Porsche is arguably the sports car manufacturer making the most of the energy transition. With a range of SUVs (Cayenne and Macan, its best sellers) now mostly hybrids, like the Panamera saloon, a 100% electric model, the Taycan, which is a real commercial success (41,200 models sold last year, a figure that doubled in 2 years, now more sold than the iconic 911!), 2 new 100% electric models in preparation, the proof is here, Porsche has gone green with profit. And that’s not counting his research on synthetic fuels, which is also promising…
The historical segment of “pure sports” remains to be electric. A delicate task for a manufacturer whose customers remain deeply attached to the internal combustion engine and the allure of the flat 6-cylinder engines, emblematic of the brand. A difficult first step was taken a few years ago with turbocharging, a source of savings and efficiency for engines still difficult to manufacture that consume less fuel and emit CO2.
Porsche: the successes of the permanent revolution
But it is inevitable, the next generation of the 911 will be a hybrid and the little 718 Boxster/Cayman will have to start too. After all, electrification is part of the DNA of Porsche… which was the first manufacturer, in 2011, to develop a plug-in hybrid supercar, the incredible 918 Spyder.
We will therefore have to take advantage of this 100% thermal Boxster while there is still time! And for once, this 25th anniversary special edition is already a collector’s item in more ways than one.
He’s already celebrating Porsche’s undeniable ability to gain market share by “shaking up” its own clientele. This manufacturer of sports and racing cars, originally focused mainly on the manufacture of the famous 911, has managed, however, for several decades, to impose a true diversification within its own range, even if it means surprising its traditional clientele: 4 – displacement models, Grand Touring V8, sedans, SUVs, now electrification… and always with success and profitability! A true marketing lesson.
The strong point: an exclusive and evocative model
The Boxster/Cayman also followed this logic and was originally intended to further expand the sporty clientele on the side of lighter car enthusiasts. An initiative that at the time puzzled fans of the brand, confused by the adoption of a small chassis with a central rear engine. And yet…
Success there again. Mayonnaise takes hold, and the Boxster signs a brilliant career, selling around ten thousand copies a year… taking up the basic recipe that had made the success of the 914 (built with Volkswagen), and beyond us of the 550, infamous for eliminating James Dean.
Porsche introduced the original Boxster concept car in 1993, and the commemorative test version reproduces exactly, and in every detail, the specific features of the concept car: unique metallic gray colour, characteristic red upholstery, front air intakes, gold-color highlighted side panels and special details. matching rims… This very limited edition (1,250 units, no more) is not lacking in style and is totally different from the production Boxsters.
A real “old-fashioned” machine
Climbing aboard requires some contortion, but once settled in, we really like the comfort of the seats and the feeling of being ‘wrapped up’, with all the controls within easy reach. Interior trim has always been top notch at Porsche, but here it takes on an even greater dimension with this extraordinary red upholstery with very fine stitching, brushed aluminum veneers and some ‘antique’ details that make this car really stand out. of time, a clock-hand stopwatch, a slightly retro-looking Bose audio infotainment system (with a CD player, it’s becoming a rarity!), and even an actual cigarette lighter (yet more).
Of course, the pleasure of the senses begins with the ignition of the engine, using a fixed key to the left of the steering wheel. And happily we rediscover the distinctive melody of the 6-cylinder boxer engine, typical of the brand. 4 litre, fully atmospheric, 400 horsepower… Located behind the seats, it is still difficult to access but its presence there and its incredible sound really give the impression of being one with the car.
Furthermore, it should be noted that thanks to this layout, the Boxster benefits from 2 luggage compartments, one at the front (small but tall) and one behind the engine, wider and longer, at the aft end. With a combined capacity of 280 liters, these 2 accommodations are far from ridiculous and will allow you to carry the equivalent of 2 large sports bags or even a little more, enough to calmly consider a weekend for two, even one! short week! The only limitation: if you go shopping, avoid the fresh produce in the back, too close to the engine.
Extraordinary dynamism and lightness
It’s hard to describe the totally exhilarating driving and riding sensations aboard the Boxster. As comfortable to sail with the wind in your hair (the power top takes 7-8 seconds to open and lock) as it is to charge hard, the machine delights with impressive, direct acceleration, thanks to the non-turbo engine, but not necessarily wild. (4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h). Plus, you don’t have to go faster to take advantage of the dynamism, precision and rigor of this lightweight chassis, which reaches some pretty insane turning speeds.
Moreover, if modern cars tend to gain weight from generation to generation due to soundproofing and safety, this is not the case with the Boxster, which in 25 years will have carried only 200 kilos (the 911 has weighed more than half a ton since 1964). !).
Driving pleasure is immense, distilled by a truly flawless engine, backed up by an absolutely formidable PDK automatic gearbox (for purists, this 25-year-old edition is also available with an excellent manual gearbox!). Finally, road holding is proverbial and excellent braking. Each trip becomes a real pleasure for those who appreciate beautiful mechanics and good sensations.
The pimple: malus horribilis
Are there any defects to report? That yes, a fuel consumption that will fight to lower than 15 l/100 km in the city, and CO2 emissions of 230 g/km, which makes the machine worthy of an absolutely diabolical penalty of… 40,000 euros ( and even 50 next year). But customers of this type of model have already made up their minds to pay the price of a very nice 2nd car to access it…
Otherwise, forcing a bit, could evoke a certain heaviness in the steering at very low speed, an unpleasant sensation accentuated by a very large turning radius (11 meters). It takes a bit of caution to maneuver, but help comes quickly and this Boxster is surprisingly easy to live with on a day-to-day basis. In addition, its cushioning, although firm, manages to digest bumps and potholes with flexibility. A really successful balance.
In the end, this 25-year-old Boxster brings together two collector’s items in one model. It is undoubtedly one of the last 100% thermal and 100% atmospheric Porsches, a symbol of the historical page that is about to be turned, while celebrating all the qualities of a car that, despite its uncertain beginnings, imposes as a model of rigor, lightness, sportsmanship and dynamism, maintaining a minimum of practicality. Addictive as hell.
Our test model: Porsche 718 Boxster Edition 25 years – price 110,970 euros.
Source: BFM TV
