Porsche Boxster Ultimate Test: Complete three-part review

DESIGN
Debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, the Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder represents the latest iteration of Porsche's entry-level car. Based on the more powerful Boxster S, the RS60 Spyder is essentially an anniversary present from Porsche to... Porsche.

While it may be new, this Boxster variant takes us back to the 1960s and to Porsche's successes in its early sportscar racing days. The car borrows part of its name from the car nicknamed "Giant Killer": the Type 718 RS60 Spyder. That famous racing Porsche earned its name by beating many cars with significantly larger engines to win the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring.

So, what exactly do you get over a standard Boxster S?

The exterior changes amount to a new two-piece front spoiler, which adds a bit of aggression to the otherwise soft-shaped Boxster. There are taillight lenses that are entirely red instead of the standard items with their white reverse lamps. The windshield surround has gone from body color to a blacked-out finish - again adding a touch of aggression and helping to make the windshield seem smaller, like that of the original Type 718 RS60 Spyder.

Model specific 19-inch wheels continue the aggressive trend as they sit more flush to the body due to wheel hub spacers. And finally, there's a sport exhaust system with two large diameter pipes exiting at the center of the rear bumper. Having not heard the exhaust note of the original 1960 racecar, I can't comment on how similar they may sound, but I can tell you that the Boxster RS60 Spyder makes an awesome sound when in "sport" mode.

To be honest, these changes are pretty subtle, and just barely enough to separate the RS60 Spyder from lesser Boxsters, although they do give this limited edition car a little bit more attitude.

All this for $64,900, $9200 premium over the standard Boxster S. So, is it worth it? From a design standpoint, it's difficult to justify the extra cost. The standard car is equally good-looking and can also be had with 19-inch wheels. But when you consider the collectability of this special edition, and the fact that only 1960 will be built, and out of those only 800 will come to the U.S., it's a little easier to justify the added cost, especially if collectability is something that is important to you. If not, it's hard to argue against the "regular" Boxster S.

Beyond its rarity, the Porsche RS60 Spyder offers the classic good looks of the Boxster S, with the special bits adding a little more personality. And while the basic Boxster shape may be getting a bit dated, the RS60 Spyder is still handsome enough with its GT Silver paint and gorgeous red interior to turn heads everywhere it goes.

INTERIOR & USER EXPERIENCE
The only real criticism aimed at Porsche's original Boxster model centered on the cars interior - specifically, its materials' quality and finish. These well-aimed criticisms were rectified in the second generation Boxster that was introduced in 2005. It is this car that the RS60 Spyder is based on, and the quality of its interior is without question.

The first thing you'll notice when you swing open the door of the new Porsche RS60 Spyder and sit inside its cabin is... RED. It's the signature interior color of this commemorative model sand it's matched with a GT Silver exterior. Many people might shy away from an all red interior - it does sound a bit garish - but in actuality, it is incredible.

Red leather covers the dash, doors, seats and just about everything else in the RS60 Spyder. Thankfully, it's not a retina-searing red, but a deep, slightly dark shade that is a throwback to that classic color combination from the 1960s.

Color aside, the quality and craftsmanship of the interior is very impressive. Everything from the door pulls, to the shifter, to the surprisingly thin-rimmed steering wheel feels just right. Even the smell of all that leather has an expensive quality that makes the RS60 Spyder feel like the limited production car it is. Porsche has really nailed it with this interior, as you can't help but feel you’re driving something special.

But just in case you need reminding, there are a couple of bits inside the cabin that do just that. For starters, there's the plaque on the glovebox telling you you're driving one of only 1960 cars. You'll also notice the aluminum doorsill panels with "RS60 Spyder" scripted on them. A less successful element is the over-designed and busy-looking shift knob - at least its linkage works incredibly well. Lastly, part of the center console is painted GT Silver to match the exterior, as is the gauge cover.

A surprising element with regards to livability is that there's a lot more stowage space in the RS60 Spyder than you might expect given its mid-engine layout. The rear trunk is shallow, but there's also a deeper trunk in the front. Combined, these two storage compartments should give you plenty of space for a quick weekend getaway.

One questionable move made by Porsche in the interior of the RS60 Spyder, is the removal of the hood that covered the instrument binnacles. It does look good to see the gauges uncovered, and it helps to differentiate this special edition Boxster from lesser models. But with the cover to the gauges painted silver, the resulting reflection on the windshield can become irritating.

If the red interior and red top are too much for you, you can opt for a dark gray interior with a black top. But since you only live once, I'd say, "live a little... GO RED!" It's rich and a little decadent, but don't you deserve it?

PERFORMANCE
Built to celebrate the Type 718 RS60 - the car that won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1960 - the Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder draws inspiration from the past, but its performance is very much contemporary.

Based on the Boxster S, this commemorative version RS60 adds a few extra bits to help justify the added cost over the standard car.

The flat six engine maintains its 3.4 liter displacement, but adds eight horsepower over the normal Boxster S through a new exhaust system with bypass valves actuated by the Sport button. Now, many cars today have sports buttons, but most of them do nothing more than sharpen the throttle to nearly un-drivable levels. Press the Sport button in the RS60, however, and this car responds by pressing your buttons right back. Your "fun" button. Your "don't wanna stop driving it" button. And most definitely your "aural delight" button. This thing sounds as if it just came off the grid at the 12 Hours of Sebring. The higher you rev it, the better it sounds.

Besides transforming the sound from great to OHMYGOD, the added horsepower from that sport exhaust brings the grand total to 303 - the most available in a Boxster. According to Porsche, the acceleration to 60 mph remains at 5.1 seconds, but the car's top speed climbs a bit to a full 170 mph.

Now, a couple of other things happen when you press that sport button. First, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system switches to a mode so unyielding it pounds every road irregularity into your backside. And yes, that's as unpleasant as it sounds. Do yourself a favor and press the button with the shock absorber icon next to the sport button to reset the suspension to normal.

The other thing that happens is that the throttle mapping changes, making the throttle pedal more sensitive. I prefer the longer travel of the normal throttle map, but the sport setting isn't bad at all.

The sport mode of the PASM system is really only useful on smooth racetracks given its over-the-top stiffness. In the normal mode, however, there's a wider range of compliance and still tons of grip. The car soaks up everything the road throws at it, inspiring great driver confidence with the balance and composure offered by the mid-engined layout.

There is so much traction that you really have to be committed to throw this thing sideways through the twisties. It'll do it, but it really seems to prefer the proper path through a corner. If you still need to go through the turns door-handle-first, you might want to opt for the limited slip differential.

Now, we can't wrap-up a review of a Porsche's dynamics without mentioning the brakes. Just as we've experienced with past Porsche efforts, the braking performance of the Boxster RS60 Spyder is nothing short of phenomenal. The balance provided by the mid-engined layout works its wonders here once again. Not only does the car scrub speed impressively quickly and with great stability, it does so while communicating to the driver through the brake pedal and through the steering wheel.

There's good reason for the rave reviews Porsches get from just about everyone who tests them. The cars are simply great to drive. The Boxster, even this special-edition S, may not be the fastest car, or the one with the most power, or the one with the biggest tires, but it just doesn't matter. It's a car that makes you grin from ear to ear with its responses, its sound and the quality of the entire experience. From the firm brake pedal, to the steering that communicates in that trademark Porsche style, these cars really make you think that maybe there really is no substitute.

Watch the video

Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder

Performance
- Acceleration: Impressively quick, and a sound straight from the Mulsanne straight
- Handling: Impressive amounts of grip - mid-engine balance
- Braking: Impressive power from the steel brakes - proves that you don't need expensive ceramics

Design
- Exterior: Getting a bit dated - still very clean and correct - the right size for a Porsche
- Interior: Impressive build quality - gorgeous red leather feels ultra-special

Utility
- Comfort: Impressive ride comfort as long as you don't use the "sport" PASM - great seats
- Space: Impressive amount of storage with two trunks

Safety
- Dynamics: Moves that allow you to proactively avoid whatever comes at you
- Technology: All you need in an impressively rigid chassis, especially for a convertible

Value
- Price: Tough to argue against the "regular" Boxster S and its $9k "discount" compared to this car
- Mileage: Light weight (relatively speaking) and six cylinders deliver the best of both worlds

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Impressively addictive - once you drive it, you won't look at it the same way - a true P-car
- Fun to spank: Impressive sound - impressive handling - impressive brakes - yeah, I'm impressed.

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Mid engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.4 liter, Horizontally opposed 6 cylinder
Power (SAE): 303 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 251 lbs-ft @ 4400 rpm
Redline: 7300 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed manual
Curb Weight: 2987 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.1 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.4 sec.
Top Speed: 170 mph
Mileage: 18 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $64,900
Competitors: BMW Z4 M Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, Porsche Boxster S