Porsche redesigns its least-expensive car for 2008, giving it more power, a new interior, and revised styling. Size and weight change only fractionally from the 1997-2004 version, and Boxster remains a 2-seat convertible with a mid-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cyl engine. It returns in base with a power soft top and heated glass rear window. The base retains a 2.7-liter engine, but has 240 hp vs. 228. The S reprises a 3.2-liter, but with 280 hp vs. 258. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the base model. A 6-speed manual is standard on the S, optional on the base. A 5-speed automatic with manual-shift capability via steering-wheel buttons is optional on both. ABS is standard, as is the previously optional antiskid/traction control. Base models trade standard 16-inch wheels for 17s and are available with the 18s standard on the S; 19s are optional on both. Front torso side airbags are included, as are head-protecting side airbags that deploy from the doors. Options include leather upholstery and a navigation system. An available Sport Chrono Package includes a dashboard stopwatch and controls that modify throttle, traction, and suspension systems to suit racetrack-type driving. Also optional is Porsche's Active Suspension Management with normal and sport settings. The S is available with ceramic composite brakes. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

Competition

Consumer Guide� Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buy is the Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include the BMW Z4, Chrysler Crossfire, and Mercedes-Benz CLK.

News

The Boxster's update from "986" original to revised "987" should see little, if any, change for 2006. That's because Porsche's spotlight will be on the long-rumored coupe version. Dubbed Cayman (like that member of the alligator family), it's a hatchback with unique lower-body sheetmetal aft of the doors, plus more power and a much-revised suspension to exploit it. Cayman will eventually offer two models priced between the Boxster S and the least costly 911 Carrera. Both use a 3.4-liter 911 "flat" six, but tuned for 295 hp in the base model and 305 in the uplevel S so as not steal the 911's performance thunder. Transmission choices comprise 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic with Porsche's Tiptronic manual-shift gate. Expected later on is optional sequential manual gearbox called PDK.

With all this, Cayman promises to be more refined than Boxsters. More practical, too, with useful in-cabin luggage space that the roadster can't provide. Cayman should also have a leg up on performance, with the S claimed to do 0-60 mph in 5.1 sec and 170 mph flat out. Porsche says the S arrives in January at $58,900 to start. The base Cayman is expected by next summer. Keep checking back with us for late-breaking news.

 

Exotic Car Rentals in New York and the Porsche Carrera Rentals

Founded in 1931 by German engineer Ferdinand Porsche, the Porsche motor company is one of the world�s finest manufacturers of high-end sports cars and world-class race cars. Located in Zuffenhausen, a city district of Stuttgart, the Porsche motor company is one of the world most profitable motor companies, weathering market fluctuation with great financial class and stability. Producer of automotive legends like the Boxster, Cayman, Carrera, 911 and Cayenne, the Porsche motor company is an internationally recognized automotive powerhouse, attracting a high-class clientele from across the country and around the world! Considered by many as a marker of superiority and success, the Porsche brand is arguably one of the world�s best selling luxury vehicles. Porsche has long been an integral part of the Image Rent-A-Car luxury car rental fleet, so why not come in and see for yourself why the Porsche name continues to dominate exotic car rental market! From the Boxster to the Carrera, Image Rent-A-Car has all your Porsche rentals right here so don�t delay � call and reserve yours today!

Other Porsche Car Rentals Pages : Porsche Rentals 1 - Porsche Rentals & Sports Cars 2 - Porsche Convertible Rentals 3 Porsche Boxster Rentals 4

 

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