Boxster on loan
Discussion
My Cayman (2012 Gen II) is in for its first service and was given a brand new Boxster as a loaner. This is the first time I have sampled the new generation of Porsche with PDK.
I have to say, I am quite impressed with the overall package. The Boxster is sitting on 20 inch rubber and seems to ride better than my Cayman on 18's. When in sport mode, it sounds pretty fantastic, especially with the roof down! I assume if it had PSE, there would be a button to shut it off? Otherwise the standard exhaust sounds just superb.
PDK is pretty good, again when switching into sport mode - I can see why this becomes quite contentious against the manual version. It is far superior to the DSG box in my Audi. Just seems to be in the right gear when you are hustling along and the changes are lightning fast! I found the controls a little too close together in the cluster at first, however the cabin felt very well put together with nice touches to add quality. I like the way you can scroll tough the binnacle on the dash and see the sat nav maps – nice idea..
Visibility is much better when the roof is down, otherwise not much to see out of the back window, but fine using wing mirrors. Overall feeling is that I would like to get into a newer car, however you don’t really get the rawness of the previous generation cars. Performance wise, it felt slightly quicker than my Cayman, however it did need serious revving. I do think the aggressive exhaust sound helps to the perception of going fast!
I would conclude that Porsche are moving in the right direction with these cars, however need to hold back on making the whole thing too cosseted and comfortable. It needs to feel like a sport car after all. Would like to see what the Cayman is like now...
I have to say, I am quite impressed with the overall package. The Boxster is sitting on 20 inch rubber and seems to ride better than my Cayman on 18's. When in sport mode, it sounds pretty fantastic, especially with the roof down! I assume if it had PSE, there would be a button to shut it off? Otherwise the standard exhaust sounds just superb.
PDK is pretty good, again when switching into sport mode - I can see why this becomes quite contentious against the manual version. It is far superior to the DSG box in my Audi. Just seems to be in the right gear when you are hustling along and the changes are lightning fast! I found the controls a little too close together in the cluster at first, however the cabin felt very well put together with nice touches to add quality. I like the way you can scroll tough the binnacle on the dash and see the sat nav maps – nice idea..
Visibility is much better when the roof is down, otherwise not much to see out of the back window, but fine using wing mirrors. Overall feeling is that I would like to get into a newer car, however you don’t really get the rawness of the previous generation cars. Performance wise, it felt slightly quicker than my Cayman, however it did need serious revving. I do think the aggressive exhaust sound helps to the perception of going fast!
I would conclude that Porsche are moving in the right direction with these cars, however need to hold back on making the whole thing too cosseted and comfortable. It needs to feel like a sport car after all. Would like to see what the Cayman is like now...
OPC also gave me a new Boxster S PDK as a loaner when my Cayman was in for a service unfortunately I had the opposite experience from you I didn't like it, it was the PDK that ruined it for me I didn't feel like I was driving the car only steering it which for me defeats the purpose of these cars...glad you liked it though as its a lovely looking thing.
What I'd like to know, from everyone that is on the numb electric steering bandwagon, is what do you intend to do in the long term? It's not going to revert back anytime soon (read ever), so you had better be happy to sit in your current hydraulic or assistance free steeds for a loooong time!
nsm3 said:
What I'd like to know, from everyone that is on the numb electric steering bandwagon, is what do you intend to do in the long term? It's not going to revert back anytime soon (read ever), so you had better be happy to sit in your current hydraulic or assistance free steeds for a loooong time!
It will get better. Apparently the new GT3 is a big improvement.However, 95% of owners just want light and easy steering and the manufacturers are responding to that.
Opc's are cunning s
ts for tempting you with new metal.
Years ago my 986 2.7 Boxster was in for RMS work and they lent me a guards red S with a really decent spec.
On face value the 3.2 didn't seem that much quicker but after a few days it really got under my skin, especially it's better braking.
Having subsequently owned a C2 and Turbo X50 (and covered 80k in them) it is nevertheless that 986S that I still yearn for and wish I'd bought.
As I say, cunning sts.
ts for tempting you with new metal. Years ago my 986 2.7 Boxster was in for RMS work and they lent me a guards red S with a really decent spec.
On face value the 3.2 didn't seem that much quicker but after a few days it really got under my skin, especially it's better braking.
Having subsequently owned a C2 and Turbo X50 (and covered 80k in them) it is nevertheless that 986S that I still yearn for and wish I'd bought.
As I say, cunning s
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