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2007 Porsche Boxster S Road Test

When Porsche's cute little Boxster appeared on the scene in 1996, not everyone gave it the respect a serious sports car deserves. Previous entry-level Porsches, like the 914 of the early '70s and the 924 that came later,used Volkswagen/Audi sourced components and arguably didn't fully live up to the iconic brand's image. And that first Boxster only barely broke the 200 horsepower threshold causing some to misjudge it as offering more style than substance. Certainly the car's image improved when the Boxster S debuted, with a lot more power and other sporty add-ons, but for many, perceptions were entrenched. What these naysayers were missing, of course, is that the original Boxster was one of the best handling cars of its time, and for most drivers, fit their go-fast lifestyles like a body glove.

This 2007 version, completely redone in 2005 and more recently updated this year, continues to fit like a glove. All of the controls fall instantly to hand, and the foot pedals are set up for optimal heel-toe (or even better from toe to heel) brake and throttle input.

The new interior that came with the

This is the most practical two-seat roadster... by a long shot! (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

2005 update is superbly detailed with high-end plastics, beautifully stitched leathers and brushed aluminum trim that really pops out at you, not to mention much improved switchgear.

Most of the 2007 upgrades can't be seen, mind you, but they certainly can be felt. The base 2.7-liter engine has been massaged to now produce 245 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque, a 5-horsepower and 1 lb-ft advantage over last year's car. Just as important this day and age, the new engine actually improves its average combined city/highway fuel consumption rating to 25 mpg, up 0.8 mpg.

The Boxster S that I'm testing this week received a much more significant upgrade, however. Porsche stuffed the 3.4-liter flat-six from its hot new Cayman S behind the seats, boosting output by

Porsche added a tire pressure monitoring and improved access to the coolant and oil filler caps in the trunk. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

15-horsepower to 295, and torque to 251 lb-ft. This means that when I step on the throttle, the new Boxster Slaunches to 60 mph 0.4 seconds quicker than before ... in 5.1 seconds compared to 5.5 seconds, while its top speed jumps up by 2 mph to 169 mph. And now that I've brought up fuel consumption, the S is rated at 22 mpg, which I have to say is quite reasonable for such a powerful sports car.

But of course, fuel economy will probably be the last thing on your mind when roads start to curve. The Boxster, and especially this S version, continues to be one of the most enjoyable cars to throw through the corners. It not only covers ground fast, no matter the twists and turns that lay ahead, but does so in such a controlled, confidence-inspiring manner that you'll feel like an accomplished road racer doing so.It certainly picks up my driving skills a notch or two,

This is a really comfortable car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

teasing here and taunting there, egging me on to go a little faster and explore its limits of adhesion a little deeper with each corner.

This is what Porsches are for, of course, although the Boxster can get a person in trouble quickly if they don't watch it; not necessarily with out-of-control oversteer or wayward understeer – it's perfectly balanced so it rarely breaks traction at either end, especially with PSM (Porsche Stability Management), which is one of the best of its type I've ever tested and standard on the S – but more so with the law.

Withall that power at the rear wheels it doesn't take long to ramp up to highway speeds and beyond, and with the Boxster's unique instrument design, where the speedo shows tighter 5 mph increments than average cars, it doesn't look like you're traveling anywhere near as quickly as you are both on the gauge and overall, in the car.

Part of that sensation is due to the suspension updates made in 2005. The previous Boxster S dealt out

It looks good from all angles. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

a fairly firm ride, overly firm for my likings, where the new one somehow manages to improve road-holding while cosseting driver and passenger with a smooth, comfortable ride, unusual in the performance roadster class. Even over bumpy pavement sections it's hardly harsh, although it's still easy to feel each pavement irregularity through the tires and steering wheel; a good thing.

Thatsteering is about as direct as most would want, not as edgy as a Lotus Elise but a great deal more sporting than a Mercedes-Benz SLK. I suppose that goes for the entire car, with braking that's dramatically efficient when needed, but progressive enough for smooth stops during regular commuting. They're cross-drilled rotors all round, by the way, my tester's calipers finished in bright red with PORSCHE script in white, just in case you'd forgotten what you were driving. The red calipers are ideally matched to this car's stunning Guards Red paint scheme, complemented by the rich, tan leather hides and top-quality detailing of the interior.

Just a note, Porsche has improved their audio equipment over the years, so that now the

The ride is surprisingly comfortable while the steering is tight and precise. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

process of presetting radio stations is less of a chore, and up to 10 presets for each band are available. It's a relatively simple setup compared toBMW's overly complicated and sometimes frustrating i-Drive, or others of this type, and in a car that is targeting those who enjoy their driving at least as much as their music, it's quite good. Sound quality is decent but not the best and there's no plug-in for an iPod or satellite radio, however, but again, this probably won't be as much of an issue to Boxster buyers.

Regarding what's new for '07, Porsche added a few extras beyond the engine upgrades such as tire pressure monitoring and improved access to the coolant and oil filler caps in the trunk. And incidentally, new 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, similar to those on the new 911 Turbo, are available.

Those who like Porsche's Tiptronic S automatic haven't been forgotten either, as its shift program was revised if the optional Sport Chrono Package is equipped (neither of which were included in this specific tester). When the program is actuated, up-shifts and downshifts will only take place if the engine speed is above 3,000 rpm, while the auto up-shift function that previously took over when

Power is fabulous and handling sublime. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

the engine hit redline, has been deactivated, promoting a sportier driving experience.

From a practicality standpoint, there isn't a more functional two-seat roadster on the planet. I surprised my cameraman when we stowed his rather large tripod in the ultra-deep front trunk, and then all the rest of his gear in the shallower, but wider trunk to the rear. You'll be amazed at what you can get into this car, with three lidded armrests, space behind the seats for a few extra items, plus a covered what-have-you bin where the rear shelf would otherwise be and two tiny pockets beside them for putting in ... driving gloves? You decide.

Theselast three handy bins are under the folding roof in the Boxster's case, a roof that incidentally is amongst the easiest to drop or raise of the fabric variety. Simply unlatch it above the mirror, and then press a console mounted button to drop it out of site. Rather than a hard tonneau that clamps down around the folded roof, as is the case with most competitors, Porsche devised a system that allows a panel of the roof to act as a tonneau, protecting the mechanical bits and pieces from being exposed to dust, dirt and whatever else could get in there to make a mess of things, and looking beautifully finished at the same time. I suppose it would be easier if there were no latch involved,

The new Boxster has come a long way from the original. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

but it's so easy to click into place that I can't see anyone complaining about it.

What might be the only real disappointment is that the price of the much improved Boxster has actually gone up, from $45,000 for the 2006 version up $600 to $45,600 for a 2007 Boxster. This Boxster S has also gone up $800, from $54,700 last year to $55,500 this year.

Overall, what the Boxster offers over so many others is a near idealistic balance. I'm not talking about its balance on the road, we all know about that, but more so, its balance of thrilling performance and almost decadent luxury. With the new interior and more recent upgrades to performance, the Boxster has become a truly sophisticated little sports car. I promise it'll wow you around ever corner you push it through and put a smile on your face when you light up the tires and row through the well spaced, positively engaging gearbox during a mad dash down the block, but I also feel confident it won't make you feel like you're paying too dearly when it comes to everyday comfort. Throw in its impressive cargo space, better than average reliability and extremely strong resale value, and a Boxster S is a pretty sound purchase. Have I rationalized it enough for you?

Truly, it seems that the world's most profitable carmaker continues to perform just as well on the street and track as it does on the balance sheets, so we should expect nothing less.

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