Baby 911 or bargain Boxster?

Newswheel staff :: 28 January 2005 :: Filed under Coupe, Mid / rear engine sportscar, Roadster, Porsche, Porsche Boxster, Europe & UK,

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Porsche is currently buffing up a tin-top respin of its madly popular Boxster sportscar. On that we can all agree. After all, every magazine and website in Christendom has been hawking spy shots of the damn thing.

Less clear is where this new model fits into the Stuggart firm’s existing range. Until recently, the smart money was on the new coupe squeaking in under the rag-top Boxster, while offering identical drivetrains and mechanical specifications. That makes a lot of sense, not least because Porsche has set a precedent by charging more for the open air 911 than the standard fixed-head car. Regardless, the usually reliable UK magazine Autocar claims the new car will actually drop in above the Boxster, complete with a 300bhp flat six and aggressive, track-orientated chassis setup.

The magazine initially reported that the car would carry the C7S moniker, but now reckons Cayman is more likely. Whatever, we’re sceptical about the idea that Porsche will release a car so close in price (around £50,000 in the UK or around $65,000 stateside) and spec to the 911. The Bavarians have been nothing if not consistent in honouring their commitment to maintain a significant performance delta twixt 911 and Boxster. Go figure.