Drove a 981 'S' tonight...
 

Went to the unveiling of the new Boxster 'S' tonight, people were great, food was awesome, cars were fast. Had a great time. I had been driving a 991 'S' for a few days and was excited to see how the 981 'S' drove and how it compared to my 2000 'S'.

Looks - Everything I didn't like in the photos were not even noticeable in person, everything blended so nicely. The door air scoops/intakes didn't even catch my eye, totally a none issue. The spoiler and tail lights again blended nice and didn't catch my eye at all. The rear diffuser (that plastic area at bottom of bumper) that to me looked so bad in the photos, it was much smaller in person and really hidden out of the way. The car really is nice looking, it still has a nice roadster look. I would rather see 19s on the car, these had 20s. I'm not sure if it was the 20s or if the car just needs to be lowered 1/2 inch, there is too much space between the tires and the fenders, the 991 was done right, they goofed with the 981. The interior...well it is basically a 991. I guess i would have liked it to be a little more raw, I will say if you want more then you'll like it, everything is right where it should be and it all looks wonderful. A lot of car companies could learn from Porsche. Nothing looks out of place.

Ride - Let's put it this way, the 991 is a Lion and the 981 is a Cheetah. In regular mode the car muted bumps the same if not better than the 991. I know a lot of folks will say it is too refined and I would understand, but for daily driving or that long highway drive home from the mountains it can be nice if you have a bad back. Push the Sport button and stiffen the shocks and you are now back to all the road feel you might want, is it jarring like my 2000 'S' on man hole covers...well no but the ride is pretty stiff. Plenty of power and torque under 4500 rpm...and plenty fast. Sorry to all those 991 lovers, the Boxster is the new standard. It still feels like a Boxster. The steering still has a too strong to center pull like the 991 but they did a better job with the electronic steering I think. I could do without it, there is a lose of feel, but then I haven't driven a late model 987 so I didn't have that to compare to. I took a look under the car and at all the suspension and they basically didn't change it, sure the shape of things changed a little but it still is a Boxster, I'm guessing that is why it kept its overall feel.

Sound - Finally they put some growl into it. About time.

Overall - This is a great car guys, it will sell. I'm temped myself. I will get up in the morning and drive mine just to clear my head. I really didn't know what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. Porsche is seriously holding back on HP with this car, there is no reason they couldn't have gone 330hp with a 3.4 engine like this. The base 991 would have still been safe with it's 350hp.

I would like to see Porsche do a one year limited Turbo and Turbo 'S' version. They would all sell and be collector cars in 5 years.

Anyway, had fun, here is a crappy pic from my phone:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1340940528.jpg

Great review! Thanks for taking the time to give us an update (from someone who's actually experienced the cars).

I would have liked to go to the local opening this Sat but I'm leaving on vacation and can't make it. Dang. I would have really liked to drive this car for myself!

I've just received my invitation for the official Boxster opening at the OPC Brisbane (Australia) on Saturday 7th July - and they (Porsche) also sent me a very nice coloured hardback brochure in the post too.
But I don't think my wife will support the proposed ~$150,000 pricetag that Porsche Australia want for the S version.....

I got my book in the mail too. I am going to the Gold Coast day. They already have the Carrera GT sitting in the showroom for the open day. I popped in to have a look whilst it was in the workshop.

Saturday is "our day" here for the Boxster. Can't wait!

This might as well be our new car in time.....

looking puuuurty

Great write up. The 981 is pretty awesome to say the least and ever since I saw the car, I knew it was only a matter of time before I traded up. Go ahead and take the plunge...

Here are a couple pics from JPA Nashville last weekend where they hosted their Boxster launch breakfast.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1341059950.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1341059983.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/rear1341060014.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/side1341060054.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1341060079.jpg

Commercially might be interesting, but personally couldn't think of much worse you could do to a Boxster than turbocharge the engine. There's so much more to a good driver's car than lots of power and bolting turbos onto the Box would ruin in.

It will be mine, oh yes it will....

After it ages 3-5 years!

Are you kidding me...... They STILL don't have clear side markers? Haha other than that, it seems like a beautiful, and well engineered car!

Excited to see one in person!!

Clear side markers are illegal in the U.S for auto manufactures. Unless the law is changed, they will always be yellow. In Europe however, they use clear side markers, and you can fit them onto your car as a preference.

That's the nicest Mercedes that Porsche has built yet.

Ditto! ... Or the new Cayman S when it comes out, 5 years down the road:)

Love that color--which is it?

BTW, having owned 2 GR boxsters, I'd like to see some pictures of yours when the car arrives. The silver looks great but I like a sports car in a hot color myself.

+1
Too generic.
It does not have the nice rear end that the early Boxsters have like my 2001.

Thank for the nice pics Mike. One more thing everyone noticed, more room for tall guys. I think you 6 footers will be happier.

Let me know if anyone else gets a chance to drive one, would be interested in your thoughts too.

WhipE350

Did you notice any restriction to your vision compared to your 986? I read someone who purchased new 981 but indicated vision was obstructed by taller rear end.

And headrest/roll bar seemed to restrict vision.

What say ye?

Can't say I did. Didn't get to drive it long enough. We got off the main road and hit the twisties and I was looking straight ahead. I do remember trying out the side view mirrors though. Since this wasn't my car I wanted to be sure I didn't lane change into anyone (both left and right). The mirrors are in the right place. I will say I felt smaller and lower then I do in my car...but not so much that I felt like I couldn't see over the hood.

The headlights are very generic and not Porsche-like at all. Thumbs down for me. Nice car, but the looks don't really do it for me...especially not for the price.

It looks like an Acura...blah. :(

I got to sit in one before our rally and LOVED how low I felt. Loved the burble when letting off of the throttle after revving it up!!