Why the new Porsche Boxster makes us FLY

THERE ARE POINTS in life where elements convene to provoke a smile so wide you can't help but permanently look a tad simple. For us it is usually when the pizza guy rings our front door bell and we realise we're just seconds away from dinner, or that little red 'New Episodes' sign comes up on a Netflix show (we're so rock and roll).
Occasionally it is the fault of a car. Sometimes you sit in a machine that makes such sense and drives so well you emerge from taking it out for a spin looking like Stephen Baldwin watching America's Funniest Home Videos. The Porsche 718 Boxster S is a fine example. From the first burble-filled ignition of that solid retro sounding engine, to the pinpoint precision with which you can dive into the corners at high speed and emerge unscathed, this traditionally entry-level Porsche has blossomed from runt to pedigree.
The engine may sound old-fashioned, however, it is actually anything but. It is more compact, enhanced by a turbo, making emissions and efficiency a priority while still delivering power. The 2.5-litre, four-cylinder motor produces 350hp and a top speed of 285 km/h. In that small body and being so close to the ground, the sensation of speed is incredible. In some media outlets, the Boxster has been criticised for not sounding like a meaty sports car. We couldn't disagree more. We loved the noise it produced at high-speeds and found the 0-100km/h time of just over four seconds staisfied our immature desire for punchy acceleration.
When it comes to styling, just look at it. You couldn't help but feel with some older Boxsters, the design was more of an after thought - an exercise in minimising costs. With this version, though, it was love at first sight. The 718 S is simply stunning to the point where we didn't even mind it coming in atypical lava orange. Superb. 
Engine: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine
Power: 350 hp, 420 Nm
0-100 km/h: 4.2 seconds
Top speed: 285 km/h
david@khaleejtimes.com

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