Episode 373 - Porsche 718 Boxster S PDK

Date of broadcast: 09 November 2016
Engine: Flat four-cylinder, 2 497 cc, turbo
Power: 257 kW @ 6 500 rpm
Torque: 420 Nm @ 1 900 - 4 500 rpm
Power-to-weight ratio: 181,95 kW/ton
Gearbox: Seven-speed PDK dual-clutch, RWD
Wheels/tyres: 20-inch alloy (f/r)
235/35 R20 (f), 265/35 R20 (r)
0-100 km/h: 4,2 sec (Sport + mode)
Top speed: 285 km/h
Fuel tank capacity: 64 litres
Fuel consumption (claimed): 8,1 litres/100 km
Operating range (claimed/tested): 790 km
CO2 emissions: 167 g/km
Pros: Finely balanced, engaging combination of urge and agility.
Cons: Engine sounds gruff at idle - but revs with glee.
Retail price: R997 000
Prices as tested: R1 057 290
Prices correct on date of broadcast.

[@barendalberts460]

By far the most to the point and informative review of this car.

[@mcesarey]

I see it as unrelated...being a great roadster and great handling isn't dampened by not having a manual. In my case, I daily a 981 in San Antonio, and occasionally get stuck in rush-hour traffic. Because of this, I really don't want a manual. The PDK Boxster is absolutely brilliant, but it's livable as a daily driver because it's not a manual. Not every Boxster is used as a toy, and not everyone has a picturesque road all to themselves. I love manuals too and wish mine were a manual about 20% of the time, but for the other 80% I'm glad I got PDK.

[@youcanthandlethetruth4553]

Definitely my next Porsche

[@ArnoldWinters]

This is a very well done video with excellent videography. Good job…The only drawback is the 4 cylinder’s sound track? Well that’s what most buyers expect when they buy a Porsche sports car. Also, I have heard that there is turbo lag at low RPMs, a feature that is disliked in comparison to the flat six 4.0L engine which solves both sound and performance negatives.

[@dafrasier1]

European delivery, standard two weeks- plates and insurance.
must drive Porsche in Europe.
242 laps Nurburgring, no crash.
back in USA, speeding ticket and dreaming of Germany.

[@BenzinioB]

People are idiots! Really cant get it... why the hell you going to order one of the best roadster and one of the best handling sport cars in general with PDK instead proper manual?! That's absolutely stupid!!!

[@BenzinioB]

Badge snob, girl catcher or I don't know what else with lot of $$$ - all the wrong reasons. Marry Christmas to you too.

[@seanfenwick]

Benzinio perhaps if you enjoy driving daily and need an auto? Besides, you don't get a manual GT-R. The auto's are quicker now.

[@BenzinioB]

Yeah, they are quicker, but I'm not a race driver, my profession is not to win races therefore I don't need this few milliseconds on each lap. If you going to have a track days you'll be better with the Boxter. Al in all the level of involvement in manual is much higher and if you enjoy driving you wont need a manual.
I can justify the automatic in luxury limo, this is a daily driver where the good old torque converter auto suits just ideal - but even here cant get the idea of double clutch in cars like BMW M5 or Panamera - are you going to win a race with 2 tons limo?! And if you have over 100k for sport sedan dont you have 10 grant to buy used Mazda MX5 and modify it for the real joy on track with light weight well balanced fun and cheap to maintenance car?!!
There is something really wrong here!!!

[@seanfenwick]

Benzinio , I agree that pure driving enjoyment you can't beat with a manual. Things like a MX5 or 350z are epically fun. I however do get the auto gearbox idea after owning a IS350 Lexus. It makes the daily drive more fun with less effort, a little like cheating. However being recently disabled and not able to use my left foot I now need auto's. and because I love speed and am a petrol head this Porsche would be the pick for me. Trust this makes a bit more sense. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer a manual over auto for pure fun, I just can't press the clutch anymore like I used to.

[@BenzinioB]

Yeah man, but you have special needs in this case and you admit you do it just because there is no other option for you.
I also can get the idea of the auto box, just not in car like the Boxter. It would be funny to manual shift a Mercedes S-class or Cadillac Escalade but they are set for the ultimate comfort. While this is a car to have fun with...