997 BOXSTER S

The design of a Porsche always speaks in a universal language, People everywhere love to drive. But something about a Boxster speaks with a voice like that of a Siren. It calls to you, and resistance seems futile. What its aerodynamically chiseled exterior promises is too enticing. What its aesthetically intelligent interior conveys is too compelling. If driving is your passion, there is no substitute for the sheer inspiration of the Boxster.

The design concept that was shown at Detroit was a direct expression of the original mid-engine Porsche roadster, the legendary 550 Spyder. In the mid-1950s, the Porsche 550 practically rewrote the rules of high performance, becoming one of the most successful racing cars of its time.

It didn’t have the biggest engine, nor was it the most costly sports car of its era. What it had was innovation, pure and simple. The idea of locating a compact, freerevving engine midship gave the Porsche a nimbleness no sports car had ever possessed. The Spyder didn’t have to outmuscle its competitors. It could outbrake, outmaneuver and outsmart them.

The Boxster shares this boldly intelligent approach to sports car design. Within an open-top, twoseater layout sits a mid-mounted, flat-six boxer engine, its low center of gravity helping to instill driving confidence through the corners.

Porsche, it’s not simply a matter of styling shapes that shear the least resistant path through air. Wind is an important ally in our incessant effort to elevate performance. As well as an essential element of the Boxster’s character.

Every line, every curve and every carefully chiseled detail play a vital role in shaping, shifting and refining the flow of air. Charge into the wind, and the Boxster’s prominent front air ducts pass generous amounts of cool air to the engine’s radiators. Then, directional spoilers channel it to the next assignment: brake cooling.

Large intakes on the rear quarter panels feed even more cooling air to the flat-six engine. The air that flows over the car arcs down the sloping rear deck, applying downforce to a rear spoiler that extends at speeds above 75 mph for crisp handling and high-speed stability. Less visible, but no less important, is a smooth underbody design that keeps air gliding beneath the car, creating a “ground effects” stream that reduces lift and drag while simultaneously venting stagnant air around the gearbox.

So where does this synergy of new thinking and original Porsche essence lead? To improved braking and steering. Unflinching straightline performance. A low 0.29 drag coefficient (Boxster) and a top track speed of 169 mph (Boxster S). All of which proves that, when engineered properly, form not only follows function, but intensifies it as well.

Courtesy of http://www.porsche.com/