RE: Porsche 718 Boxster S: Review
Discussion
kambites said:
Out of interest, those of you who current own a six-pot Boxster but don't fancy one of these because of the engine, what will you replace the current car with? Or will you just keep it indefinitely?
That's me (2yr old 981 owner looking for his next car). 718 release perfect timing for me. However, I'm struggling with that sound! M2 was next on my list but don't want to wait until 2017 for delivery. Need to see if my budget will stretch to a discounted M4... After that, I have no idea. It will be interesting in 12 month’s time to see if our memories have faded and we still beg for a NA F6 motor, and to see if sales match the 981. £62K is not too bad considering my 981 S was the north side of £60k new, but for 2 cyl less? Personally I think Porsche have missed a trick and should have kept the extra 2 cylinders, kept the turbo and keep the environmentalists happy. But hold on a minute, then then it would be better than a 991 Cab and Porsche can't let the 718 dent those sales. But will Porsche now lose sales to the TT, SLK brigade, we must wait and see. I look forward to the launch at my local dealer and test drive to compare with my 981 S with PSE and all the toys. IMO at this moment in time, keep the 981 and saviour the howling, zinging NA F6.
neilf said:
That's me (2yr old 981 owner looking for his next car). 718 release perfect timing for me. However, I'm struggling with that sound! M2 was next on my list but don't want to wait until 2017 for delivery. Need to see if my budget will stretch to a discounted M4... After that, I have no idea.
M4 deals at the moment are stellar. Although personally I actually prefer the M3 to look at! Mate of mine has just got one in Porsche Fashion grey. Great car.....neilf said:
kambites said:
Out of interest, those of you who current own a six-pot Boxster but don't fancy one of these because of the engine, what will you replace the current car with? Or will you just keep it indefinitely?
That's me (2yr old 981 owner looking for his next car). 718 release perfect timing for me. However, I'm struggling with that sound! M2 was next on my list but don't want to wait until 2017 for delivery. Need to see if my budget will stretch to a discounted M4... After that, I have no idea. kambites said:
Out of interest, those of you who current own a six-pot Boxster but don't fancy one of these because of the engine, what will you replace the current car with? Or will you just keep it indefinitely?
Don't have a Boxster at the moment, have 987 and 981 series cars and was very interested in a Boxster. Dealer loaned me a 981S which was fun and thought we might get something convertible. This really doesn't appeal so think I'll take a look at the back catalogue.I have a 2016 Boxster GTS and I deliberately bought it because I new the 718 was coming with a flat 4 motor in it, I spend most of the time with the roof down listening to all the drama of that flat 6 engine behind me. If I had a 718 with that 4 pot motor I would spend most of the time with the hood up to try and drown the noise out !!
Another thing, none of the journo's have mentioned the weight gain, never a good sign for a facelift model, I expect they are all freightened of upsetting Porsche and not getting invited to test all the nice stuff !! You can see they all want to really say it sounds s
t but are trying to be polite.
Anyway I've got my new GTS to enjoy this summer along with that glorious flat 6 engine so For that reason alone I'm out on this one, for me it is yet more meddling from VW they are slowly tearing the heart out of Porsche.
Another thing, none of the journo's have mentioned the weight gain, never a good sign for a facelift model, I expect they are all freightened of upsetting Porsche and not getting invited to test all the nice stuff !! You can see they all want to really say it sounds s
t but are trying to be polite.Anyway I've got my new GTS to enjoy this summer along with that glorious flat 6 engine so For that reason alone I'm out on this one, for me it is yet more meddling from VW they are slowly tearing the heart out of Porsche.
kambites said:
Out of interest, those of you who current own a six-pot Boxster but don't fancy one of these because of the engine, what will you replace the current car with? Or will you just keep it indefinitely?
I'll probably keep my 987 Cayman for a while longer. I considered a 981 but wasn't too fond of the steering despite pretty much loving everything else so decided to wait for the facelift. But they made it look a lot worse. Unlike you, I loved the integrated taillight/spoiler. The front looks really boring and the rear like alphabet soup. The steering is pretty much the same and it now has a Subaru engine. I wouldn't even mind a 4 pot turbo if there was an NA flat 6 available as well but it seems that's reserved for the next GT4 only and that's sadly out of my budget and pretty much impossible to get.I might go back to BMW and get an M2 before they screw that one up as well with the next generation.
I've never owned a Ford, so might try a Focus RS. Also a blown 4, but it suits the car much more.
I'm even considering an Alfa Giulia QV, a different kind of car entirely but I was pleasantly surprised when I sat in one.
I like the way it looks but the sound is rubbish.
I've seen a long video elsewhere in which it's clearly being driven hard, but all I feel is acute frustration at the sense that the driver keeps changing up at 4,000rpm and wanting them to redline it ... then I realise they are redlining it ... and why does it sound like an Imprezza when it's idling? BUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBU!
It was the same with the BMW M4 and it's the same ridiculous joke of a noise with the current crop of F1 cars. This dreary exhaust note is to sports cars what extra thick condoms are to sex or what listening through one earphone is to music. They need to get a grip and realise that people don't buy fun cars for fuel economy - they want a sensory experience.
My money would go on a used 981, thanks.
I've seen a long video elsewhere in which it's clearly being driven hard, but all I feel is acute frustration at the sense that the driver keeps changing up at 4,000rpm and wanting them to redline it ... then I realise they are redlining it ... and why does it sound like an Imprezza when it's idling? BUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBU!
It was the same with the BMW M4 and it's the same ridiculous joke of a noise with the current crop of F1 cars. This dreary exhaust note is to sports cars what extra thick condoms are to sex or what listening through one earphone is to music. They need to get a grip and realise that people don't buy fun cars for fuel economy - they want a sensory experience.
My money would go on a used 981, thanks.
Kawasicki said:
I just had a look on the configurator...what do you mean by up to scratch? 10 grand?
For 3 grand I can get cruise control, a bigger fuel tank, sport seats, 19" wheels, pasm, torque vectoring including a limited slip diff. Seems ok value.
Exactly, I didn't even put 2K on my 981 as most of it was stuff I've had in past cars and could take or leave. It seems they do throw in Xenons and a decent car audio setup now (Base audio in the previous model was pathetic although many people claim never to have switched on the radio).For 3 grand I can get cruise control, a bigger fuel tank, sport seats, 19" wheels, pasm, torque vectoring including a limited slip diff. Seems ok value.
I test drove various fast hatches including the Golf R and A45; I picked a base Cayman as it was the only one that felt special and I think the 6 cylinder was a big part of that.
I specced a 2.0 to £43k as I would only want a couple of cheap bits and stick to 18' wheels. With discount and based on the cheaper forthcoming Cayman, that should be very close to £40k.
Very good VFM for a 300hp mid-engine car that will be quite superb to drive based on past experience with the brand - loss of the F6 : not great from a noise and refinement POV. But they've apparently made it rev cleanly and with good throttle response, a la BMW I6 turbo so not all bad. I am even wondering if the character of the engine won't liven up the super safe but occasionally slightly inert chassis (blame the "overtyring"). Can't wait for the test drive.
Porsche make cars for enthusiasts and I don't care if the majority of buyers are supposedly hairdressers or don't know/care what engine it has - I am not in marketing so all this demographics / target audience doesn't bother me, I buy a car for me, as a daily+track days+Ring trip tool, which I reckon this will be near perfect for on a budget.
Very good VFM for a 300hp mid-engine car that will be quite superb to drive based on past experience with the brand - loss of the F6 : not great from a noise and refinement POV. But they've apparently made it rev cleanly and with good throttle response, a la BMW I6 turbo so not all bad. I am even wondering if the character of the engine won't liven up the super safe but occasionally slightly inert chassis (blame the "overtyring"). Can't wait for the test drive.
Porsche make cars for enthusiasts and I don't care if the majority of buyers are supposedly hairdressers or don't know/care what engine it has - I am not in marketing so all this demographics / target audience doesn't bother me, I buy a car for me, as a daily+track days+Ring trip tool, which I reckon this will be near perfect for on a budget.
For road, as opposed to track use there is absolutely no need for any more power than the 340bhp GTS six if you want fun rather than prison or injury. So new 718s is 350 bhp - where next? Probably 400bhp given the ease with which boost can be raised - I'm not sure the current power race across all motoring brands is adding to driving pleasure, just pub bragging rights.
Cupramax said:
Porsche still past masters of charging for options that should be standard i see?.. extra for a DAB radio on a £50k car, and optional heated seats on a convertable? Taking the piss. Other than that it looks quite nice, not so sure on the sound.
If you want a £50k Evoque then buy one. If you want a stunning sportscar buy the Porsche, and select any extras you feel you really need. My manual Boxster S 981 was on the road for less than £50k because I don't want or need huge wheels, multi-way heated electric seats, adjustable suspension, switchable exhaust, leather everything, automatic transmission etc etc etc.These cars at the bottom of the Porsche range are IMO one of today's great automotive bargains.
given that everyone is downsizing and going FI, what are you really going to buy (new) in this segment instead?
some people think there will be some plucky upstart bringing in an NA straight six or somesuch but i just don't see how that would be commercially viable today.
Your options very soon will probably be between this and some 2000kg hybrid/pure electric.
some people think there will be some plucky upstart bringing in an NA straight six or somesuch but i just don't see how that would be commercially viable today.
Your options very soon will probably be between this and some 2000kg hybrid/pure electric.
nickfrog said:
I specced a 2.0 to £43k as I would only want a couple of cheap bits and stick to 18' wheels. With discount and based on the cheaper forthcoming Cayman, that should be very close to £40k.
Very good VFM for a 300hp mid-engine car that will be quite superb to drive based on past experience with the brand - loss of the F6 : not great from a noise and refinement POV. But they've apparently made it rev cleanly and with good throttle response, a la BMW I6 turbo so not all bad. I am even wondering if the character of the engine won't liven up the super safe but occasionally slightly inert chassis (blame the "overtyring"). Can't wait for the test drive.
Porsche make cars for enthusiasts and I don't care if the majority of buyers are supposedly hairdressers or don't know/care what engine it has - I am not in marketing so all this demographics / target audience doesn't bother me, I buy a car for me, as a daily+track days+Ring trip tool, which I reckon this will be near perfect for on a budget.
Try it and see what you think. Picking few options is no problem at all and if you drive back roads with potholes, stones and other debris all over the place then the 18s are the ones you want.Very good VFM for a 300hp mid-engine car that will be quite superb to drive based on past experience with the brand - loss of the F6 : not great from a noise and refinement POV. But they've apparently made it rev cleanly and with good throttle response, a la BMW I6 turbo so not all bad. I am even wondering if the character of the engine won't liven up the super safe but occasionally slightly inert chassis (blame the "overtyring"). Can't wait for the test drive.
Porsche make cars for enthusiasts and I don't care if the majority of buyers are supposedly hairdressers or don't know/care what engine it has - I am not in marketing so all this demographics / target audience doesn't bother me, I buy a car for me, as a daily+track days+Ring trip tool, which I reckon this will be near perfect for on a budget.
Sal Kar said:
given that everyone is downsizing and going FI, what are you really going to buy (new) in this segment instead?
some people think there will be some plucky upstart bringing in an NA straight six or somesuch but i just don't see how that would be commercially viable today.
Your options very soon will probably be between this and some 2000kg hybrid/pure electric.
The F-Type Convertible is a direct competitor and I think it can also be compared to the Exige S Roadster. some people think there will be some plucky upstart bringing in an NA straight six or somesuch but i just don't see how that would be commercially viable today.
Your options very soon will probably be between this and some 2000kg hybrid/pure electric.
I think the Exige S would maybe only be considered by enthusiasts but I would be surprised if someone was looking for a £50-60k convertible and didn't consider the F-Type. Sure, it's still forced induction but to my ears it has a nicer sound than the flat four of the Porsche.
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