Zeintop installed

[Jeph]

It doesn't look like a Cayman!

Sure, the Cayman is a hard top version of a Boxster (sorta), but the Cayman is based of a 987 -not a 986. And if you don't think that makes a big difference in the outcome, I believe you are mistaken. The subtle changes in a car's design from one generation to another are so much more noticeable when you start mixing the generations. It's something I preach about all the time, it's the flow! This top, aside from looking kit-like, doesn't go with the flow.

i agree, it not even close to like a cayman.

[porsche986spyder]

Originally Posted by Jeph

It doesn't look like a Cayman!

Sure, the Cayman is a hard top version of a Boxster (sorta), but the Cayman is based of a 987 -not a 986. And if you don't think that makes a big difference in the outcome, I believe you are mistaken. The subtle changes in a car's design from one generation to another are so much more noticeable when you start mixing the generations. It's something I preach about all the time, it's the flow! This top, aside from looking kit-like, doesn't go with the flow.

That maybe true, but Zeintop makes one for the 987 Boxster also which makes it look just like a Cayman. The OVERALL shape is still there even for the 986 Boxster. Just look at these pictures here. Slightly different shape, but I bet the average person on the street who doesn't know Porsches and Boxsters like we do would think it was a Cayman if they saw one.

[Jeph]

Originally Posted by porsche986spyder

That maybe true, but Zeintop makes one for the 987 Boxster also which makes it look just like a Cayman. The OVERALL shape is still there even for the 986 Boxster. Just look at these pictures here. Slightly different shape, but I bet the average person on the street who doesn't know Porsches and Boxsters like we do would think it was a Cayman if they saw one.

My point exactly. The overall shape is there, the general idea, the concept. But that doesn't make it look good. It's the subtleties that make or break great design.

And seeing both cars side by side really shows where the greatest problem is... that window! That and the gaping lines. I'm a stickler for tight lines.

I think that's all I will say on this subject...

[porsche986spyder]

Originally Posted by Jeph

And seeing both cars side by side really shows where the greatest problem is... that window!

Well there really isn't much they can do with that window because you have to make it work with the existing car door windows that are in the doors of the boxster 986. They are a different shape at the top and rear where they meet the roof line. So you are stuck with what you have to work with on the side windows. They do mimic the Cayman shaped corner panels. Again the 987 looks identical to the Cayman because it does have the SAME shape door windows as the Cayman. Wish I had a picture of the 987 with the Zientop so you could see how close they are. To each his own.

[hdpt73]

The Black modified Box looks a hell of alot better then the regular Cayman. Some ppl whine about a Cayman being a 911 wannabe, and a Box being a Cayman wannabe, then a Box not being a real Porsche. Jeph, some ppl may say by you putting on 911 headlights makes your box a 911 wannabe and destroys the smooth lines. I personally like the way you did it because it's different from 99% of the other boxes. That hardtop rocks imo but I would go with the other guys and say pick a color.

[Jeph]

Originally Posted by hdpt73

Jeph, some ppl may say by you putting on 911 headlights makes your box a 911 wannabe and destroys the smooth lines.

I know you're just saying that as an example, but...

I have no problem with others thinking my car is a 911 wannabe, that's truly a matter of opinion. However, if one were to say it "destroys smooth lines" is really a less subjective statement then one may realize. On any car, smooth, consistent lines is an important part of good design. And when it comes to proper design, some people get it, some people don't. That's not to belittle the opinions of those who think this hard top looks good. But being a designer, I'd wager my standards and knowledge on what works and what doesn't is considerably more stringent than most peoples. I'm not trying to sound elite, I'm just defending the honor of the lines.

In any profession, you can't help but to be a critic. If you pave roads, you notice every road you drive on. If you're a builder, every building you walk in, and a writer, everything you read. I would trust a paver, a builder, and a writer in their areas of expertise over mine. Know what I mean? I'm not asking anyone to change their opinions, I'm just showing others where I'm coming from.

[Stunin_Stud]

I think Zeintop is a great new innovative top. I think the 986 in general looks better and more aggressive than the 987, which look weaker and more feminin. The Zeintop on the 986 looks much better than a Cayman. the Lines on the 986 make the car look more exotic. My favorite Zeintop product is the Cayman style spoiler which you dont see in these pics. Its two parts, one on the bumper and the spoiler itself. Even if you dont like the top and get this spoiler and pair it with a Oem hardtop it will look hot. its just that the spoiler is north of 800 bucks. I guess thats the price of exclusitivity.

[Y2BOX]

Blimey...its gettin hot in ere!!!!

I like to see different ideas being tried out.....and yes I like to see different Boxsters.....I have the standard hard top.....and.......I will stick with it, it looks like its trying too hard to be something its not, and in my view a standard Boxster is better than a cayman anyway.

And I like the 911 lights!!!...That was done well and I think updates the 986 look, as they did with the 996 in 2001....maybe they should of done the Boxster as well!!