Just curious what you guys think is taking so long (besides the Cayenne's R/D) in making a 986 Turbo? For pete's sake, the Boxster has been around since '96, and now nearly 7 years later we still have yet to see a Turbo. When the 944 came out it only took a couple years to sell a Turbo, and R/D was already taking place before even 83.

So what gives? Personally, I think a 986 Turbo would really sell, but probably more so then the base 911 which is probably why they aren't doing it (repeat of the 944 Turbo). I've hear many times they are going to keep the Boxster as long as there is Porsche, supposidly, and if that's the case they won't be able to kill it like they did the 944 Turbo and how they never really sold a 968 Turbo, since that would have trounced the base 911 in performance and sales.

I think the Boxster is a great Porsche. Personally I think they captured the 550 spirit very well. Just would like to see a Turbo.

Have a good day!

-Matt

 

The problem is that both the base 911 and base Boxster are underpowered. For what Porsche is charging for these cars, performance wise, the base Boxster should put down roughly what the current base 911 has, and the current base 911 should be leaps and bounds ahead of that.

If they really beefed the 911 (as they should), a 986 Turbo wouldn't be a problem.

And then new Porsche owners would no longer have to worry about Tiburons and ZO6's showing them up.

 

in 1999. Porsche was already track testing a turbo based onthe 2.7L engine. Because demand for the Boxster is still so high. The Turbo was shelved. I think the only way a turbo will be seen is if everyone stops buying the current Boxsters.

 

I don't believe that Boxster demographics would justify the engineering. Why is there a need for the complexity of the turbo? It is already a vastly superior well made car with more then enough power for even the most demanding street situations, and if you want to make it a track car -- why not do whatever you want to do with it? I can see it now $95,000 entry level Turbo Boxster? Personally I like the 3.4, or 3.6 alternative.

VIR next weekend anyone?

 

I agree with Alan, no need for a turbo. Just shoehorn a nice 3.6L behind the seats of the Boxster and watch that baby go!

Richard
'87 Carrera-3.6L

 

There are number of tuning companies and one manufacturer (RUF) who have designed, built and sold turbocharged Boxters. I think Gemballa put out the first TT Boxster. I remember it won some awards back in 1999.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

 

no need for turbo boxsters????my a$$

<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

could be a decent track car given some mods....

take the crown away from the 911...

should make a 350hp turbo boxster (limited edition)....boxster needs top get rid of girlie/*****/poser/cheap porsche tag....

350hp in a 1100kg boxster would certainly do that....

 

I have been thinking about this very issue for a while now: i.e., when the first blush of excitement about the existing power in a car (say, a Boxster S) wears off and it begins to seem "normal", there is always a thirst for a little more. This happened with my 911 before it, and every other performance cars I have ever owned. It never ends - almost like an addiction. I have a good friend with a '96 993 TT AND a Ferrari 360 Modena (imagine having them side by side in YOUR garage) and he also has the problem.

At the same time, society is becoming increasingly less tolerant of speeding or certainly any kind of street racing (especially the kind seen in the Fast and the Furious). Fines are increasing and I certainly don't want to be involved in a traffic incident and lose my license (or worse). Tracking the car is not for everyone, and even if you do go to the track, this is not an everyday occurrance.

I have been trying to refocus on driving my car swiftly, but safely, in everyday situations. Within the confines of the speed limits as best I can. Winding country roads satisfy most of my needs and while a Turbo rush might be nice now and then, it is delighting in the ability to drive a car that is "on rails" that is a thrill.

I believe Porsche will never let the factory built Boxster exceed the performance of the 911 - in any form - as a matter of corporate policy. Therefore, when I feel I want to do the Turbo thing, I have the choice of going to the 911TT which is a different driving expereince anyways, as it should be.

See this link for more insight:<a href="http://www.roadandtrack.com/columns/on_the_road/articleDisplay.asp?articleID=154&page=7" target="_blank">Boxster S versus 911 Twin Turbo</a>

 

Autocar - An English car mag has pictures of what it claims is the new Boxster turbo.

It says 'smaller audi sourced engined' Cayenne and a Boxster Turbo will be added to the model line up in 2004.

 

[quote]Originally posted by craigg:
<strong>

I believe Porsche will never let the factory built Boxster exceed the performance of the 911 - in any form - as a matter of corporate policy. Therefore, when I feel I want to do the Turbo thing, I have the choice of going to the 911TT which is a different driving expereince anyways, as it should be.

See this link for more insight:<a href="http://www.roadandtrack.com/columns/on_the_road/articleDisplay.asp?articleID=154&page=7" target="_blank">Boxster S versus 911 Twin Turbo</a></strong><hr></blockquote>

Interesting article, thanks for sending. One point of interest though, the Boxster S already exceeds the 911 in performance. If you compare 2 equally equipped cars. What I mean by that is compare the first 911 with a 3.2, the 1984 911 vs. the first Boxster with a 3.2, the 2000 Boxster S and you'll see the Boxster S wins every performance category hands down.

Of course no one is making that comparison, everyone compares the Boxster to the current 911 or Twin Turbo, in which case you are correct, the Boxster doesn't win the performance comparison.

It's all a matter of image...

 

but still....

a factory limited edition lightweight 350hp turbo boxster would shut many people up....

it would give the boxster serious street credit... <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

im doing it anyway so ill make my own street credit

 

I agree,Ken, however, the "not better, but different" factor should not be underestimated.

My 1984 911 3.2, which has, by varying accounts, somewhere between 201HP, 217 HP and 231HP (depends on what book you read and where it was built for - catalytics and all that jazz) FEELS more aggressive and acceleration pull is far more noticible from 3-5,000 RPM that the S, which would actually blow the 911 out of the water from 0 to 60 (or 100, or whatever). This doesn't take into account the shifter which is quite challenging on the 911 and is very nice on the S. The point is, the 911 FEELS faster in acceleration. Even now. But it's not!

I say its the journey and not the destination that is exciting.

 

Craigg,

I fully agree, in fact I am considering buying a 1984 911 Targa as I found one near me for $8K. What can you tell me about them and what should I look for when I look over the car next week? (I'm also going to have it taken to a local Porsche shop for inspection).

Thanks,
Ken

ps. With Blizzaks on it, does it make a good winter car?

 

Mine has never seen snow under it - but I would think they are quite good because of the weight on the rear. Comments are as follows:

Areas to watch are the G15 tranny - especially 1st gear synchros and the transition to 2nd. A/C is a pain. Oil leaks should be watched but if there is a little sweating on the gasket that connects the split case, that's ok. The engine management system - FI and such - are very good but the distributer can get humidity inside at this time of year and cause misfiring.

All in all, '84 - 86 are great years except for the tranny. Body should not have much rust because they are galvanized. Heating is quite good. Parts are easy to get and plentiful.

 

Oh, and I forgot a big deal for the Targa...

The Targa roof and seals will likely be a mess unless rebuilt (if not a mess, then count your blessings!) This can be fixed up as new for about $500 by a guy in New Jersey. Do a google search on Porsche Targa Roof repair and you'll find him. Also the 911 board will know him.