981 Boxster OFFICIAL photos...
#46
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm not sure how this perception that folks in the hair industry and females prefer an impractical roadster over a large convertible or SUV but it really is just that, a false perception. If anything the perception should be that the Boxster and Cayman is popular with middle-aged to retired professional males. Second hand ownership seems to fall towards young professional males and frequent autocrossers and racers looking for the lowest cost to race (BSR/BSX).
p.s.
997 Cabriolet and Cayenne buyers will indeed like the new Boxster. They have no interest in a minimalist sports car/roadster.
#47
Nordschleife Master
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
They did a nice improvement on the 997 and 987. They knocked it out of the ball park with the spyder. I think they did a great job with the 991 and a fantastic job on the 981.
The 981 is still lightweight, and I'll bet it performs better than than 987. I hear what you're saying about minimalist, etc. I own a spyder. I'm in the same boat as you when when it comes to the philosophy of a true sports car, but let's not get carried away and smear the 981 and toss it in the trash...
#48
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Indeed, Porsche is doing everything possible to straddle the line between sports car and luxury car to be all things to all people across the entire range, presumably pacifying the hard-core enthusiasts with Spyder/R/GT models.
#49
Three Wheelin'
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I only wish they'd make an even harder core option (like the GT cars on the 911 line) available on the mid-engine cars, a Spyder+/R+.
#50
Three Wheelin'
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
We are just a drop in the bucket for marketing. Porsche is looking for common acceptance to further exploit their massive product line. IMO Porsche is doing a great job by teasing us with the next Porsche. I plan to upgrade my 2005 Boxster in about 3-years, so the 981 will be my next goal.
#51
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
As much as I like the Spyder, and the mid-engine layout is growing on me, I have always had 911s.
#52
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
point in case, look at the basic lines and panels of the concept vs fully treated 986 S below it.
The 96(Euro) to 99 Boxster had all the same panels as the eventual S model in 2000.
yet the front fender is practically the same. Door, door handle and mirror as close as you'll get. Rear quarter panel? Check.
Even the rise of the front fender hips above the sloping hood was nearly identical.
By the way, that 2000 S is nearly 12 years old and it looks as current today as it did back then. I think it has a lot more Porsche in it than anything since.
In other words it will blend into the other Porsches in that museum display than the 987 or 981.
![](http://thegarageblog.com/garage/wp-content/uploads/porsche-museum-opening.jpg)
![](http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/download+1+1325572324.jpg)
I agree stereotypes tend to be true. That's why politically incorrect jokes are often funny. But the stereotype of a hairdresser or female driving a Boxster is simply not born of common occurrence. The Boxster is a pretty rare car to begin with. Outside of autocrossing and Porsche club events I rarely see another person with one. And I doubt I could count the number who weren't middle-aged to retired professional males driving new ones on the finger of one hand. Female Porsche owners overwhelming prefer the Cayenne. I think this is a stereotype that carried over from other convertibles often seen in the movies or TV shows. It simply is not based on "common occurrence" when it comes to expensive, impractical Porsche branded roadsters. They'll go for the SUV with far grater occurrence, either Range Rover or Cayenne.
Last edited by perfectlap; 01-19-2012 at 02:47 PM.
#53
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The notion that purists are irrelevant to Porsche is entirely and completely false. If you are overwhelmingly selling cars to yuppies, or retirees, then that image will stick sooner or later.
In the process the crucial "edge" that lured buyers away from simply plunking down $70K on a bloated BMW, Jag or Merc convertible will not be there anymore.
You can only live on the Steve Mcqueen past for so long before the Kim Kardashian present catches up to you.
Look at the Corvette. An amazing racing history yet its gold-chain and moustache image isn't one Chevy has been able to escape.
You can't hold onto a motor sports racing image "edge" that is no longer yours, from a design perspective, indefinitely.
And stubbornly avoiding the mid-engine issue in sprint racing will only exacerbate the issue. Ferrari loves every minute of that own foot-shooting.
Ferrari F430 and Italias are now seen as edgy sports coupe when Porsche used to be right up there with them. Instead they'll now compete with Aston,Bentley and Jag type buyers.
In the process the crucial "edge" that lured buyers away from simply plunking down $70K on a bloated BMW, Jag or Merc convertible will not be there anymore.
You can only live on the Steve Mcqueen past for so long before the Kim Kardashian present catches up to you.
Look at the Corvette. An amazing racing history yet its gold-chain and moustache image isn't one Chevy has been able to escape.
You can't hold onto a motor sports racing image "edge" that is no longer yours, from a design perspective, indefinitely.
And stubbornly avoiding the mid-engine issue in sprint racing will only exacerbate the issue. Ferrari loves every minute of that own foot-shooting.
Ferrari F430 and Italias are now seen as edgy sports coupe when Porsche used to be right up there with them. Instead they'll now compete with Aston,Bentley and Jag type buyers.
What I have given up wishing for is a non-GT, de-contented base 911, like the ClubSport/RS America models of the past. I don't need or want 400+ horsepower, flamboyant bodywork, or $100k+ price tag, but I would like lighter weight panels, a focused suspension without electronics, sport buckets, and optional sunroof/leather/AC/rear seats/xenons/big wheels. It would probably occupy the same niche and pricepoint as your Spyder+/R+.
As much as I like the Spyder, and the mid-engine layout is growing on me, I have always had 911s.
As much as I like the Spyder, and the mid-engine layout is growing on me, I have always had 911s.
Last edited by perfectlap; 01-19-2012 at 02:51 PM.
#54
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I like the new car. But I prefer the evolution of 997 ->991, than 987 ->981.
Enthusiasts and purists are two different groups with distinct purchasing behaviors. Enthusiasts embrace changes. If I were a marketing manager at Porsche, I would value opinions of the enthusiasts group.
Purists should be riding horses. Cause they don't buy cars that often anyways.
Enthusiasts and purists are two different groups with distinct purchasing behaviors. Enthusiasts embrace changes. If I were a marketing manager at Porsche, I would value opinions of the enthusiasts group.
Purists should be riding horses. Cause they don't buy cars that often anyways.
#55
Nordschleife Master
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The notion that purists are irrelevant to Porsche is entirely and completely false. If you are overwhelmingly selling cars to yuppies, or retirees, then that image will stick sooner or later.
In the process the crucial "edge" that lured buyers away from simply plunking down $70K on a bloated BMW, Jag or Merc convertible will not be there anymore.
You can only live on the Steve Mcqueen past for so long before the Kim Kardashian present catches up to you.
Look at the Corvette. An amazing racing history yet its gold-chain and moustache image isn't one Chevy has been able to escape.
You can't hold onto a motor sports racing image "edge" that is no longer yours, from a design perspective, indefinitely.
And stubbornly avoiding the mid-engine issue in sprint racing will only exacerbate the issue. Ferrari loves every minute of that own foot-shooting.
Ferrari F430 and Italias are now seen as edgy sports coupe when Porsche used to be right up there with them. Instead they'll now compete with Aston,Bentley and Jag type buyers.
In the process the crucial "edge" that lured buyers away from simply plunking down $70K on a bloated BMW, Jag or Merc convertible will not be there anymore.
You can only live on the Steve Mcqueen past for so long before the Kim Kardashian present catches up to you.
Look at the Corvette. An amazing racing history yet its gold-chain and moustache image isn't one Chevy has been able to escape.
You can't hold onto a motor sports racing image "edge" that is no longer yours, from a design perspective, indefinitely.
And stubbornly avoiding the mid-engine issue in sprint racing will only exacerbate the issue. Ferrari loves every minute of that own foot-shooting.
Ferrari F430 and Italias are now seen as edgy sports coupe when Porsche used to be right up there with them. Instead they'll now compete with Aston,Bentley and Jag type buyers.
It's nice that they still throw the hardcore enthusiasts a bone or two with the spyder, cayman R, GT3 XX. If they make another spyder, I would say that they still care about us. If they don't, it's because they're only concerned about short term volume of sales/profits.
I still think the 981 looks fantastic. I think it will sell well and will appeal to both enthusiasts and non enthusiasts alike, which makes the car a winner for everyone.
#57
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
While 99% of them could tell you Kim Kardashian has sisters. The Cayenne buyer is buying it from a luxury standpoint. They are neither into off-roading or racing.
I'm not sure I would lump Panamera owners in that not knowing Steve McQueen since most are probably middle-aged and retired males too pooped out to put up with a inconvenient 2+2 Carrera sports car that doesn't really seat more than two.
And don't confuse me for some "I hate anything new" type like a 993 die-hard. The Boxster Spyder is a brilliant minimalist design from the interior to the exterior to the performance. Although putting camping tent top on it really limited the sales. That was a head-scratcher. A Miata style manual top employing ultra light hardware and fabric would have netted the same result.
At any rate Porsche is morphing into global luxury brand and away from a sports car icon. This Boxster is attempt to further that goal. Steve McQueen who? Lucky for us there are still engineers with a head for peformance still working over there on the non-style related wing of the factory.
Last edited by perfectlap; 01-19-2012 at 06:19 PM.
#58
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Go to your local autocross or nearest track event. Same 7 sports cars every year.
#59
Nordschleife Master
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't share that that enthusiasm at all. The new Boxster is very blatantly trying to appeal to Merc/BMW/Lexus convertible type buyer at worst and a 997 Cabriolet buyer at best.
Would you label anyone that gets a 981 a softie poseur? Don't worry about me. I'm keeping my spyder. If I didnt have a spyder, I would consider a 981. I know a few friends that are considering the 981. They are not softies. We all track our cars on a regular basis at thunderhill, infineon, and laguna seca.
btw, love the bucket seats in your 986
![thumbup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/thumbup.gif)
Last edited by orthojoe; 01-19-2012 at 06:51 PM.
#60
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
We're going to have to agree to disagree on this. I'm sure you love your 986, so you should make sure to keep it forever because they'll never make another one like it again. The question now is, if you ever decide to get another car, is there anyone that will fill your pre-requisites?
But hopefully owned by some softie who only drove around the block to get ice cream every week. I like frequent but miminal miles on my residual loss acquisitions.
I have to say though, I think Porsche have been secretly duped by VW to unveil new cars that none of the traditional enthusiast wants...in order to keep the older ones selling robustly in the second hand market. "I never thought I'd want a 997 until I saw the 991".
Would you label anyone that gets a 981 a softie poseur? Don't worry about me. I'm keeping my spyder. If I didnt have a spyder, I would consider a 981. I know a few friends that are considering the 981. They are not softies. We all track our cars on a regular basis at thunderhill, infineon, and laguna seca.
btw, love the bucket seats in your 986![thumbup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/thumbup.gif)
btw, love the bucket seats in your 986
![thumbup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/thumbup.gif)
Last edited by perfectlap; 01-19-2012 at 08:37 PM.