Porsche Boxster in a different kind of Singapore Sling

A COUPLE of months back, this writer had the chance to test-drive the Porsche Boxster for a weekend in Manila, just weeks before being assigned to test-drive its more aggressive and higher performance sibling, the Boxster GTS in Singapore.

We published the review of the Porsche Boxster last May, and after testing the GTS, it gave us a chance to compare both variants.
Both were agile and very quick, with a top speed of over 260 kph. The “entry-level” Boxster is powered by a mid-mounted 2.7-liter with DFI (direct fuel injection) and VarioCam Plus flat six-cylinder engine that allows the car to have the optimal weight distribution for better handling.

Distinctive Alcantara leather trim greets the passengers inside the cabin

Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph takes about 5.7 seconds and 5.5 seconds if the “Sport” mode is engaged. Under the “Sport” mode, one can feel more torque and power plus a throatier exhaust note as well.  The 265 horsepower engine comes with the optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. This is the first time that a mid-engine Porsche will carry a GTS badge since Porsche started using the GTS nomenclature in 1963.

Aside from a more powerful engine, and additional standard performance equipment, its facial feature and body design is also unique to visually distinguish itself from other variants.
It also carries a set of 20-inch Carrera S wheels and Alcantara leather trims with other visual elements like having a GTS badge embroidered into the headrests and printed on the tachometer face.
GTS variant

Driving around Singapore with the Porsche Boxster GTS.

For the GTS variant, it has a bigger displacement, a 3.4-liter flat-six engine with the same DFI and VarioCam Plus system delivering a whooping 330 hp. That is also 15 hp more than that of the Boxster S variant.
The GTS was also reengineered with a purposeful lightweight construction giving it a weight-to-power ratio, of just 12.19 Nm per  hp. It comes with the six-speed manual gearbox and the Sport Chrono Package integrated as standard, propelling it from zero to 96.6 kph in a mere 4.7 seconds, and achieving a top track speed of 280 kph.

The GTS we tested had the optional PDK, which makes it possible to complete the zero-to-96.6-kph sprint in 4.4 seconds.

Unfortunately, the test drive didn’t offer a track day segment, but we had a chance to drive the GTS on the backroads of Singapore to feel its handling prowess and feel its acceleration on some of the open roads near the airport area.

The DFI system for the Boxster features multihole injectors that deliver fuel straight to the combustion chamber with millisecond precision. The DFI ensures improved internal cooling of the combustion chamber by having the fuel/air mixture prepared directly in the cylinder. The higher compression ratio provides more power output at the same time as higher engine efficiency.

With the flick of a switch the GTS roars into action.

The Boxster is a cool car inside and out, literally. Like in the Boxster and Boxster S, Porsche’s selective heat flow control strategy and on-demand, gradual activation of the various cooling circuits, the engine and gearbox warm up to normal operating temperature more rapidly.

During more aggressive driving, its thermal management system also ensures quick cooling down so that an optimal level of performance is maintained.  Each cylinder bank has its own stainless-steel exhaust tract. Its integrated catalytic converters and Lambda sensors make sure emissions are kept low.

On the downstream of the respective rear silencers, the system converges into a connecting tube and a single (Boxster) or twin (Boxster S and Boxster GTS) tailpipe, giving its distinctive exhaust notes.  Audibly, the sound of the Boxster GTS is particularly resonant, thanks to the selectable sport exhaust system featuring a distinctive twin-tube sport tailpipe in black. It produces an even more intense sports car sound at the push of a button.
Just like the standard Boxster, one does not have to worry about the hot summer sun even at the height of noon. The soft top is very well insulated and it almost feels like driving a hardtop.
With a low center of gravity and even weight distribution, the Boxster can out-maneuver sportscars with bigger horsepower especially when cornering. This did not go unnoticed, as its performance and overall package earned the Porsche Boxster and its sibling Cayman the 2013 World Performance Car at the New York Auto Show.
So it wouldn’t hurt if Porsche uprates the Boxster by giving it a GTS variant in its collection. With superior weight distribution thanks to its mid-engine layout, the Boxster (and Cayman) is naturally more balanced than its rear-engine 911 counterparts.

With the GTS badge, it shows that Porsche realizes that the entry-level Boxster models can give its owners a serious track day workout with a hassle-free open-top ownership experience.