Porsche 718 Boxster S – Less Than The Sum Of Its Parts?

Chris Harris doesn’t like the new Boxster as much as the old one.

First things first, if you didn’t watch the most recent season of Top Gear yet, you owe it to yourself to do so. The trio of Matt LeBlanc, Rory Reid, and Chris Harris is really finding its stride, doing a phenomenal job as replacements for the mop-headed one, the short one, and the angry one that now yell about cars on Amazon’s streaming service. This clip comes from the season’s finale episode just a few weeks back, and it is an example of the greatness you’ll find in the whole season. The video work done to capture this piece is spectacular television. And who doesn’t like Chris Harris?

Lets begin with the fact that the 718 Boxster is still dynamically the best sports car you can buy for the money. The TT RS might be creeping in on its turf, but the 718 still rules the roost in our opinion. M2? Forget about it. SLK? Not even close. If you’re looking for a small sports car, this is still the only real answer on the dealership showroom floor. Unless you walk over to the Certified Pre-Owned section and pick up the last generation Boxster, which was pretty damn great.

The 718 Boxster is faster than the car it replaces, but at the cost of some soul-stirring noise. The fabulous old flat-six engine has been replaced with a new flat-four turbocharged engine that makes more power. Yes, it’s faster around a race track, and yes it’s easier to drive on the street, but is that the point of a sports car? You’re supposed to become one with the machine, knowing its nuances. If the car conforms to your driving and makes everything easier for you, where is the challenge? What is there to fall in love with?

The Boxster is still a great car, but it isn’t as great as it once was.

[Source: Top Gear on YouTube]