The 981 Boxster and Cayman are gaining new model lines almost as quickly as the 991 is. The defining characteristic of the different models is horsepower. The standard ‘base’ car has 265 horses (275 in the Cayman), there’s the S we all know and love with 315 (325 in the Cayman), and the new 330 horsepower GTS (340 in the Cayman), which continues to have praise heaped upon it. In certain markets, however, Porsche is introducing the “211”, which is a sub-base model with, you guessed it, 211 horsepower in both the Boxster and Cayman.
Both cars have already appeared on Porsche’s regional websites for Norway and Belgium. The specs for both cars state that they retain the same 2.7 liter displacement of the base car, but with a more demure power rating. The loss in power increases the Boxster 211’s 0-60 times to just a tick over 6 seconds, while the base car hits 60 in as low as 5.5 seconds when equipped with PDK.
Based on the pictures Porsche is using to promote the cars, they are visually indistinguishable from a base Cayman or Boxster, and appear to offer the same wheel and tire packages, and make use of the same brakes as the base cars. Surprisingly, the 211 is the same price as a base car in Belgium, but in Norway the cars are about ten-thousand dollars less expensive.
While the change is primarily for improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions, I think this could be a great move for Porsche from a sporting dynamics perspective. In the beginning, Porsche wasn’t really about big power and zero-to-sixty sprint numbers, this is a relatively recent development in the company’s history. In the past, their cars were about the driving experience, and ultimate balance. For a nimble and agile sports car, it is my humble opinion that around 200 horsepower is “enough”. Sure, more is a lot of fun, but with fewer horses, the onus is really on the driver to get the maximum out of the car. A quick car can make anyone look like a star, but a real champion can make a slow car fast.
What do you think? If Porsche were to offer a de-contented de-tuned Boxster or Cayman over here for about eight or nine thousand dollars less, would you be willing to order one? Honestly, I think I might. Make mine a Boxster 211 with a 6-speed, please!
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View Comments (8)
"de-contented" - great idea. "de-tuned" - I hope that means better mileage. My 05 base 987 is pretty perfect for me, but the lightness of the car should translate into a 40+mpg highway. No frills inside: I don't adjust the seat, I no longer use the Nav, I do fine with virtually no options. It is the non-options that I want: excellent balance, outstanding stability, great handling, super-fine suspension. The only addition I would like is a good bluetooth connection for my phone, but that is probably old news by now.
Is it OK to cheer on my comrades who track their cars, and my heroes who race them, and sill have a daily commuter that does not get picked up in the local speed cameras?
That only makes sense with a lighter/smaller engine. To limit a powerful engine and retaining its mass makes no sense.
I feel the marketplace wants more performance/horsepower options from the Cayman/Boxster family of Porsche's, not less. In addition to a GTS, I feel a Turbo and Turbo 'S' are in order. Make it. The customers will come and the population of overall cars will expand. To de-grade an almost perfect Porsche to 211 HP, I feel is a travesty both from a brand as well as a marketing standpoint.
What's the power-to-weight ratio compared to an MX-5, and does Porsche really want to go there? A lighter hot turbo four makes more sense to me. Stay out of the options list to save money - that nine thousand dollar savings won't buy many Porsche options, will it?
Bradley,
In the other article you were dismissing an entry level Porsche with "only" 200 hp (you were wrong, the 718 would have had 280 hp) and here you are advocating a 200 hp detuned Boxster? Please make up you your mind. I am guessing you own a Boxster and you fear the value will decrease too much if a cheaper model is introduced.
Let me tell you why Porsche sells a 211 hp version here in Belgium: tax! Belgium is some kind of (fake) federation with 3 regions: Flanders (dutch spoken), Wallonia (french) and Brussels. You have to pay BIV (tax) when you buy a car. In the stupid parts of my country, this tax is still based on hp. 211 hp pays 2500 euros, anything more pays 5000 euros. Get it now? In Flanders however, this tax is based on emission. This why I pay only about 750 euro for my 2013 Cayman PDK. Which has 275 hp, thank you.
I don't have a clue about Norway, but I am guessing the price difference is also tax-based-on-hp.
Capice?
Ummm. No one knows what the 718 might have had, or will have, for an engine. It's all just speculation until confirmed by Porsche.
I have no problem with Porsche building an entry level machine. I wish they would.
As I said in reply to your other comment on that article, it doesn't make business sense for Porsche to build an entry level car right now. They're going like gangbusters, and there is no sign of slowing down.
Thank you for clearing up the tax situation, that does make sense.
Also, I do own a Boxster, but it's a 1997 and its about as depreciated as its going to get. I don't have a dog in that fight.
I placed a deposit for a firm order on the new entry level Porsche 718 with a four cylinder engine last year... and reported to sell for $40,000-$45,000...........Porsche has killed this option which is a disappointment.
I hope the Cayman gets a four cylinder motor instead of a detuned six cylinder motor. I would buy one at this affordable price range for many car buyers......... the 911 is no longer affordable except for a few.
Guess I will keep driving my Jaguar XK........... I would like to see more Porsche products and less rumors.
A 80 year old former Porsche owner.. starting with a 1955 Porsche Continental 356, plus two 911's