Touring in the Boxster – New Discoveries

The other day, I went on a tour with my 981 Boxster GTS after quite some time.
Having had the chance to drive various Porsches, I was reminded once again of the unique charm of touring in the Boxster. During this trip, I found myself deeply reflecting on the question, “What makes a Porsche truly enjoyable?” and decided to share my thoughts in this article.

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On long-distance tours centered around winding roads, the Boxster’s appeal really stands out. Compared to other models like the 911 or Cayman, there were many moments when I felt, “It just has to be this car.” This time, I want to delve into the reasons why.

The Music of the Naturally Aspirated Engine

The foremost charm of the 981 Boxster is the exhilarating sound produced by its naturally aspirated (NA) engine.

The torque response feels directly connected to the driver’s input, communicating the driver’s intentions to the car in a very immediate way. Unlike turbo engines found in the 718 Cayman or 992 911, it doesn’t surge forward abruptly with just a slight press of the accelerator. Instead, the speed builds smoothly in proportion to how much you open the throttle, which feels wonderfully natural.

Even when holding 2nd or 3rd gear fixed, acceleration isn’t too sharp nor does the speed get out of hand. The engine sings a beautiful exhaust note, delivering a crisp, harmonious sound. Simply climbing mountain roads with light-footed agility transports the driver to a blissful world.

The Joy of Open-Air Driving

One of the Boxster’s defining features is its retractable roof, which doubles the joy of driving. Opening the roof enhances the appeal of the engine’s sound. While the deep bass reverberating inside the cabin is wonderful, hearing the raw engine and exhaust notes in the open air is truly special.

Moreover, you can directly feel the outside air, scents, and sunlight as you drive. This is a unique pleasure that closed-body cars can never offer—an open-top car’s special charm. Driving while immersed in nature’s embrace is undoubtedly one of the greatest moments for any Porsche enthusiast.

Well-Balanced Performance

Compared to the latest Porsche models, the 981 Boxster’s responses are somewhat milder, with a certain “softness” to its character. However, this trait creates a supple chassis that enhances the fun on winding roads. It’s not just about precise steering response; the ability to control the car’s behavior through throttle input is a major attraction.

Even at everyday road speeds, you can enjoy a dialogue with the car, which is a hallmark of Porsches from this era. While the pinpoint precision of the latest models is impressive, the 981 Boxster’s ability to bring out the driver’s skill and create a sense of unity with the car is truly special.

During this tour, I tackled the winding roads around Mount Ontake.
The 981 Boxster offers a moderate ride height and excellent comfort, allowing it to handle uneven roads and minor bumps without worry. This is something that low-riding models like the GT3 find challenging.

When I toured in a GT3 before, I had to be very cautious about road surface irregularities and bumps when increasing speed to enjoy the engine sound. The ride height would drop under braking, and I often worried about scraping the front spoiler. This meant carefully choosing routes and constantly monitoring road conditions.

In contrast, regular models like the 981 Boxster allow you to drive freely on any road without hesitation. This lets you focus on communicating with the car and fully enjoy pure driving pleasure. For Porsche owners, there is no greater luxury than this.

Not just the Boxster, but experiencing an early morning run on winding roads in an open-top car is a blissful moment every Porsche driver should experience at least once. The exhilarating feeling of rushing through nature combined with the unity between car and driver creates a magic that words can hardly capture.

My ideal Porsche boils down to how enjoyable it is in everyday driving situations and on regular roads. Considering that most driving happens on public roads, a car that’s fun at both low and high speeds is truly an excellent sports car. The 981 Boxster is exactly one such model.

Every Porsche owner has their own criteria when choosing a car. Some buy for collection purposes, others for pride or status, and some for circuit driving, which is wonderful.
However, being able to enjoy the car daily and having it shine in various driving scenarios are key factors for a long-lasting relationship with a car in my view. The 981 Boxster perfectly combines both.

Finally, to all Porsche enthusiasts: no matter which model you own, I urge you to experience opening the roof and running the early morning winding roads in a Boxster at least once.
In that moment, you’ll fully understand with your whole body why you chose Porsche. That is the essence of Porsche and the very reason we love this brand.