The 2007 Porsche Boxster continues Porsches’ long heritage of keenly engineered, superbly designed sports cars. In fact, the Boxster name is practically synonymous with “classic,” and as everyone knows, you don’t mess with a classic. After all, why tinker with perfection? And yet, that is exactly what Porsche has done.
Never content to rest on their laurels, Porsche re-invented the Boxster back in 2005, improving design characteristics, handling, performance and build quality. The 2007 Porsche Boxster pushes the envelope even farther, with both performance and handling upgrades. For example, the base model now features 245 horsepower, while the S model weighs in at an astounding 295 horsepower, and both models have improved fuel efficiency. So far–so good.
Retailing at around $50,000, the 2007 Boxster is certainly not an impulse buy. It comes in just slightly more expensive than the BMW Z4 Roadster, for example. However, once driven, this is a car that seems at once classic and priceless. The handling and acceleration literally take your breath away, and the feel from within the cockpit is pure excitement. And after all, who can put a price on excitement?
The 2007 Boxster is impossible to drive with a frown on your face–especially on the open road. With its roof up, it’s an exhilarating sports car; with the roof down, it’s a comfortable and surprisingly quiet luxury coupe. The six speed transmission is smooth in both city driving and open road. The Boxster is also available with Porsches “Triptronic” automatic transmission, for those who tire of shifting gears at every stop and start.
Another major enhancement is the improved engine placement. Both aerodynamics and fuel efficiency have been improved by moving the engine back slightly on the Boxster’s frame. Exhaust and muffler improvements ensure you’ll have a genuine sports car experience every time you drive, and the Porsche VarioCam has also been re-designed to improve intake valve timing and control. Another minor but important upgrade is the interior tire pressure monitoring.
The design of the 2007 Boxster has largely been left unchanged. But there are minor improvements and details that for the most part, add to the charm and raw “sex appeal” of the car. The front headlines have a new, progressive look, for example.
Safety features from previous versions remain intact, but there are a few improvements here as well. Porsches’ new rivet technology increases the structural soundness of the Boxster, and ABS and side air bags are now standard on all models. Of course, the Boxster is never going to be a Volvo when it comes to safety, but Porsche has definitely made improvements in this area.
Driving the 2007 Boxster is an experience, and the 2007 never fails to impress when in the middle of a long turn or tight corner. Handling and suspension is smooth, while retaining the race-car-like excitement we’ve come to expect from a Porsche. Even the sound of the engine idling is enough to make you smile.
There’s no doubt about it; the 2007 Porsche Boxster upholds its pedigree with honor, and even adds a little something special to an old classic.
Related Website Directory Categories:
The Porsche Boxster and Boxster S are fast, powerful cars and most of all the best-handling production roadsters on the planet. A more powerful second-generation Boxster was introduced in 2005 and it keeps Porsche’s conservative evolutionary path. Like its precedent, it is a mid-engine, six-cylinder two-seater that looks like Porsche Spyder.
Comment by Chan — March 20, 2008 @ 2:26 am