2009 Boxster S was summer's best car
How long does it take to become a legend - ten, twenty years? The Porsche Boxster might not have the stature of the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera but now that it has been a part of the automotive fabric for over ten years, it feels like a model that will be with us forever more. Having been fortunate, over this past, glorious summer to drive the base Boxster and Boxster S back to back it has become obvious to me that this is an excellent car for many reasons. New for 2009 is a long list of improvements from engine to transmission, styling, interior amenities and more. With the wetter weather just about to begin, now is the time to be doing your homework and getting a convertible for what could be another stellar summer in 2010.
The Skin
Porsche isn't a brand that makes radical changes to their vehicles from year to year so spotting the updates to the Boxster S is for those with a keen eye. The most obvious thing to look for is the introduction of LED daytime running lights integrated into the front air intakes. The headlight assembly has been reworked along with the addition of LED rear taillights. The Boxster S is still a traditional convertible and not a trendy retractable hardtop. The benefit of this roof design is it opens in seconds, it is simple and it doesn't steal all the trunk space. In fact the Boxster is one of the most practical convertible sports cars on the planet with not just a trunk but also a huge cargo area under the front hood. The engine is placed in the middle of the car, just behind the seats, which means the side air intakes are fully functional.
The Cockpit
As much as Porsche is a pioneer in advanced mechanical engineering, they have lagged behind the marketplace with the introduction of advanced electronics and communications integration. It is hard to believe but Bluetooth connectivity and iPod integration were not even an option until this model year. Thankfully, the whole Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system has been updated to include touch screen radio and navigation control allowing the driver to at least pay extra to have their iPod or Bluetooth phone connected. I believe this should be standard. The steering wheel is new too. In order to shift the optional double clutch transmission (PDK) the button on the steering wheel is pushed forward to shift up and back to shift down, which is the exact opposite of the majority of other manufacturers.
The Ride
As good as the base car is, the S model is the way to go for any driving enthusiasts. For 2009, 15 hp has been added to bring the total to 310 hp for the S model and torque is up too. This increase is due to the addition of direct injection technology that pumps up power, yet improves fuel consumption. The other major improvement is the optional double clutch automatic transmission that is automatically or manually controlled by the already mentioned paddle shifters. This unit provides lightning quick shifts up and down and has seven gears to choose from. This new gearing provides more flexibility for the driver. The suspension is a perfect balance of performance and comfort, making the Boxster S a perfect companion for daily driving duties.
The Good, The Bad
Good: More power, slick new transmission and funky looking LED running lights make this latest Boxster S an alternative to a more expensive 911.
Bad: I know that Porsche wants to up sell buyers on options like iPod integration and Bluetooth connectivity but, come on, this stuff is standard on a basic $16,000 Kia. These options are extortionately expensive too.
The Skin
Porsche isn't a brand that makes radical changes to their vehicles from year to year so spotting the updates to the Boxster S is for those with a keen eye. The most obvious thing to look for is the introduction of LED daytime running lights integrated into the front air intakes. The headlight assembly has been reworked along with the addition of LED rear taillights. The Boxster S is still a traditional convertible and not a trendy retractable hardtop. The benefit of this roof design is it opens in seconds, it is simple and it doesn't steal all the trunk space. In fact the Boxster is one of the most practical convertible sports cars on the planet with not just a trunk but also a huge cargo area under the front hood. The engine is placed in the middle of the car, just behind the seats, which means the side air intakes are fully functional.
The Cockpit
As much as Porsche is a pioneer in advanced mechanical engineering, they have lagged behind the marketplace with the introduction of advanced electronics and communications integration. It is hard to believe but Bluetooth connectivity and iPod integration were not even an option until this model year. Thankfully, the whole Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system has been updated to include touch screen radio and navigation control allowing the driver to at least pay extra to have their iPod or Bluetooth phone connected. I believe this should be standard. The steering wheel is new too. In order to shift the optional double clutch transmission (PDK) the button on the steering wheel is pushed forward to shift up and back to shift down, which is the exact opposite of the majority of other manufacturers.
The Ride
As good as the base car is, the S model is the way to go for any driving enthusiasts. For 2009, 15 hp has been added to bring the total to 310 hp for the S model and torque is up too. This increase is due to the addition of direct injection technology that pumps up power, yet improves fuel consumption. The other major improvement is the optional double clutch automatic transmission that is automatically or manually controlled by the already mentioned paddle shifters. This unit provides lightning quick shifts up and down and has seven gears to choose from. This new gearing provides more flexibility for the driver. The suspension is a perfect balance of performance and comfort, making the Boxster S a perfect companion for daily driving duties.
The Good, The Bad
Good: More power, slick new transmission and funky looking LED running lights make this latest Boxster S an alternative to a more expensive 911.
Bad: I know that Porsche wants to up sell buyers on options like iPod integration and Bluetooth connectivity but, come on, this stuff is standard on a basic $16,000 Kia. These options are extortionately expensive too.
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