KMM:
It's interesting that they are still using the RS60 color scheme, even 4 years on. (This even looks like GT Silver to me.) It is a great color combination, although I could not live with the red top.
The base Boxster color combo is very interesting / appealing as well. I wonder how Lime Gold looks under normal lighting.
I promised myself to wait until next spring, when the car will have had a year's worth of production and debugging (and to see what the Cayman looks like). However, I'm finding that hard to do...
The red top actually looks great in real life and the color combo gets great comments on how different and classy it looks... :)
The RS60 is a classic. Such a pleasant car to drive.
I like the 981 even more however. They fixed the one thing that has turned me off since the 986.2, when going to the glass rear window resulted in an overly retro-ish top that lost the fast, dynamic slope of the original.
dr.j:
Is it confirmed it's the same 3.4 as the base 991? If it is what would it likely take to get 350hp out of the 981?
While it's possible that the motors are identical and only differ in their ECU, I would bet there are differences (cams, intakes, exhaust, etc.). Looking at the part numbers would answer the question.
--
73 Carrera RS 2.7 Carbon Fiber replica (1,890 lbs). Former: 73 911S, Two 951S's, 996 C2, 993 C2, 98 Ferrari 550 Maranello
Looking at the low rpm part of the torque curve, I would agree with Grant, that the the camshaft and the intake manifold are likely different. Having said that, even that low rpm performance could be the result of ecu tuning, given the variable valve functionality...
Mar 9, 2012 8:02:38 AM
rulesdontapply:
Here we are: the English catalogue is now online and available to you thanks to a little Internet prowling on my end. Let it grace your computers and new iPads. ;)
rulesdontapply
***
https://my.porsche.com/microsite/ipad/assets/downloads/kataloge/en/Boxster.pdf
Thanks for that.
Still not sure about the exterior design. It seems a lot of design over function, and seems to be more soul-less than the old design, less organic. But, as always, reserve judgement until seen in the flesh...
Of more concern is if things that matter have been addressed. Eg, in the old car, when the sun was shining on the LED instruments, you couldn't read them. I wonder if this is better! Also, it looks like the door bins have become more impractical to make the door handle more fancy and designed. I don't see them being lidded compartments.
And with the new tech in this car (Dynamic gearbox mounts?) I think it would be mad to get early production cars. Wait until they've ironed some of the problems out.
A final note - I think the rear directional indicators look pretty, but I think when manufacturers put them in the middle of or close to braking lights, it means they become much less distinct and visible when someone is braking and indicating at the same time. Eg in the Passat, where the indicator is a dot inside a circle of brake light. It's nuts to me to compromise safetly for design.
Have got two invites to dealers events. May or may not go, but not so interested this time around.
wtsnet:
And with the new tech in this car (Dynamic gearbox mounts?) I think it would be mad to get early production cars. Wait until they've ironed some of the problems out.
These seem to be the same technology as the Dynamic Engine Mounts of the 911, first introduced some time ago on the 997 GT3. I wouldn't worry.
"Form follows function"
reginos:
wtsnet:
And with the new tech in this car (Dynamic gearbox mounts?) I think it would be mad to get early production cars. Wait until they've ironed some of the problems out.
These seem to be the same technology as the Dynamic Engine Mounts of the 911, first introduced some time ago on the 997 GT3. I wouldn't worry.
OK, fair point, however that was just an example, and I still think it's sane to wait a while. It's a new production process, they are going to find and fix stuff in the inital sages. Especially anything requiring sensors and electronics makes me nervous. GT3 was much lower volume manufacturing and likely have less miles on them for much 'user testing'
Mar 10, 2012 12:31:17 AM
DRIVEN: PORSCHE BOXSTER S by CHRIS HARRIS
Hot off the Geneva show stand Chris Harris has already tried the all-new Boxster...
...thanks and all due respect and credit to Chris Harris!
Interesting review by Chris. Thanks for sharing
997.2 Carrera S in Carrara White. PASM-Sport Suspension (-20 mm), PSE.
987.1 Boxster S in Arctic Silver. OZ Racing Ultraleggera Wheels, H&R Monotube Coil-Over Suspension, H&R Anti-Roll Bars, Sachs Racing Clutch, Single-Mass Flywheel, IPD Plenum, GT3 Throttle Body, Recaro Pole Position Seats, PSE.
The Cateram parable doesn't quite work though - you can get used to anything - the GT3 RS wasn't purposely designed with compromised steering feel (albeit otherwise brilliant) for the sake of fuel consumption. In a sportscar... Which is what everyone appears to have accepted is the case with the 991, as good as it is, including Chris Harris.
Isnt that the difference from all the comparable and controversial "advances" such as water cooling etc - they were all advances rather than ...compromises..?
Porsche Carrera GTS (2012); Porsche Cayenne Diesel (2012)
Mar 12, 2012 12:26:38 AM
Just returned from Geneva I am very happy that some of the awkward appearing pics posted by amateur photographs have nothing to do with the car in the flesh - this baby looks stunning in real life Will post pics and comments tomorrow after some sleep - my better half is completely sold on the 981....meaning that the trip to Geneva will turn out to be somewhat more expensive than anticipated But I can't complain - a wife dragging me to car shows suits me better than one visiting fashion shows and loading the home with hundreds of shoe pairs
public roads: Porsche 987 S Seal/Cocoa, toll road : Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black
Mar 12, 2012 7:08:13 AM
P-J, glad your trip was worth it Sorry we could not meet this time .
You both loved your Boxy for the past 4 or 5 years , this one will even be better ! Your government will also be happier to know that you came to Geneva not to stash your Euro in a bank account, but to spend it on German goods !
Hopefully this will calm down some of the Landers
997.2 C2S, PDK, -20mm
Mar 12, 2012 10:00:51 AM
Mar 12, 2012 11:58:50 AM
Great news PJ! I was blown away by the 981 too. Stunning car. But will probably wait for the Spyder version before I move. Hopefully they sorted out the roof this time
997.2 Carrera S in Carrara White. PASM-Sport Suspension (-20 mm), PSE.
987.1 Boxster S in Arctic Silver. OZ Racing Ultraleggera Wheels, H&R Monotube Coil-Over Suspension, H&R Anti-Roll Bars, Sachs Racing Clutch, Single-Mass Flywheel, IPD Plenum, GT3 Throttle Body, Recaro Pole Position Seats, PSE, Alpine Head Unit and Amplifier, Focal Speakers
Mar 12, 2012 8:54:25 PM
Gnil:
P-J, glad your trip was worth it Sorry we could not meet this time .
You both loved your Boxy for the past 4 or 5 years , this one will even be better ! Your government will also be happier to know that you came to Geneva not to stash your Euro in a bank account, but to spend it on German goods !
Hopefully this will calm down some of the Landers
No prob, Gnil - I fully understand that business comes first. I am sure we soon will meet up at the favourite playground We had a great time with your brother and your sister in law on Friday Government ? Is sitting next to me on the sofa Actuallly our love for the Boxey lasts already for six years....time is flying.
@ Easy: yes, will keep you posted on the addition to the stable
@ bluelines: would have bought the Spyder in a heartbeat, if it wouldn't be "her" daily driver - kind of sad because we both fell in love with the Spyder the very first moment we saw the car in the flesh.
public roads: Porsche 987 S Seal/Cocoa, toll road : Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black
Mar 12, 2012 8:57:31 PM
This WAS my 2005 S Cab with only 22K miles on it. Was totaled March 2 2012 by being hit at 60mph on the driver's side.
My heart is broken.
I am writing to corral some opinions. I don't like the 991 a single bit. I believe Porsche has taken a turn for the worst regarding this automotive specimen.
My question is, do most folks out there believe that the Boxster 981 still retains the soul of the purist and is therefore a good replacement for the new "911"?
In other words, if you were to replace the 2005 997, do you think that the 981 is closer in spirit to the 997 than the 991? By the same token the 991 is closer in spirit to the Panamera.
Do you guys think that there will be a decrease in sales of the 991 and a bump in sales of the Boxster?
Bearhunter
1985 930 Coupe, 2005 S Cabriolet
Mar 13, 2012 12:53:02 AM
i think that the mid engine is a mid engine and the rear engined 911 is a rear engined 911. if you love the 997 so much buy a new 2011 or 2012 left in a dealor lot - they will have to dump the last ones to get rid of them - just be patient & have the cash ready.
2010 997.2 turbo cab 6 speed / 08 Cayenne GTS Manual - 08 RS 60 sold -04 C4S sold - 08 Cayenne Turbo PDCC sold