How the Boxster became Porsche’s most beloved car Over the years, some enthusiasts have felt that the 911 lost that magic that once made it special. It became too heavy, too technical, and too powerful to remain the thoroughbred it once was. Porsche’s answer was the Boxster, a smaller, lighter, and rawer, mid-engine cabriolet to recapture that missing magic. For 25 years, it’s ruled the entry-level sports car segment. It was sharper and more tactful than numb cruisers like the Z4 or SLK yet way more refined and usable than Lotus or Alpine’s cars that tended to fall apart. Enthusiasts have raved about its sharp and delicate handling, indulged themselves in its roaring flat–6 engine, and found themselves often choosing it and its hard-top sibling, the Cayman, as the best Porsche, over the 911. Sadly, last year saw the arrival of the 718 RS Spyder: a 500-horsepower, 1.4-tonne, 9000rpm screaming flat–6 swansong for the petrol-powered Boxster. We’ve known for ages that the new Boxster will be all-electric, and these spy shots have teased what we can expect. Is it still the world's best driver's car, or has going electric ruined it? What we know from spy shots Spy shots don’t reveal much detail, but there’s enough to speculate on. The new Boxster’s profile is unmistakably Porsche, resembling the 718, which looks similar to the older 981, which looked like the 987, which in turn was identical to the 986. Porsche’s designers once again believe in maintaining that same profile. A tent-pitched roof on top of a car that looks the similar side on from both front and rear. Look closer, though, and you’ll see influences from the 2021 Porsche Mission R concept. The new Boxster shares the same headlights, front fascia, and rear profile. The big surprise is the large front grille, unusual for an EV. And while many cars are growing larger, the new Boxster remains resolutely little. The biggest change for the new Boxster is the sound—or rather, the complete lack of it. Gone is that blaring flat–6, and in its place is total silence, minus the occasional squeal from the tires. The best driver’s car in the world has now entered the EV era. The new Boxster will likely have an electric motor at each wheel, making it all-wheel drive for the first time. And while its size remains compact, you can bet it’s gained some serious weight from the electric motors (at least 500 kg). Why the Boxster has gone electric Porsche plans for 80% of its lineup to go fully electric, and it was down to either the 911 or the Boxster to go fully electric. Naturally, the 911’s iconic status made it untouchable, so the Boxster drew the short straw. CEO Oliver Blume only confirmed this, stating all future 718s would be exclusively electric. It’s not alone, though. Lotus’s new Theory 1 concept shows that the Emira’s replacement will be all-electric, and the same for Alpine’s next A110. Somehow, manufacturers believe that true driving pleasure involves electricity. Pros and cons of going electric The big pro? This Boxster will be fast. Expect at least 550–600 horsepower, with 0-62 mph in around 3 seconds. With all-wheel drive and a low center of gravity, it’ll grip and slingshot through corners like a Nissan GT-R. And a Cayman variant, likely to come later, will be even better in this regard. But the added weight from the electric motors could dull the sharp, responsive handling the Boxster was adored for. And without that iconic flat-6 soundtrack, the soul of the Boxster seems gone. Also, why make a roadster electric? Half the fun of having no roof is indulging in the soundtrack. What happens when there’s no sound to enjoy? A great car but not a Boxster? Porsche has always exceeded expectations, so no doubt this new Boxster will likely be exceptional. But until more details emerge, one thing seems clear: this isn’t the same Boxster we’ve loved for 25 years. Yet, if any brand can redefine expectations, it’s Porsche. We here at F1rstMotors look forward to conducting a thorough test of the new Boxster to see if that spirit has truly gone. Source: CarSpyMedia
