SPEEDtv.com 10 Best Cars: High-performance roadster
Written by: Tom Jensen
Charlotte, NC – 12/15/2006
Editor's Note: SPEEDTV.com is counting down 10 of the best cars of 2006/07. This is an admittedly subjective list, geared to real-world enjoyment and functionality, the idea being that any vehicle which qualifies for the list ought to make you smile every time you get behind the wheel.
CATEGORY NO. 4: High-performance roadster
THE WINNER: Porsche Boxster S
Let's cut to the chase right away: The best sports cars in the world are those that inspire lust. When you're behind the wheel of a great sports car, you want to consistently push it as hard as you can to feel the visceral exhilaration it can deliver at the limit. And when you aren't behind the wheel, you long for the next trip, remembering every detail of how the car felt the last time you let it unwind < how it stirred your soul and your passions.
And that, dear readers, sums up the Porsche Boxster S about as succinctly as can be. The Boxster S absolutely inspires all the emotions car lovers want in a two-seat roadster: Lust, craving, passion and the need for speed.
Driven on the right roads < preferably ones with lots of curves and plenty of open space < the Boxster S is a high-energy shot of adrenaline that never fails to satisfy. If you can't enjoy this car, the problem is you, not it.
The Boxster S is the higher performance of the two Boxster models offered and comes equipped with all the right stuff for serious drivers. Under the hood is a 3.4-liter, 295-horsepower flat six-cylinder engine that powers the S from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds. Top speed is a breathtaking 169 mph.
Having nearly 300 horsepower is good, but what's even better is that the Boxster S weighs in at a flyweight 2,987 pounds, with what little weight there is distributed nearly evenly. Some 46 percent of the Boxster's weight is up front and 54 percent is out back. And with an overall length of just
171.6 inches, the Boxster S is small, light and ever so responsive to even the lightest touches of throttle, steering wheel or brakes.
Driven at speed, the Boxster S feels totally at one with the driver, delivering wonderful feedback through the steering wheel and equally thrilling sensory input. Drop the top, let the engine wind towards redline and push it through some twisty corners and the Boxster S seems like an extension of your brain. It just feels fundamentally right, a wonderful marriage of vintage roadster sight, sound and style combined with modern technology.
Two things to be aware of: While the diminutive size of the Boxster S makes for great performance, the cockpit is a snug fit for tall drivers, especially full-figured ones like yours truly. And though the Boxster S carries a very reasonable base price of $55,500, it's easy to drive up the price dramatically if you get carried away on the options list. Our tester rolled out the door at $66,350 thanks to a number of pricy extras.
That said, in terms of pure driving experience, there isn't anything that delivers like the Boxster S, and that's why it's No. 4 on our SPEEDTV.com Top 10 list.
SPEC SHEET: Porsche Boxster S
TYPE: High-performance roadster
SEATING CAPACITY: Two
ENGINE: 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine
HORSEPOWER: 295
TORQUE: 252 foot-pound
GEARBOX: Six-speed manual
ZERO TO 60 MPH: 5.2 seconds
TOP SPEED: 169 miles per hour
EPA FUEL MILEAGE: 20 city/28 highway
BASE PRICE/AS-TESTED: $55,500/$66,350
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto...wmodels/34466/
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