Hailed as one of the best driver's cars, the Porsche 718 Boxster S sits nearly at the top of the Porsche 718 lineup, just below the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. It isn't very convincing due to the four-cylinder engine that powers it, but it isn't until you sit in one and get to drive it that you get to appreciate how well it drives and how fun it is to drive, especially with a manual transmission. To some extent, the Porsche 718 Boxster S feels better to drive than a 911 as you feel more comfortable pushing to the limits. James May once said that it's more fun driving a slow car fast, and even though the 718 Boxster S is not slow, there's no need to elaborate.
The early 1990s saw Porsche struggling financially due to declining sales, a fall in the value of the US dollar, and high development costs for current models at the time. Introduced in 1996, the Porsche Boxster became the German automaker's saving grace. It opened a fresh sports car market and attracted a younger generation with its lower price tag being cheaper than the 911. Additionally, showcasing Porsche's innovation, the Boxster was the first vehicle initially designed and produced as a roadster since the 1970 Porsche 914. In 2000, Porsche introduced the first Porsche Boxster S with a 247 horsepower 3.2-liter flat-six engine sporting various visual enhancements from the standard Boxster. The same engine would be carried over to the second-gen Boxster S 987.1, but in 2007, it was upgraded to a 295 horsepower 3.4-liter flat-six, which would then later make 310 horsepower in the Boxster S 987.2 thanks to direct fuel injection. In the third generation Porsche Boxster S 981, Porsche retained the engine but with revised modern styling befitting the car's times. The 981 would be the last Boxster S with a six-cylinder as Porsche introduced a 2.5-liter flat-four for the current 982 (718) generation in 2016, which sparked a lot of debate, but its 350 horsepower and surprisingly lower consumption seemed like decent tradeoffs. Like its predecessors, the Porsche 718 Boxster is produced at Porsche's plant in Stuttgart, Germany.
The switch to four-cylinder engines in the Porsche Boxster range drew mixed reactions, particularly from purists. However, the addition of forced induction to the 2.5-liter engine in the 718 Boxster S offered some promise for improved power delivery, and it delivered. 350 horsepower and 309 lb.ft in a car that weighs 3,000 pounds, give or take, is more than enough to have you nearly going over highway speed limits unaware. Its biggest winning quality is its rear-wheel-drive, and as standard, Porsche makes the 718 Boxster S with a 6-speed manual transmission. For precision and smoothness connoisseurs, a 7-speed PDK transmission is available. The performance figures are impressive for a four-cylinder yet not unexpected for a Porsche. 0-60 mph takes 4.4 seconds with the manual transmission and 4.2 seconds with the PDK transmission, and top speed maxes out at just over 175 mph. With Porsche's Chrono package, which is only available for the PDK transmission, 0-60 mph takes 4.0 seconds. Fuel economy usually takes the back seat in sports cars, but if it makes you feel at peace, for example, on a track day, Porsche promises a combined 22 mpg with the manual transmission and 23 mpg with the PDK transmission.
For 2024, the Porsche 718 Boxster S remains unchanged. However, the 2024 Porsche 718 lineup receives a Style Edition addition that adds 20-inch wheels, a Ruby Star Neo paint color, and Porsche graphics on the doors and hood. In the interior, the Style Edition adds special floor mats with chalk-colored stitching, illuminated door sill plates, and Porsche logos embossed on the headrests.
Porsche prioritizes driver focus in their cars, and the Porsche 718 Boxster S is no exception. The cabin layout is designed around the driver, featuring intuitively placed controls for easier reach when driving, enhancing maximum concentration on the road. As standard, you get black leather seats with black Race-Tex centers, but you can change to Agate Gray for a lighter ambiance. While the 718 Boxster S boasts firmer plastics and metal accents compared to the standard model, concerns about interior materials persist, as the overall use of plastic remains prominent. Only the steering wheel rim, inlay door handles, and gear selector come in full leather. If you want the seats to match, Porsche's wide range of customization options allows you to switch to full leather seats available in various color combinations. Like the colors and touch accents, the seats are also upgradable if the standard Sports Seats with 2-way adjustability don't do it for you. Seat options include fully electric Sports Seats with 14-way adjustability, Sports Seats Plus with 2-way electric adjustability, or the Adaptive Sports Seats Plus with 18-way adjustability and a memory package.
On the surface, well, there's nothing much going on, and the Porsche 718 Boxster S can be described as just another Boxster as it barely looks any different from the base model. Despite being a higher-spec model, there's no aggressive front end like you'd find on the range-topping Cayman GT4 RS or a massive wing such as the one on the 911 992 GT3 RS. Some might argue it's the driving experience that matters, but looking good is also part of being a sports car, a characteristic that the 718 Boxster S lacks. The only way to make one stand out is by going through Porsche's customizations, after which you'll likely be slapped with thousands of dollars worth of options. Nonetheless, the classic Porsche lines give the Porsche 718 Boxster S a minimalistic look that some might prefer. From a distance, it's reminiscent of the Porsche Carrera GT, especially from the front end and side profile with the roof down. On the topic of the roof, Porsche affirms that the soft top can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph and can open and close in less than 10 seconds, which is handy for that beach cruise that you never expected to turn into a stormy ride.
Like most Porsches, the Porsche 718 Boxster S has a suite of tech features, some optional, that enhance not only its drivability but also its comfort and convenience. Starting with the infotainment system, you get a 7.0-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with satellite radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and auxiliary audio input, among other features such as standard and optional navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 110-watt 6-speaker sound system is standard, but you can opt for a premium Bose stereo system that will turn the cabin into a concert even with the roof down. Porsche is known for charging extra for features that come standard in rival vehicles, but some options are worth paying for. For example, the Porsche 718 Boxster S has Porsche Active Suspension Management System (PASM) and Porsche Stability Management (PSM) as options. Sure, it's not a 911, but these will be useful during track days and daily driving as they enhance driving comfort and handling on all drive requirements. Standard safety, driver assist, comfort, and convenience features include but are not limited to cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, electric power steering, heated mirrors, cabin air filtration, engine immobilizer, traction control, and stability control.
The 2024 718 Boxster S starts at $84,050, subject to change, which is a decent price considering its offering. However, the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, being around $15,000 more, will have you rethinking your decision since it's not only better looking but also has a high revving 4.0-liter flat-six, which any Porsche diehard would pick over a four-cylinder. If buying new isn't within your budget, used Porsche 718 Boxster S examples average $60,000 and Exotic Car Trader might be where you get one in your dream spec. Immerse yourself in our curated Porsche 718 Boxster listings, and once you find the one that ticks your boxes, connect with us to make it yours. Plus, who says you can't treat yourself to another Porsche from our Porsche listings?
While some lament the switch to a four-cylinder engine, the Porsche 718 Boxster S' 350 horsepower and impressive performance figures offer a compelling counterpoint. While not a Porsche 911, the 718 Boxster S delivers a thrillingly unique driving experience at a more accessible price point. Could it be the sweet spot for pure driving enjoyment? Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! If you crave the pure joy of open-air motoring with razor-sharp handling and exhilarating performance, the 718 Boxster S delivers. It's a compelling choice for those who prioritize driving experience over ultimate prestige, and its added practicality gives you bragging rights over not only Porsche 911 owners but also other sports car owners.
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