The Porsche Boxster's standard convertible top is power-operated. When the top is down, you can stretch a wind deflector between the upper seatbacks to minimize interior buffeting. It's a $365 option we recommend. Porsche also offers a $2,295 removable hardtop option that includes a rear window defogger; it's useful for harsh winter weather and driving through the mean streets.

Although the seats in the basic car have leather inserts, you can spread more cowhide around the interior with the leather interior package ($1,990) or spring for special leather ($2,370). Other optional interior amenities: a trip computer ($449), Hi-Fi Sound System with six speakers and four-channel amplifier ($600), headlight washers ($224), cruise control ($550). All of the foregoing makes it clear to us that option shopping is something to approach carefully with this new Porsche.

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Luggage space is apportioned between fore and aft compartments, and is surprisingly good for a small two-seater. Getting at the engine, however, is another story. Although you can get to fluid reservoirs readily enough, access to the engine itself comes from below.

Our Porsche Boxster S splashed through near hurricane conditions, but felt safe and secure as we pushed slowly through dense fog along the ridgeline of Virginia's Skyline Drive. With visibility reduced to 50 feet, we plodded comfortably along at 30-35 mph. On the far side of the mountains, we picked our way through traffic and flew west toward Summit Point Raceway near Charles Town, West Virginia.
This exercise highlighted the Porsche Boxster's impressive grip in the wet. At first, I was tentative on West Virginia's narrow roads, braking, then accelerating gently out of the tight corners to avoid wheel spin and a possible spin. Gradually I grew confident of the excellent brakes and surprisingly good grip. Then I became aware of how well the traction control worked and discovered it's difficult to make a mistake in this car. You can apply the throttle aggressively in a slippery turn and the traction control will prevent a spin. (Of course, you can still push off the end of the turn, but common sense should prevent this.) Picking our way through traffic in the rain, we seemed to be in another class altogether. More than a machine, this car became an extension of my being. A few laps on a flooded racetrack confirmed that the Porsche Boxster is one sure-footed sports car.

As much as we liked the original Porsche Boxster, the Boxster S offers a signifi-cantly better driving experience in every area. First of all, it's got a lot more power, but it also revs much more freely. Where the Boxster feels strained, the Boxster S feels robust. The Boxster's belt whine at low rpm does not seem present in the Boxster S. Both engines sound wonderful at high rpm, generating a classic Porsche sound similar to that of the 911 and Porsche race cars. The Porsche Boxster S develops 85 percent of its peak torque at just 2000 rpm, providing outstanding throttle response. While the Boxster will dash from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, the Porsche Boxster S performs this same feat in just 5.4 seconds. Top speed is estimated to 155 mph in the Boxster.
But the real fun here is this car's precise response to driver commands. Mid-engine balance, an excellent chassis, and firm suspension tuning add up to a level of agility and stability that seems a cut above the Boxster's key competitors. There's not a hint of wrestling to guide this agile newcomer down to the apex of a fast turn. It seems to anticipate the driver's intentions without a hint of hesitation or uncertainty. The ride quality is firm, but that adds to its appeal.

There's no question the Boxsters have plenty of competition: Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW Z3, Honda S2000, Chevrolet Corvette, Audi's upcoming TT roadster, but the Porsche is arguably the best of these in pure sports car terms. The Porsche Boxster is an almost flawless sports car. It looks great and it sounds great. It provides a wonderful driving experience. And it has its own persona.
The price differential is large, but with its superior dynamic capabilities and general improved feel, the Boxster S is a big step up from the standard version. In short, the Porsche Boxster S is just a fantastic sports car by every measure.