I attended the 981 launch at Nottingham last night. Having read a number of press rave reviews, particularly Andrew Frankel in Motor Sport, I was really looking forward to seeing the new car, I came away rather disappointed. From a subjective view point I am not convinced about the new shape, in some areas it is too fussy for my taste. I like the realignment of the windscreen and shape of the hood, the use of which is improved by removing the catch. The revised air vents on the fascia look cheap and nasty to me and will probably reflect badly in bright sunshine, should we ever have any ! Porsche have previous with dashboard reflections from the Sport chrono on the 987 /997. I suspect that my reservations about the looks will diminish as they normally do, time will tell.
From an objective point of view my major criticism is the reduction in size of the rear boot, not only has the volume been reduced but critically so has the opening. I was just able to place an empty (Porsche) golf bag in the boot, a bag of clubs will be a different matter and two bags appears to be impossible. As my Boxster is my only car practicality is a key consideration which is one of the reasons that I have been running Boxsters for ten years. The fact that the new one is both longer and wider is also not an advantage, the size of my garage is fixed.
I have booked a test drive when I intend to review my concerns. Will I buy a 981 Boxster? - I don't know.
I like the reports of improved performance and driving dynamics, but which I don't really need, I do need the practicality which my 987 provides.
A final thought (rant) how can Porsche continue to charge over £200 extra for a vital bit of kit on a roadster, the draught excluder.
I am now looking forward to the launch of the Jaguar F type and yes I know it is even bigger !
From an objective point of view my major criticism is the reduction in size of the rear boot, not only has the volume been reduced but critically so has the opening. I was just able to place an empty (Porsche) golf bag in the boot, a bag of clubs will be a different matter and two bags appears to be impossible. As my Boxster is my only car practicality is a key consideration which is one of the reasons that I have been running Boxsters for ten years. The fact that the new one is both longer and wider is also not an advantage, the size of my garage is fixed.
I have booked a test drive when I intend to review my concerns. Will I buy a 981 Boxster? - I don't know.
I like the reports of improved performance and driving dynamics, but which I don't really need, I do need the practicality which my 987 provides.
A final thought (rant) how can Porsche continue to charge over £200 extra for a vital bit of kit on a roadster, the draught excluder.
I am now looking forward to the launch of the Jaguar F type and yes I know it is even bigger !
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