My-Dream-Cars reviews Porsche Boxster S

Design-Concept
The design concept that was shown at Detroit was a direct expression of the original mid-engine Porsche roadster, the legendary 550 Spyder.  In the mid-1950s, the Porsche 550 practically rewrote the rules of high performance, becoming one of the most successful racing cars of its time.

It didn’t have the biggest engine, nor was it the most costly sports car of its era. What it had was innovation, pure and simple. The idea of locating a compact, freerevving engine midship gave the Porsche a nimbleness no sports car had ever possessed. The Spyder didn’t have to outmuscle its competitors. It could outbrake, outmaneuver and outsmart them.

The Boxster shares this boldly intelligent approach to sports car design. Within an open-top, twoseater layout sits a mid-mounted, flat-six boxer engine, its low center of gravity helping to instill driving confidence through the corners.

Design-Philosophy
There is no shortage of intellectual exchange taking place at the Porsche design studios in Weissach, Germany. Every alternation proposed must be rationalized, held up to the ideal that form must follow function.

Since the time of its inauguration, a litany of significant enhancements has been made to the Boxster’s celebrated form—each of them at once faithful to its heritage, firmly rooted in functionality and unlike anything else on the road.

Design-Aerodynamics
Porsche, it’s not simply a matter of styling shapes that shear the least resistant path through air. Wind is an important ally in our incessant effort to elevate performance. As well as an essential element of the Boxster’s character.

Every line, every curve and every carefully chiseled detail play a vital role in shaping, shifting and refining the flow of air.  Charge into the wind, and the Boxster’s prominent front air ducts pass generous amounts of cool air to the engine’s radiators. Then, directional spoilers channel it to the next assignment: brake cooling.

Large intakes on the rear quarter panels feed even more cooling air to the flat-six engine. The air that flows over the car arcs down the sloping rear deck, applying downforce to a rear spoiler that extends at speeds above 75 mph for crisp handling and high-speed stability. Less visible, but no less important, is a smooth underbody design that keeps air gliding beneath the car, creating a “ground effects” stream that reduces lift and drag while simultaneously venting stagnant air around the gearbox.

So where does this synergy of new thinking and original Porsche essence lead? To improved braking and steering. Unflinching straightline performance. A low 0.29 drag coefficient (Boxster) and a top track speed of 169 mph (Boxster S). All of which proves that, when engineered properly, form not only follows function, but intensifies it as well.

For safety, comfort and other features see the porsche boxster

Dry-sump Lubrication
Oil flow that’s free of cavitation is critical to a high-performance engine. Cavitation occurs when the splash of oil against moving parts, such as crankshaft journals, creates a foaming effect. The Boxster engine uses a dedicated oil scavenge pump to extract oil from each bank of cylinders, then sends it to a defoaming chamber before sending it back to the oil sump.

From there, the oil is pumped to the lubrication points and begins the cycle once more. Originally developed for racing use, this proprietary Porsche technology ensures consistent lubrication, even under more extreme highspeed cornering.

Oil-level indicator : Boxster models also feature an electronic oil-level indicator in the cockpit. The new display is now so precise that a conventional dipstick is no longer required.

Tiptronic S
Over a decade ago, Porsche pioneered Tiptronic, and suddenly there was a versatile alternative to the either/or choice that sports car buyers faced in selecting a type of transmission. The Tiptronic option combined the ease of an automatic with the engagement of manual gearshifts.

The latest version of this important innovation is called Tiptronic S, and it’s optional on both Boxster models. The transmission has been updated for this year with new hydraulics and electronics.  This enables the five-speed Tiptronic S transmission to have revised gearshift action: For manual control, simply slot the gear selector into the manual gate and use the gearshift controls on the steering wheel. The system responds immediately to your input with virtually no interruption in the drive. Gearshifts are performed in approximately 0.2 seconds—comparable with the action on a manual gearbox.

Shift to automatic, and you can still change gear by hand using the rocker controls on the wheel. This race-derived method is particularly useful when performing an overtaking maneuver. If there is no manual input for a period of eight seconds, the system reverts back to automatic mode. The drive position and gear selection are displayed on the instrument cluster, using the same pattern found on the gear-selector gate.

In automatic mode, Tiptronic S can choose from five gearshift patterns ranging from “Economy” to “Sport.”  Depending on driving style and the topography of the road, Tiptronic S selects one of the five patterns and applies the optimum sequence of gearshift points. Within a short space of time, you’ll develop a feel for the system and learn to influence gearshifts using the throttle alone.

The benefits of Tiptronic S are particularly apparent when exploring the car’s performance. Even in automatic, the rapid gearshift action enables optimum speed and agility. Other useful functions include a warm-up program, automatic selection of the Sport gearshift pattern during highperformance use, gearshift suppression during cornering maneuvers, automatic downshifts during heavy braking, an incline sensor for better uphill acceleration and downhill engine braking, and automatic upshifts when traction is threatened during braking in wet conditions.

Air Intake System

Porsche engineers love a long, flat torque curve. To help them achieve that aim, both Boxster models feature a newly designed intake system. The twin plenum chambers are connected via parallel pipes, one of which houses a valve. The engine management system uses this valve to alter the internal geometry and match this frequency to the current valve speed for improved cylinder charging.

The results are higher torque at low rpm, a flatter torque curve and more power at high rpm. The system pleases Porsche engineers in another important way: It’s lighter than earlier models. And the induction sound it creates is rich and full—the perfect counterpart to its exhaust note.

Exhaust System

Both Boxster models have been enhanced with a revised exhaust system with a sound-optimized internal design that enhances the car’s powerful acoustics on starting, at idle and across the entire speed range.  The exhaust uses a separate tract for each bank of cylinders. Since a twin-tract layout generates less back pressure than that of a conventional exhaust, the system has a positive effect on both power and torque. The exhaust is then fed into a silencer unit, consisting of two linked chambers, before exiting the rear of the car.

A series of four Lambda probes— one before and one after each of the two close-coupled catalytic converters—provides separate monitoring of the gas composition and catalyst performance.

Engine Management
The Motronic ME 7.8 engine management system is a technical wonder—essential to the way a Porsche Boxster achieves performance enhancements in all operating conditions. It is the primary source of control for all engine-related systems and processes, including ignition and fuel supply.  Motronic not only makes the electronic throttle more precise— it can also modulate incoming air volume to compensate for sudden load changes (those that occur when lifting off the throttle before braking, for example).

It provides smoother power delivery from a standing start and less intrusive rev-limited action. It is also used to integrate the various subsystems within the standard Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, such as the Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and the Automatic Brake Differential (ABD). Other important functions include coordination and control of the optional Tiptronic S transmission, variable-valve timing and lift (VarioCam Plus).

Axle Concept

The Boxster chassis is designed with a wide track that minimizes pitch and roll. Its evolution is traced by improvements in axle kinematics as well as new developments on the rear-axle subframe. Lightweight materials are used throughout the chassis, particularly on the unsprung masses. Virtually all moving parts in the axle assemblies are made from light yet robust aluminum.

Both new Boxster models have a modified version of our proven MacPherson suspension. All four corners include a coil-over strut, located by a system of transverse links. The steering system uses a new gear assembly and variablesteering ratio to achieve greater immediacy and precision of response, as well as excellent feedback from the road. How far has all this engineering moved the mark? “Tossed through some Black Forest switchbacks,” contends Car and Driver, “the Boxster S feels foolproof.”

PASM
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronically controls the performance of the shock absorbers. By continuously adjusting the damping force in each shock, PASM balances the conflicting agendas of ride and handling. Regardless of road surface or driving style, PASM preserves the Boxster’s natural agility while enhancing its ride comfort. With PASM, sharp and smooth are no longer mutually exclusive features.

Available as an option on both Boxster models, PASM is also part of the optional Sport Package, along with a high-performance, six-speed manual gearbox (2.7-liter Boxster only). Equipped with PASM, the car rides 10mm lower than with the standard suspension. PASM has two setup modes: “Normal” and “Sport.” While the former offers a blend of performance and comfort, the Sport setup ratings are generally much firmer. In either mode, PASM reacts to changes in the road and driving style by applying a variable, map-based damping force on each individual wheel.

During acceleration, braking and cornering maneuvers, a series of sensors monitors the body. A dedicated control unit provides real-time analysis and damping force adjustment as defined for the respective setup mode (Normal or Sport). You can feel the results: greater stability on poor road surfaces as well as more consistent occupant comfort.

If Sport mode is selected, the suspension is set to a harder damping force. If the quality of road surface drops below a certain threshold, PASM changes to a softer rating within the Sport setup band to help preserve the car’s grip and traction. When the road surface improves, PASM returns to the original, stiffer rating.

The system remains active in Normal mode, too, automatically switching to a harder force if the car is driven more assertively.  As the shock absorbers become stiffer, the Boxster becomes more stable, matching more aggressive driver inputs with a firm and authoritative response.

Sport Chrono Package
Active electronic driver aids profoundly enhance the everyday driving stability of a Porsche. With the Sport Chrono Package option, you have the ability to reprogram the Boxster’s electronic controls to suit your style of driving.

When Sport mode is selected (using a button on the center console), the engine management system modifies the throttle map, and engine variables are adapted to create a more aggressive level of power response.  Likewise, suspension variables are skewed to meet the demands of more assertive driving. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) switches to Sport mode, altering its baseline damping force for considerably firmer shock response, enabling faster turn-in as well as better road-holding and traction.

The threshold for engagement of Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is also raised. The Boxster becomes less susceptible to wheelspin when accelerating from a standing start. It’s more agile when braking for a corner, with greater scope for oversteer on turn-in and exit—especially in lower-speed cornering sequences.

For maximum maneuverability, the Sport Chrono Package can even disable the majority of Porsche Stability Management functions.  In this “standby” mode, PSM continues to monitor the forces acting on the car, but will only intervene in extreme situations (when ABS assistance is required on both front brakes, for instance).

You can monitor the results of the car’s increased performance: The Sport Chrono Package includes a swivel-mounted timer in the center of the Boxster’s dashboard, with a digital field that displays time to thehundredths of a second.

Sport Chrono Package Plus
A second Sport Chrono option is available on both Boxster models in conjunction with the optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. It offers all the functions of the Sport Chrono Package, with additional information and features.

Times can be viewed, stored and analyzed. The performance display and PCM let you track elapsed time and the distance traveled on your current trip, as well as the number of round trips completed and their respective times. The system can also display the current fastest trip and the remaining range until you run out of fuel.

Driving times can be recorded for any stretch of road, and benchmark times can be defined. Other useful features include a memory function that can store personal preferences for a range of features, including daytime running lights, “Welcome Home” lighting, climate control and door-locking functions.

Braking System
The lively horsepower of both the Boxster and Boxster S engines is countered by braking power that is still more than equal to the task.  In fact, braking power is several times greater than the power output of the engine.

Both Boxster models use fourpiston, monobloc, aluminum fixed calipers at the front and rear.  Stronger, lighter and more compact, the four-piston aluminum monoblocs give the Boxster an easy and immediate pedal response, assisted by a new vacuum brake booster.  The calipers on the Boxster have a black anodized finish, while those on the Boxster S are painted red.

Cross-drilled, internally vented brake discs on both Boxster models offer optimum cooling and excellent wet-weather performance.  Air from the front of the car is channeled to every part of each brake assembly, helping lower brake temperatures even further for higher levels of fade-resistant performance and durability.

For safety, comfort and other features see the porsche boxster

My-Dream-Cars reviews Porsche Boxster S