant,
contemporary and seductive.
Put simply, this car is the difference
between nearly good and really good.
And it’s also by far the prettiest car that
Porsche has built in decades.
From £60,459, www.porsche.com/uk
78 January/february 2016 www.blglobal.co.uk