Welcome to the Future: The New 981 Boxster S in Spain!
Apr 28, 2012 | 04:13 PM
#1
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Welcome to the Future: The New 981 Boxster S in Spain! Welcome to the Future: The New 981 Boxster S in Spain!
I am a “mid-engine” guy. I grew up with an 718 RSK poster on my wall and my desk at work has a 904 and a 906 model… So I am quite a bit biased when writing this quick review.
The new Boxster world dealer preview was on the island of Gran Canaria, part of the Canary islands off of the Coast of Morocco(part of Spain). Quite and interesting landscape, almost Martian like with barely any vegetation other than the grass on the golf courses. The world’s third tallest volcano is what is responsible for bringing the islands out of the ocean(Mount Teide on Tenerife, not Gran Canaria). Truly a very interesting place to show off the newest mid engine creation.
Upon arriving at our beautiful hotel, nestled between a large hillside and a golf course, we were greeted by a Porsche makeover of the Sheraton Salobre.
The new Porsche sanctioned GT3 Cup trainer showing off the Hockenheim ring by Automaniax
Automaniax
Sure to be a big hit!
Fast forward a few hours of jetlag and the evening greeted me with a wonderful Porsche dinner atop the beautiful hillside behind the resort where this was the view on either side.
Pardon the iPhone Photos:
Following the meet and greet and dinner led us to the unveiling event… If you have seen the South Africa launch video you know that Porsche doesn’t cut corners. From the dinner area we were led down about ¼ mile of steps into a ravine where the unveiling happened… Explosions, Fire and a Waterfall along with the largest projected screen I have ever seen… need I say more?
The first day was amazing but not nearly as exciting as what would meet me the next!
Day two found me wide awake at about 3am local time... Only a few more hours until morning. Once the sun came up my room got a much different view!
Apr 28, 2012 | 04:14 PM
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The first part of the day had us in both gen 2 987s and the new 981. My first stint was in an outgoing 987.2 2.9L that was very highly optioned. The car felt fantastic, a nice blend of sport and touring abilities really reminded me of why I love the Porsche mid engine platform. We drove through the small towns that surrounded the resort at relatively low speeds due to congestion and then filed up towards the mountains behind our resort… What amazing sites!
We drove past another group to get a view of the cars from a distance:
After another short haul my friend from a local dealer named Bob and I switched positions and placed myself firmly in the seat of the new 981…. Feels remarkably like the current 991. I fit great(6’4”) and Bob did as well(6’5”). (bob shown driving)
The next portion of our ride was at about 30kmph on motorways like you have seen on those discovery channel “deadliest roads” tv shows.
The scenery was quite breathtaking!
We drove past another group to get a view of the cars from a distance:
After another short haul my friend from a local dealer named Bob and I switched positions and placed myself firmly in the seat of the new 981…. Feels remarkably like the current 991. I fit great(6’4”) and Bob did as well(6’5”). (bob shown driving)
The next portion of our ride was at about 30kmph on motorways like you have seen on those discovery channel “deadliest roads” tv shows.
The scenery was quite breathtaking!
Apr 28, 2012 | 04:14 PM
#3
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The next stop on the trip lead us to our switch off spot, here we were given the opportunity to see a few of the different color combinations that were provided.
Following these photos is when I took the wheel so unfortunately not many more photos were taken.
Following these photos is when I took the wheel so unfortunately not many more photos were taken.
Apr 28, 2012 | 04:15 PM
#4
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The final excursion we had with the car was on the track. There is a small ~2 mile circuit nestled along the coast, a perfect place to show off the main differences between the old and the new Boxster. The one key item that sticks out in my mind is the amount of front grip. Unless you significantly over drove the car the front of the car would telepathically hit apexes with ease… you though the 987 was easy to drive hard… this car raises the bar!
The car is fantastic. Certainly as far as fit/finish/comfort/usability and the new PDK in the car really makes it for something that I could personally drive on a daily basis. The car, like 991, is very dual natured. The cars we drove were all PDK so the normal, sport and sport plus modes certainly dramatically changed the behavior of the car. The steering(I preferred the non power steering plus) was perfectly weighted and felt as it should while filtering out the small inadequacies in the road. To all who complain about the steering feel, go drive an old Porsche, one with no power steering. The new power steering is here to stay and I welcome it. All cars are going this direction and luckily Porsche has set the bar very high!
2 Months before the car has even arrived my dealership's allocation has completely sold out with the promise of more to be delivered. Certainly the car we were all hoping and waiting for. Happy to answer any questions or take any orders I can ☺
Few more of the exclusive car:
One last of the group!
The car is fantastic. Certainly as far as fit/finish/comfort/usability and the new PDK in the car really makes it for something that I could personally drive on a daily basis. The car, like 991, is very dual natured. The cars we drove were all PDK so the normal, sport and sport plus modes certainly dramatically changed the behavior of the car. The steering(I preferred the non power steering plus) was perfectly weighted and felt as it should while filtering out the small inadequacies in the road. To all who complain about the steering feel, go drive an old Porsche, one with no power steering. The new power steering is here to stay and I welcome it. All cars are going this direction and luckily Porsche has set the bar very high!
2 Months before the car has even arrived my dealership's allocation has completely sold out with the promise of more to be delivered. Certainly the car we were all hoping and waiting for. Happy to answer any questions or take any orders I can ☺
Few more of the exclusive car:
One last of the group!
