Lomotpk

The current (un founded) rumors are for a 295 hp engine in the Boxter S Coupe and a price between $12- $15k less than a 997.

Mid vs. rear engine, etc, etc.

I think this will be an interesting choice to investigate.

And this is not a Troll, I'm just positing a position that I think First-time P-car buyers are going to contemplate.

Regards,

Lomotpk

Alan Smithee

I think it will be very interesting to see who buys a $55k Boxster coupe with 280-295hp.

It won't be first time buyers making the stretch to Porsche ownership (they'd buy the base Boxster soft-top).

It won't be current 911 buyers, as the price is too close to the 997 for most to sacrifice the panache and (however limited) practicality.

The current M3, C6 Corvette, Elise, and upcoming Mustang Cobra, Infiniti/Nissan Skyline, etc., (not to mention used 996, and even 993 Turbo) will provide more performance per dollar, so I don't think it will be the general hard-core enthusiast, unless a true 'Club Sport' is offered that gets the power/weight ratio into Elise territory...but that would mean performance equal to or better than the 997, which I doubt Porsche would do.

We'll see...even though I have a 997 in the garage, I'm looking forward to it!

ADias

If the Boxster Coupe sells at $55k it will be the first time a convertible is cheaper than the coupe - it does not make sense.

elsiesvg

I was at the biggest Porsche dealer in France a couple of days ago and one of the sales guys confirmed that the Boxster Coupe IS coming and that it will be positionned in between the Boxster soft top and the 997.

I agree it doesn't make sense, but not because of the Boxster soft top. The problem is going to be with the 997. The 987 is already nearly good enough to tempt people (well, those that don't need those extra two seats anyway) away from the 997. How much more tempting will a Boxster Coupe be?

Lomotpk

My point exactly. I think they are going to price it "high" so that only people that really want one (instead of making the 'slight' bump-up to a base 997) will get one.

Then again, from the photos I've seen it looks like a 911. You are going to have a hard time convincing the public it's NOT a 911 (I still have a hard time telling the diff between a boxter, 996 cab and 997 cab (when it comes) from the rear and I consider myself an enthusiast/anorak on the subject.)

Very interesting indeed

MikeN

From what I understand the 295 HP number will come from a 3.4 engine instead of the 3.2 in the roadster. So I can see Porsche wanting to charge a little more for it......but I think they are starting to get a little greedy. Still all rumor for now though.

Sean

Yes, the current rumor is that Porsche will put the 3.4L on board, call it the "GTS" and release a Club Sport version.

Here is the latest spy photo (as of yesterday).

Alan Smithee

I hope they go with a "flying buttress" style, which is/was rumored, rather than the sloping rear glass pictured above. It would tie the design nicely to both the Carrera GT and its spiritual predecessor, the 914. It would also allow for motor access from above, and differentiate it from the 911 as well.

Sean

It's hard to tell how much camoflage is in the photo above. The entire rear glass could be camo cladding.

OTOH, most rumors point to the car being a hatchback. While I'd LOVE to see a flying buttress and clear plexiglass engine cover, I bet that market considerations (like hauling groceries) will favor the practicality of the hatchback.

holminator

Porsche AG says the new Boxster S will only have 280 hp. I sold my 02 Boxster S for a 997 mainly because the 987 was not going to break 300 hp. The Boxster set up is outstanding, but it needs more power. So far I've put 2200+ miles on the 997 and I don't regret it for a second. The 997's rigidity, balance (much lighter rear supspension than the 996), and stability in turns (none of that 996 twitchiness) makes the 996 look very substandard (test drove a 996 one week prior to the test ride in the 997 in order to make that assessment).

scott watkins

Lomotpk... fwiw, I much prefer my wife's 550 boxster s anniversary to my old 996c2. The car is much more engaging and fun to drive.

GrantG

Coupe version should be even more so with less weight, stiffer chassis and more power. I think it may be subjectively the best driving car in the lineup (but not the fastest, obviously).

Speeds2Much

I find it amazing that the 996 evokes such terms as "twitchiness." The 997 is also, apparently, more "stable" at high speeds due to better aerodynamics and a wider track.

Arkay

I'm faced with this dilemma in the next few months...

I've had an '01 Boxster S and that was a fun car, but realized that I'm not a huge fan of owning a convertible, though it had its moments.

So I'm back to considering a hard-top P-car for my stable...but which one?

In considering a 997S, I'm a little wary of some of the problems mentioned on the 997 forum and it's enough for me to hold back my order for a few months. Plus for similar money, the Maserati GranSport and the soon to be release Aston Marton V8 Vantage are very interesting comparisons for my money. The Maserati and AM are different cars than the 997S even if similar in aspects or purpose, but they warrant serious consideration for my money.

But then I miss the purity of the Boxster concept and I think the Boxster Coupe would capture that purity of the mid-engine layout and the associated fun to drive factor. And whichever car I get, it'll be going on the track along with my '99 BMW M3, which is a more dedicated track car. For me, a car like this is wasted if its legs aren't stretched on some flowing tarmac (with patches of concrete strategically located in apexes of course!) And yes, this is PURELY my opinion for why I own these cars.

So the Boxster Coupe would serve the dual purposes of street and track driving fun well, but then the M3 is a track car already and wouldn't I want a slightly more 'relaxed' car? That's my dilemma...

GrantG

The AM and the Gransport are not really well suited to the track (too heavy and soft) - but the Boxster Coupe Club Sport would be perfect dual-purpose car!