Sunday, 19 April 2020

Porsche 718 Boxster Review (2019)




The Porsche 718 Boxster (yes, it used to just be the Boxster), is the German company鈥檚 mid-engined two-seat roadster that鈥檚 all about driving thrills. Rivals include the Audi TT Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLC and entry-level versions of the Jaguar F-Type. There are chassis changes, new body panels and an updated interior with a much-improved touchscreen infotainment system, but the big news relates to the engines. Gone are the old 2.7 Boxster and 3.4-litre Boxster S flat-six-cylinder motors, replaced by a pair of flat-four turbos mounted behind the driver. The Boxster has never had anything but six-cylinder power since its introduction 20 years ago, so Porsche is dusting off its historically important 718 naming to legitimise the new engines. It references a four-cylinder roadster that raced with success in the 1950s and 鈥?0s. Sadly, the Boxster has lost an integral part of its character along with those two extra cylinders. These are, however, technically impressive engines, both are keen to rev and the 718 Boxster S disguises turbo lag ably. They are also more powerful and efficient (on paper) than the larger six-cylinder units. In real-world conditions, however, even engineers admit fuel economy is likely to be similar between the two generations.





Despite our grumbles over the new engines, the Boxster continues to be the benchmark driver鈥檚 car in this segment: its steering is fast and precise, and the mid-engined chassis is both agile and incredibly forgiving. It feels far more exotic to drive than its relatively affordable price suggests (unless you go wild with the extensive options list). Both versions feel like performance cars, but the S is a very quick car. You can get both models with a beautifully tactile six-speed manual transmission, or a dual-clutch PDK automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The PDK offers faster gearshifts, but also improves fuel economy on paper. While some rivals favour a folding hardtop - literally a solid metal roof that folds away into the luggage compartment - Porsche has stuck with a simpler fabric roof. It has the advantages of lowering and raising much faster, and is capable of doing so while the vehicle is moving at speeds approaching 40mph. And unlike folding hardtops, the fabric roof does not eat into luggage space when stowed. It鈥檚 a key tenet of this versatile sports car鈥檚 enduring appeal. In December 2018 Porsche announced the 718 Boxster T, which follows the blueprint of the 911 T by offering much higher performance but without the bodykit you'd usually expect from a faster model. You've got the option of a six-speed manual or a PDK automatic gearbox, while the standard car comes with a no-cost option to delete the stereo head unit. Sports seats and special T badging completes the package.





Irrespective of being a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran, it is always an intrinsic task to decide whether you should opt for a brand-new luxury car or a pre-owned luxury car. Brand new cars have the latest style, technology, features and many more, but are they really the best option for you as per your budget? Now, let's explore some of the reasons why opting for a pre-owned luxury car is the perfect decision. The average value of a pre-owned luxury car is way lower than that of a brand-new car. This means that you have to pay fewer taxes on a lower-priced car and it's also more affordable to insure them. However, take note of the car's mileage so that it will give a fair idea on how much distance the car has covered. If you are thinking that used luxury cars like a pre-owned Range Rover or a pre-owned BMW will not last long, then you are mistaken. Cars that are serviced and maintained at regular intervals offer the same performance as that of a brand-new one. These are just some of the reasons that tempt customers to purchase used luxury cars in Dubai. To have an enjoyable and stress-free car buying experience, used car specialists advise dealing only with any of the leading car dealers in Dubai. The great thing is that topnotch dealers provide approved finance options to ensure the convenience of their valued customers. What's more, if you're lucky enough, you can also find the best deals, discounts and special offers. This is why it is important to shop around in your area before making the final decision to seal the deal. Are you dreaming to take your journey to a new level? Well, think about the luxury car that suits your vibe, choose the right dealership and the rest will follow.





Porsche has taken the wraps off a very good-looking variation of the 992 911: meet the 911 Cabrio. The new 911 Cabriolet uses an automatic soft top sitting on a magnesium structure that needs just 12 seconds to open or close at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) thanks to a new hydraulic mechanism. For now, the new Porsche 911 Cabriolet can be had in Carrera S guise (rear-wheel drive) or Carrera 4S (all-wheel drive). Regardless of what you pick, Porsche provides a turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with 331 kW (450 PS, 444 hp) on tap @ 6,500 rpm and 530 Nm (390 lb-ft) @ 2,300-5,000 rpm. The Carrera 4S has a top speed of 304 km/h (188 mph) and can clear the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) interval in 3.8 seconds (3.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package). As a first, Porsche is offering the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) setup on a 911 Cabriolet. The chassis has also been lowered by 10 mm.





The 2019 Speedster is based on the track-focused 911 GT3 and Porsche has been diligent in saving weight. The company has even deleted the air conditioning, although it can be reinstated as a no-cost option. Various body parts are made of carbon fiber or composite materials, while door pockets are replaced by storage nets. Even keeping the gears to six speeds instead of seven saves around nine pounds. Total curb weight is 3,230 pounds. What Kind of Performance Are We Looking At? According to the manufacturer, the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is capable of sprinting from 0-to-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 192 mph. Handling is enhanced by a rear-wheel steering system and dynamic engine mounts. Behind those black-finished, 20-in, center lock alloy wheels are carbon ceramic brake discs. They're extremely fade-resistant and weigh about 50 pounds less than their cast iron counterparts. When Will It Be Available and How Much Will It Cost? Here's another nod to Porsche heritage: this will be a limited run of 1,948 units worldwide. The reasoning behind that number comes from the year in which the original Porsche sports car, the 356, made its official debut. This car will no doubt become highly collectable. So unless buyers are quick to act, the 2019 911 Speedster may never be available.