2005 Boxster S initial impressions

[ho2go]

Thanks for the honest review! Two questions regarding the sport button:

Where is it located?

And do you see any practical reason why they did not make this "sport" throttle mapping standard on all Boxsters (or maybe just the S) and do away with this button altogether? It seems like a gimmick/scam to fatten Porsche's wallets, but then again I haven't driven one so I can't comment for sure.

Originally Posted by eslai

7. You will want to buy the sport chrono package. The electronic throttle is a bit annoying--in standard mode, it feels like the pedal is just not fully responsive--the very first bit of travel feels like it's being ignored--the car hesitates. I don't get this feeling at all when I push the sport button--the throttle feels as it should.
...
17. I may be feeling slight hesitation during certain part-throttle-tip-in situations, but I may be imagining things. I'll have to drive it some more before I know for sure.

[eslai]

It's located right next to the spoiler button, down low on the center console. Not the most convenient location if you're thinking of switching it on in the heat of the moment, but then, you'd want to be better prepared than that anyhow.

It's a gimmick, for sure--I have no idea why they didn't just make all cars have the better throttle mapping. Maybe they weren't able to get the nice (fake) mileage estimates with the faster throttle opening?

After 2500 miles, I really don't like the electronic throttle. It makes for some strange part-throttle, light-throttle action. Lots of dead spots at low RPM/low throttle, like around tip-in and non-100% lift-off. Or maybe it just feels like it could use a bit more hysteresis around the idle point. I've had a similar experience with my mother's Mercedes E320...