Boxster/Cayman (981) Breaking news: Porsche Boxster S leaked

[q5s]

Is it a 4 banger? Aside from the spoiler/rollover hoops/rear badging there's not much I'd change. Porsche easily make the best cars and it's business as usual. When these puppies roll out I'll finally be able to add a 2.9 987 to my stable.

 

[mini_cooper4]

WOW the best Porsche at the moment... I love it 10 times more than the 991!
I want this car so bad and I see myself driving it 24-7... that's how much I like it!

 

[K-A]

For a Boxster, this is amazing. Finally some differentiation, its own character, and a bonafide existence. It's not for me, but it will spice up the lineup greatly.

As long as they don't mess it up with adding too many watered down models (please, no more SUV's, and I hope the Pajun or whatever it's called will be good), keep their plan lean and focused, then Porsche has done the unthinkable: They have really improved upon one of the most winning formulas in a graceful way.

The Porsche lineup is about to shame everyones big time. I'm really rooting for Porsche to continue to show this ever-changing/giving up core principles, Market-Share chasing to no boundaries, nothing is sacred, industry how it's done. I just hope that VW doesn't screw it up in the long run.

 

[klier]

I am truly amazed that EVERYBODY likes/loves/adores this car.
I understand it's the trend to love everything about Porsche nowadays, but, really? Everyone likes it? Nobody thinks it's awkward from some angles? Weird character line? Bland front like the old Boxter? Too feminine? Hmmm.....going by the responses, it's almost like people like it more than the new 911. But that design is just vastly and infinitely more sophisticated.

The Porsche lineup is about to shame everyones big time. I'm really rooting for Porsche to continue to show this ever-changing/giving up core principles, Market-Share chasing to no boundaries, nothing is sacred, industry how it's done. I just hope that VW doesn't screw it up in the long run.

I hope you're not referring to Audi, MB or BMW with 'shaming everybody else'. They don't exactly compete in the 911 (true sports car) market no, but they do compete in markets with comparable cars. I'm sure you'd pick a nice S63 2012 model over a Panny Turbo. And others would gladly take the X5 M over a Cayenne Turbo. SLK 55 AMG kills off every Boxter it will see on the road, etc. etc. And the 911 is pretty much a joke for a lot of people compared to a GTR, just to name a car that costs much less and offers more performance (and will soon have a whopping 570 hp standard for 911 Carrera 400 hp money). And many would take 458 Italia over GT2 RS.
Secondly, Porsche pretty much showed the industry it was possible to do this 'market share chasing/nothing is sacred' stuff when they announced a SUV in the line up of a car company that had never ever made anything but true sports cars. First the Cayenne, later the Panamera, soon that Cajun and now that VAG is the owner, a million other models too. Porsche is not Porsche like you want to make yourself believe. Porsche is a milk cow like any other of the Geman gems. Didn't you see the bazillion 997 editions?
I love Porsche like any other here, but this a$$ licking is getting out of control

I'll fix your quote:

The Ferrari lineup is about to shame everyones big time. I'm really rooting for Ferrari to continue to show this ever-changing/giving up core principles, Market-Share chasing to no boundaries, nothing is sacred, industry how it's done. I just hope that VW doesn't screw it up in the long run.

They only just now introduced an AWD sportscar/supercar, and that's radical and extreme for them. A far cry from Porsche. Phew.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

I am truly amazed that EVERYBODY likes/loves/adores this car.
I understand it's the trend to love everything about Porsche nowadays, but, really? Everyone likes it? Nobody thinks it's awkward from some angles? Weird character line? Bland front like the old Boxter? Too feminine? Hmmm.....going by the responses, it's almost like people like it more than the new 911. But that design is just vastly and infinitely more sophisticated.

I agree with everything you've just said.

As a car it's attractive and obviously interesting to motor enthusiasts, but the way some people are talking about it bemuses me.

 

[mini_cooper4]

I am truly amazed that EVERYBODY likes/loves/adores this car.
I understand it's the trend to love everything about Porsche nowadays, but, really? Everyone likes it? Nobody thinks it's awkward from some angles? Weird character line? Bland front like the old Boxter? Too feminine? Hmmm.....going by the responses, it's almost like people like it more than the new 911. But that design is just vastly and infinitely more sophisticated.

You can't say it's a trend because I don't like the 991 that much.
It's the first Porsche I'm ready to buy that's not a GT or GT RS version.
The new Boxter looks really the best way a car in this class can look IMO.
It's hard to not like it

 

[K-A]

I am truly amazed that EVERYBODY likes/loves/adores this car.
I understand it's the trend to love everything about Porsche nowadays, but, really? Everyone likes it? Nobody thinks it's awkward from some angles? Weird character line? Bland front like the old Boxter? Too feminine? Hmmm.....going by the responses, it's almost like people like it more than the new 911. But that design is just vastly and infinitely more sophisticated.

Speaking for myself, it's because I hate the current Boxster. The fact that this one looks like a good and unique approach is enough for me. I certainly wouldn't buy one though, but if I was a Roadster type, I'd be all over it.

It doesn't compare to the 911 though, but at least it doesn't look like a poor mans one this time around!

 

[mini_cooper4]

it doesn't look like a poor mans one this time around!

+1
One more reason to like it

 

[klier]

+1
One more reason to like it

It's imo the exact opposite; they gave the old Boxter some extreme make-up just to be sure it doesn't resemble a mini 911. It's forced and unnatural and I just don't like it, even though I wanted to like it. I don't like the old Boxter, and I don't like the new Boxter.

And can someone show me what's new in the front? It looks exactly the same as the old one to me. My eyes aren't trained to spot tiny Boxter differences, as I know the car too little for that (because of my general dislike even though it has fabulous driving dynamics).

 

[K-A]

Yes Klier, I am mainly talking about M-B and BMW in that. Porsche has modified/abandoned their core roots to a degree, but given just how boutique they were, with how little models, it's more acceptable to me. The Cayenne was unfortunate in a purist sense, but to Porsche's credit, at least the new ones actually "DO" retain that Porsche dynamic and build quality, albeit as well as an SUV can do (i.e, not just badge engineering, although surely some of that is in play as well, as it also a rebranded VW).

I've said it before, but Porsche is at that "place" where its drawn blood, and the hungry Execs want more, so they'll start releasing more unfortunate models and ruin the very intended purpose of the brand in due time, but right now, they're just right I think.

As for BMW and M-B, both of them are off the mark in a major way. BMW can't stop releasing goofy "niche" vehicles, and we're in for the worst with new FWD models, "SAV's", and the like coming out, not to mention sacrificing the very driving dynamics that made them "BMW" with class leading cars in terms of sheer mass and weight, etc. While M-B are in a position where they have to start releasing FWD cars at low price points intended for Teenagers, exploiting the rich branding that got them to be the most cache-heavy Automaker in the world, to sell these little cars (thus possibly putting said cache/branding at risk in the future if they become known as a manufacturer mostly consisting of mass FWD/Econ/Youth intended cars and SUV's).

I'm aware that some of these guys have to do this to stay alive/profitable, but it's an unfortunate reality nonetheless.

Porsche is in a different position. They are now owned by a huge company. That can work for or against them. The huge company will do fine even if they keep Porsche as a niche/prestige automaker, but chances are, the Wolves will want to drain them for as much $$$$ as they can provide, exploiting their rich heritage for a fleet of Soccer Mom SUV's and the like as well. How long until Porsche releases a FWD Econ Hatch for family members and High Schoolers alike? 2025? Any bets?

 

[klier]

MB FWD cars intended for teenagers? Heh. Maybe in your white suburb where everyone is rich Oh no wait, they don't even sell those cars over there in the States In Europe, the A and B's market, teenagers (freaking children!) aren't allowed to drive, and there are a million models they can buy before they can even afford an A class.


It's fairly simple, there are only two options:

1. stay exclusive, but be owned by another car company who make the rules and decide what happens
2. Expand and stay independent.

Audi and Porsche are slaves of the Borg, BMW and Mercedes are proud independent German brands. They chose option 2. And I am happy with that. No cloned cars and part-sharing-across-brands galore.

 

[K-A]

And let's hope it stays that way (referring to your last part). Keeping my fingers crossed. If M-B gives my E-Class chassis to an Infiniti I'm coming over to the roundel.

 

[rollo]

Good Lord.

Must we turn every thread into competitive background noise about which German brand is superior? Simply put, the current Boxster is one of the best sport cars available today, especially for the money. The next version will most certainly be an improvement. And Klier, Z4 is the "competitive" BMW model, seriously? And Betty, compared to your ride, not much measures up I suppose, even at less than 1/2 the price though?

 

[K-A]

The new Boxster absolutely slaughters the SLK and Z4, no contest, I can tell this based off these little pictures (not that it's saying much, this is kind of a weak segment IMO). Driving wise I'm sure Porsche won't have many problems there as well, at least in sporty dynamics.

 

[Wunderkind]

Yup, I totally agree. The only thing saving the SLK from absolute slaughter by the Boxster is pricing. Mercedes has always kept the SLK in a safe distance away from the Boxster in terms of price.

I love the new Boxster!!

 

[Merc1]

This market segment is pretty dead to start with, but I really don't think Mercedes (outside of the AMG version) really ties to make the SLK sporty. I mean how hard could it be if they really wanted to do so? They go for somewhat sportier, mini-SL, not an outright sports car. That said, this Boxster is even more shocking upon first seeing it than the new 991 911 is, however this is because the current Boxster has become somewhat tired to my eyes. It hasn't changed much since 1996. This new one however, is a bold styling statement, yet classy and refined. Its the details that make this one stand out and that it looks like a much substantial car. I really have a deep admiration for Porsche, affording one is the problem. When and if they facelift or redesign the Panamera into a good looking car I will be getting one.


M

 

[///K]

best looking boxster ever made. was never a fan of the boxster but loving this new one, 918 influenced

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Good Lord.

Must we turn every thread into competitive background noise about which German brand is superior?

It really gets quite tedious. I go on another forum where it doesn't happen at all and people are not immature fanboys.

And Betty, compared to your ride, not much measures up I suppose, even at less than 1/2 the price though?

Don't get me wrong. I love the Boxster. I used to own one in fact. I think this new model looks even better than the outgoing model. But I'm just surprised at how some people are reacting to the photos. They're not the best for a start and the 991 is still better looking by a long way in my opinion.

 

[klier]

Good Lord. And Klier, Z4 is the "competitive" BMW model, seriously? And Betty, compared to your ride, not much measures up I suppose, even at less than 1/2 the price though?

Good LORD indeed! Not ONCE did I mention the Z4. I specifically named the all new SLK 55 AMG to kill off the Boxter. My point was, Porsche is not the holy company some here are starting to preach. To me that's becoming a bit annoying.

And let me get this straight, I didn't start this superiority nonsense! Porsche is a fabulous company that makes great cars. And the Boxter will be a great car to drive, I just don't particularly like the looks much. The car looks immature and gimmicky to me. And all we can talk about now are the looks of the new car when all we have are a couple of leaked shots.

 

[martinbo]

The big suprise in this thread is that Betty and klier agree with each other. Expect some more site downtime soon!!!

As for Boxster, (and that's Box S ter, klier - at least get it right if you're going to pan it. ) this new car is a big jump in masculinity over the 986 and 987 generations. Boxster is not a universally appealing car; its architecture - mid-engined, short wheelbase, long overhangs - doesn't lend much in the way classically accepted proportions for roadsters i.e. long-nose, cab-backward, shorter overhangs, longer wheelbase.

But this Boxster is definitely more muscular and robust looking; it has some interesting details that detract from some of the more unfortunate styling features (sloping rear deck primarily) and it certainly will be the best car in its class to drive once again. So, what's not to like?