Still, it's got curves. Inspired by the late great 550 Spider that was made famous to non-car aficionados for its role in James Dean's death (who couldn't dance or sing I might add), the Boxster wraps its bodywork tightly over all four wheels. Its simple, tasteful lines still look fresh by today's standards, probably because it was already a classic when born.
I've taken a Boxster up the Sea-to-Sky highway to beautiful Whistler resort and on a local road discovery trip throughout Vancouver's Fraser Valley. I've had them on the race track and relaxed behind the wheel during rush hour traffic. Where-ever and whenever needed the little Porsche has always been willing and waiting to put a smile on my face.
It seems like you wear it rather than sit in it, fixed within its supportive sport driver's seat. The 5-speed transmission slips into each gear with little effort - only slightly more than wrist movement is necessary. An optional 5-speed Tiptronic automatic can reduce driver input but who would want to do that. I suppose enough people want it to warrant its production. I've driven it. It only seems to lose a bit of straight-line performance while the manual mode feature holds gears quite well through corners.
The 5-speed's pedals are all perfectly positioned for heal-toe action while the throttle responds to the lightest tap. Its ABS equipped brakes are equally up to the task of bringing all the fun to a sudden halt. Back up to speed and the steering is wonderfully direct yet still easy enough for anyone with moderate driving skills to master.
Its engine is water-cooled, a first for the company's horizontally opposed engine configuration. This allowed for 4-valve cylinder heads, resulting in freer breathing and in turn, higher revs. It's also slightly quieter than its air-cooled progenitors. The wide flat configuration allows it to sit lower than tall inline or 'V' shaped engines, improving the Boxster's center of gravity and therefore, handling. Its placement, in front of the rear axle, also benefits front to rear weight distribution.