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

[klier]

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

First Merc1 with a BMW avatar and now this? WTF is happening?

As for Boxster, (and that's Box S ter, klier - at least get it right if you're going to pan it.

&^%& I'm such a n00b
It's the quick typing

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.

Firstly, both the SLK and Z4 look better than the Boxter. The Boxter still got it's proportions all wrong for me, as it has nothing to do with a roadster. The Z4 looks so much better than the Boxter I don't know where to start. The long sexy hood alone makes all the difference.
Secondly, the Z4 is intended to be some sort of mini SL, so yeah, the Boxter will be the dynamic option of this trio right now. But of course all that will radically change when BMW decides to build a true Z4 M with fixed roof.

I am not going to distract with pictures, but this is saying enough I would say

It's not like the Z4 is a bad car, but I guess we will have to wait for the facelift until we see an M version and a coupe. The coupe alone should shed some 200 kg. Would do wonders for the Z4, which is a great car (!!!)

BTW, why are Americans calling this a dead segment/weak segment???

 

[rollo]

This new BoxSter looks better, to these eyes anyway. The Z4 can't hold a candle to the Boxster for driving klier, my wife has a Boxster which I drive every now and again (Guards Red ain't my cup of tee) and the steering, balance and handling are remarkable. It also makes some nice sounds. The Z4, which I have also driven, is wanting in every category I just mentioned, but it does look great.

 

[tristatez28lt1]

Looks very good, they did a great job. Porsche continues to put out excellent cars.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

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

One of those rare times in nature when the stars and moon align and the unexpected happens. A bit like the El Nino effect. I expect normal service will resume shortly.

 

[south]

Firstly, both the SLK and Z4 look better than the Boxter.

This is subjective, and I disagree.

The Boxter still got it's proportions all wrong for me, as it has nothing to do with a roadster. The Z4 looks so much better than the Boxter I don't know where to start. The long sexy hood alone makes all the difference.

Form follows function here. It's a mid-engine car which makes for better performance generally.

Secondly, the Z4 is intended to be some sort of mini SL, so yeah, the Boxter will be the dynamic option of this trio right now. But of course all that will radically change when BMW decides to build a true Z4 M with fixed roof.

I am not going to distract with pictures, but this is saying enough I would say

It's not like the Z4 is a bad car, but I guess we will have to wait for the facelift until we see an M version and a coupe. The coupe alone should shed some 200 kg. Would do wonders for the Z4, which is a great car (!!!)

BTW, why are Americans calling this a dead segment/weak segment???

The Z4 without a doubt is a great car, and does great for what it' meant to be (what I like to call an all-season roadster). It's just that I prefer Porsche's take on the segment.


Best regards,
south

 

[SKY]

I´m with klier and Betty on this. I find this car completly bland and boring. Side looks weird, shoulder line awkward, front is bland... Completly forgetable car. I hope the Cayman looks nicer, as it won´t be cabrio.

 

[Mr Robert]

I guess this was more than expected form the new Boxster, hence the reactions. The 911 gave us what we expected. As always.

 

[Centurion]

Wohoa this is so bad for Porsche. The car is at least 6-8 months away from unveiling. Everything is exposed for the glory of the photographer and us forum dwellers.

Either way it's a positive surprise. Finally the umbilical cord is getting cut and the Boxster can progress from being a 911 Junior to a car of its own. Despite possessing the finest chassi of any car under 100k, the Boxster has suffered from the stigma of being a poor man's Porsche. It sort of looks like a 911, sort of drives as fast and sort of cost as much. It's a 911 diluted. With an unorthodox and daring rear end design people can finally compliment it for its looks as opposed to it's resemblance to the 911.

Porsche are very dissapointed about Boxster and Cayman sales. They are low in comparison to the rest of the family members by the likes of Panamera, Cayenne and 911 which are all three selling exceptionally well and has a strong image to boot. The Boxster customer is the type who would walk into a restaurant, stare at the menu and look his eyes on a savoury crepe to be washed down with a glass of elder flower water. He looks for finesse and isn't concerned about what others think. To the unfortunes of Porsche, the Boxster is in a segment of people who order pasta and a glass of coke - they want something that's simple to understand and offers good value. The state of the Boxster is further worsed in the advent of the 135i, 1M, S5 and luscious TT-S. That's not to forget the M3 which isn't far in price from a well speced Boxster S. Simply put there are too many good alternatives out there that cost less. We will even see prices of used 997s trickle to pretty amazing prices in the next 12-48 months opening up the gates for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning a classic 911.

For the new Boxster, 989, to sell well it needs to extend its attractiveness beyond looks. Either the price or power output needs to be improved because currently it's not an "IT" car and doesn't have the popular appeal of the Range Rover Sport, M3 or Audi A5 which are getting young people flocking to dealerships.

 

[klier]

This is subjective, and I disagree.

Of course it's subjective but isn't this what we're discussing when we watch leaked shots?

Form follows function here. It's a mid-engine car which makes for better performance generally.

Generally perhaps, but this doesn't have to be the case at all. RWD and front engine can do the job just as good. Plus it looks better.

The Z4 without a doubt is a great car, and does great for what it' meant to be (what I like to call an all-season roadster). It's just that I prefer Porsche's take on the segment.

I prefer Porsche's take on the dynamics/driveability right now with no real Z4 sports version. And I much prefer the BMW looks over the Boxster.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I like it so far. I like it, but right now I don't love it because, is it just me, or does the front remind anyone of the clunky front end Toyota MR-S/MR-2. Now granted, we haven't seen a proper shot of the front end, and also, the MR was blatant ripoff of the original 987 Boxster. I was hoping for a more smoother integration of the front end.

Right now I am in the 991 911 > 989 Boxster camp, pending better pics. I'm sure this car will be the class leader though, and I wonder it will also get the 7-speed manual.

 

[Centurion]

^^
I was waiting for someone to bring up the MR2. That was my initial reaction to. But fear not the worst. From the look of it, the shape of the headlights is pretty much unchanged. What I look forward to is beefy proportions and in the recent spy shots shoot close up, it's evident that the car is thicker. That should give the car a mini Carrera GT appearance.

The 987 looks dated now, post-leakage.

 

[klier]

Mini Carrera GT??? Get out of here LOL, you're pushing it here. The CGT is a devine all time classic. This new Boxster is a gimmick that maybe looks good today, but not in 10 years.

 

[Centurion]

Mini Carrera GT??? Get out of here LOL, you're pushing it here. The CGT is a devine all time classic. This new Boxster is a gimmick that maybe looks good today, but not in 10 years.

You're right. But it's not meant to look good in ten year. The recipe for the 989 is slightly angled towards a more mainstream crowd than the africandos who's mouth water at the sight of a 993 Turbo.

 

[south]

Not sure where the 989 code is coming from, it's the 981.


Best regards,
south

 

[Centurion]

Sorry my bad. Was supposed to write 988. So is it officially 981 in a similar fashion as the 991?

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

The rear itself is reminiscent of the 918 while the rear fenders and the intakes are more like the Carrera GT.

 

[Soup]

 

[Levi68]

I really like the new 911 and Boxter/Cayman. Would so much love a Cayman GT3 RS 4.0.

 

[rollo]

Hi guys.

Ride along review of the next Boxster on autocar with pictures if you are interested. Looks fantastic, lower weight, wider, a tad lower, more power, better fuel efficiency. What's not to like?

 

[klier]

Everything but it's looks imo. The looks are not good to my eye, but the rest is of course great...