Boxster Gen 11 Driving Experience

[daro911]

I have no car on order but have been kindly invited to Silverstone for a 2.5 hour Gen 11 experience next month which I am told will give me 1 hour track time and an 1.5 hour brain washing I guess []

Anyone else in here going too?


http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/233863/porsche_boxster_s.html
Porsche Boxster S
With a new engine, tweaked suspension and twin-clutch gearbox, is this the best Boxster ever?

Auto Express Car Reviews


Text: Owen Mildenhall / Photos: Matt Vosper
February 2009

Rating:

Hot on the heels of the Cayman, the Boxster is the next model in the line-up to receive Porsche's latest crop of updates. Like its coupe cousin, the roadster benefits from all-new engines, revised styling and can now be ordered with the PDK twin clutch gearbox.Externally, reshaped bumpers, new headlights, LED taillights and new door mirrors freshen up the classic shape. However, most of the changes are mechanical "" the entry-level Boxster has a new 2.9-litre engine, up 10bhp over the outgoing 2.7-litre unit. PDK is optional too, while the standard manual gearbox now has six speeds.The range-topping Boxster S gets a fresh 3.4-litre flat six-cylinder unit with direct fuel injection and a 20bhp power increase. In addition to being more powerful, both models are cleaner and more fuel-efficient than the cars they replace. Fitted with the quick shifting £1,920 PDK gearbox the S emits just 221g/km "" 44g/km less than the outgoing model.But it's the Boxster's driver appeal that has always set it apart "" and the latest version is no different. The distinctive flat six-engine note now has a more intensive bark "" and it sounds sensational when the flick the sports exhaust button on the dash, which opens up special baffles "" while updates to the already excellent suspension have sharpened the handling and improved the ride.Add in an optional limited-slip differential, laser-guided steering and superb brakes and you've got a stunning driver's car. The PDK transmission is great too "" it shifts swiftly and smoothly and it's only the counter intuitive wheel mounted controls that upset the near perfect experience. Keen drivers will no doubt prefer the manual, but either way the Boxster remains one of finest roadsters money can buy.

 

[akwaugh]

Hi, been invited by a friend to this, sounds like fun. When are you going? I'm on for 12 March.

 

[daro911]

Snap March 12th 10.00am slot []

 

[Dylan1]

invited for the coupe slot!!!

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Fabulous - well done! [8D]

I've not yet heard a thing.... Anyone know when the launch is happening in dealers around the UK?

 

[akwaugh]

See you there then. We're flying down on a 9am from sunny Glasgow so probably catch up later on the day.
Cheers
Andrew

 

[spyderman]

How come everyone else but me has had this invite? I want to play!

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: spyderman

How come everyone else but me has had this invite? I want to play!

Call your OPC and ask for an invitation [] I'm sure they will be very keen to please in this climate

 

[tommo1]

Just recieved my invitation from Leeds OPC, yesterday, just come off the telephone I'm booked in for Tuesday 17th at 12.15.
Sounds like a great day, 1 hour driving around the Porsche track at Silverstone followed by a walk around the centre and a talk.
What more can a guy ask for

Tommo

 

[rich mich]

booked in for monday 16 th march,at 12;15
(booked a day off work, and have to drive 150 miles to get there)

Richard
Boxster 987(06my) (2.7)
Focus Tdci(07my) (daily driver)
mk4 XR3I cab (project car)

 

[chrisH]

Seems you get invited to attend this "marketing" event and then if you order, or have ordered a GEN II Boxster you get to take the 1/2 day Driver Experince session as well. That's what I'm doing anyway.

 

[StephenWicks]

Got my invite, I'm booked in for the 18th March at 2.30 pm. I guess I'm going to have to increase my sales resistance, but I'm certainly looking forward to driving the "new generation" Boxster.[]

Will it be that much better?[8|]

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: StephenWicks

Got my invite, I'm booked in for the 18th March at 2.30 pm. I guess I'm going to have to increase my sales resistance, but I'm certainly looking forward to driving the "new generation" Boxster.[]

Will it be that much better?[8|]

Yes unfortunately so you better crank up that resistance to max []

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: StephenWicks

Got my invite,

Will it be that much better?[8|]

ON THE ROAD

Performance

You won't be disappointed if you choose the entry-level 252bhp 2.9-litre, as there's more than enough go to keep things interesting. Nail the throttle from a standing start and you'll reach 60mph in under six seconds. We reckon most buyers will go for the S model, with its 306bhp 3.4-litre engine. It adds a bit more urgency to proceedings, making it feel as blisteringly fast as a Porsche should.

Ride & handling

Variable steering response provides low-speed manoeuvrability without affecting high-speed stability, but feedback is still peerless. Near-perfect balance and a wide track give fabulous poise and grip on all roads. Optional Active Suspension Management improves handling to the ride's cost.

Refinement

Okay, so a convertible with a folding tin-top will better protect you from external noise, but this is about as good as it gets for cars with a canvas roof. Wind- and road noise are audible, but never reach levels that'll annoy you. The engines are quiet when cruising, but get noisy as your right foot gets more enthusiastic, and they sound brilliant.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning

It's a Porsche, so it won't be cheap. However, the Boxster is more affordable than some rivals, and it's well worth the money you pay. You'll get laughed out of the dealer if you ask for a discount, but you won't lose too much when you sell, because resale values are rock solid. Even running costs aren't too unreasonable.

Quality & reliability

Porsche has a great record for mechanical reliability, especially for a sports car manufacturer. That means you'll be very unlucky if you suffer any serious mechanical problems with your Boxster. Build quality is everything you'd expect of a Porsche, too, because everything feels solid and classy.

Safety & security

Porsche has crammed twin front, side and curtain airbags into the Boxster, so it's tough to see how you could be better protected in a crash. You also get high performance brakes and stability control to help you avoid one in the first place. There are also get deadlocks, an immobilizer and an alarm to keep your car secure.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel

The Boxster gives you the classic roadster driving position "" low, with your legs way out in front. The steering wheel and seat both have height and reach adjustment to let you fine-tune, too. The view out of the back is better than in many cars of this type, but the dashboard is festooned with buttons, so it can be tricky to navigate at a glance.

Space & practicality

These aren't areas you'll be expecting too much from when buying a car of this type, but the Boxster is one of the most practical roadsters available. Both seats have plenty of space, and dropping the roof doesn't encroach on luggage capacity. There are surprisingly large luggage bins at either end of the car, too.

Equipment

Both versions come with an electrically-operated roof, powered windows, alloy wheels, climate control and a high-performance sound system. The S also gets part-leather upholstery as standard. Options include dual-clutch, quick-shift, active suspension, sat-nav, cruise control and seats that can either warm your backside or cool it down.

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: daro911
You'll get laughed out of the dealer if you ask for a discount, but you won't lose too much when you sell, because resale values are rock solid.

Hmmmm..........?

 

[spyderman]

I guess that's the official line - Porsche would never advertise the fact that they're giving discounts now, would they?!

 

[Shellman]

Just done deal on the new Boxster...Porsche provided a £3000 sweetner!
And I got a ridiculous part exchange AND a big discount off the new one.
It also helped that the good chancellors reduction in VAT provided the equivalent of a further big saving.

Now wasn't I a lucky boy?

PS This is the first time I have ever got such a good deal from a car showroom.

 

[Faz1]

ORIGINAL: Shellman

Just done deal on the new Boxster...Porsche provided a £3000 sweetner!
And I got a ridiculous part exchange AND a big discount off the new one.
It also helped that the good chancellors reduction in VAT provided the equivalent of a further big saving.

Now wasn't I a lucky boy?

PS This is the first time I have ever got such a good deal from a car showroom.

Care to expand on the details?

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: Shellman

Just done deal on the new Boxster...Porsche provided a £3000 sweetner!

Now wasn't I a lucky boy?

PS This is the first time I have ever got such a good deal from a car showroom.

I take it you mean on a new Gen 11 Boxster ...[] What did the sweetner represent as a % discount

 

[russtbird]

I'm a bit late on the thread, but I'll be there on March 11th for 09:00 & a friend is on for 10:00. Can't wait[8D].

By chance I caught the Fifth Gear 'Best sportscar in the World' episode today on Dave TV - it was nice to be reminded just why we all love our Boxsters. Nice to see Tiff drifting it around the Angelsey circuit!