Tiptronic question
 

After coming to a stop (0 mph), the tiptronic auto transmission remains in 2nd gear -- according to the dashboard display on my right. I had been under the impression that automatic transmissions start in 1st gear (from a stop), similar to the manual transmission. Is this normal for the tiptronic (or for automatics in general)?

The boxster always starts out in 2nd gear unless you really punch the gas. Or if you swap it into the tiptronic mode and downshift before starting out. I could'nt tell you the "scientific" reason behind this but I would think its got something to do w/ fuel economy or less wear on the transmission. I'm sure there are others out there that can give some more input on the reasoning. To answer your question it is normal.

Good to know. Thanks for your help!

The Tipper 1st gear seems to me to be a little on the "short" side.
Use the manual mode and start in 1st gear a few times. I think you will see that it seems to run out of revs in a hurry, and the shift into 2nd is abrupt.
It seems to me that driveability in most traffic situations is the reason it is programmed to start in 2nd gear in auto mode.