Car buff magazines have been proclaiming the rebirth of the sports car market since the introduction of the BMW Z3 in the winter of 1996. One year later their prediction was validated with the introduction of the Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster. The most anticipated of these cars, however, has to be the Porsche Boxster. Porsche is slow to change, and even slower to introduce new products. (The previous 911 design has been around for an astounding 30 years, and it was just updated this year.) When Porsche does introduce a new product, though, it is guaranteed to cause a stir.
We think that the Boxster deserves the attention it's getting. The Boxster was a clean-sheet design that was built around an all new horizontally opposed (boxer-type) engine. The engine is mounted midship for ideal weight distribution and displaces a relatively thrifty 2.5 liters. Innovations on this engine include Porsche's first use of water cooling as well as their first use of Porsche's VarioCam variable valve-timing technology on a six-cylinder engine. This engine produces 201 horsepower, which is the best in this class, and 181 foot-pounds of torque.
Aside from the mechanical innovations, the Boxster also features a few practical features that we think buyers will appreciate. First, the Boxster offers more cargo area than any of its competitors due to the inclusion of front and rear trunks. This front/rear trunk design produces an impressive 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and is made possible by the mid-engine design. Second, the Porsche has a very livable cockpit that has a great deal of space for two occupants and features wonderful, cradling seats. Lastly, the Boxster has the fastest closing automatic top in the business, going from completely open to completely closed in a scant 12 seconds; perfect for those unexpected rain showers.
This example has been maintained to very high standards. It is finished in the very desirable color of Arctic Silver Metallic with a Boxster Red Leather Interior and a Black Convertible Top. It is equipped with the 5 speed manual transmission and has traveled just 25,980 miles from new. It is a perfect car for weekend top down motoring a fun daily driver.
