Swing behind the wheel of a Porsche and you expect top-of-the-line performance, handling, and build quality, and that's certainly what you get in the Boxster S. (See slide show.)
The mid-mounted 3.2-liter water-cooled six sits just a few inches behind the driver's head, making all the right noises as it easily revs near and to the red line. The S model packs, at 280 horsepower, 40 more ponies than the basic Boxster. Zero to 60 comes up in about six seconds, and the car doesn't feel like it's breaking sweat.
Our test car had the optional Tiptronic shift with gearshift buttons on the steering wheel. It all worked very well, but there were moments when we wished we'd had the 6-speed manual at our disposal.
Handling is such an easy endeavor that it's only a slight exaggeration when your brain thinks, "Gee, I thought there used to be a corner back there." Some testers have pulled a 1-G on skid pads with this car, and we have no reason to doubt that. Add the superb handling to the easy acceleration and you have one fun car, no doubt!
Full review here