Porsche Boxster: A Little Sibling Rivalry

When Porsche rolled out the first Boxster (model 986) in 1996, it was widely seen as the "Baby Porsche" - a cheaper alternative to the more authentic 911. Its flat-6 engine with 201 hp wasn't the most powerful, and it wasn't the fastest car in its segment. To be honest, with its "scrambled eggs" headlamps, it wasn't even all that attractive. But, the idea stuck. People bought it. And, with its engine mounted mid-ship, the car was hailed for its balanced handling and athleticism.

A few years later, I came across a comparison seeking to find the best pure sports car based on the definition of "an open car designed for pleasurable driving". Basically, the comparison sought a fun, 2-door, convertible. Their top pick? The 911 of course. But the runner-up in a close competition for the crown? Well, that was the Boxster.

And that's what is so exciting for Porsche. Everyone expects the 911 to be a standard-bearer for performance cars. And, everyone is comfortable with the idea that the Boxster is tops in its segment. But what the comparison and subsequent road tests have shown is that Boxster is not simply trying to be the best in its class. It has its sights set on the 911.


986 Porsche Boxster

Of course, the 911 has never been one to rest on its laurels. Its looks may have stayed relatively unchanged for 50 years, but Porsche engineers have been pushing the envelope throughout its storied history.

Flash forward to 2013, and we see the Porsche engineers practically restraining themselves, trying to keep the Boxster from showing up its big brother. The range-topping Boxster S even uses the 911's 3.4L flat-6 for motivation - albeit slightly detuned. The result is 315 hp and 266 lb-ft torque, that combined with car's light weight help the car run virtually neck-and-neck with the base 911 by the numbers. There have even been those that have identified the Boxster as a better handler and more attractive.

The Boxster also gets the electronic nannies -- a littany of acronyms -- including Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), Porsche Active Stability Management (PASM), and the PDK 7-speed transmission. All these features help the Boxster perform like a Porsche. Of course, they also add up and give this "baby" the price tag of a Porsche. When Motor Trend tested the Boxster S (First Test: Porsche Boxster S), their car rang the register at $87,125, more than $25,000 over the starting price.

So what  does Porsche really have on its hands, then? Is this a case of an embarrassment of riches? Or a branding nightmare that cannibalizes one of the premier nameplates in the automotive world?


2013 Porsche Boxster S

I first looked at this case in my last post (Supercars: USA vs. The World ), but to elaborate on the point, I think that the performance and success of the Boxster enables Porsche to push their brand to new levels. By establishing that the car can command a market value just shy, and even into 911 territory, Porsche is freed up to push the price of the 911 ever closer to the stratosphere occupied by the Italians.

Critics will argue that an $85,000 911 is more appealing to consumers than a $75,000 Boxster. However, in that instance you are comparing a rear-engine coupe to a mid-engine convertible: two totally different driving experiences. So, my counter is that they will not be cross-shopped.

So, it looks like Porsche has a winner: Two cars that are able to push each other by being the best at what they do. While I probably could have lumped the Cayman in based on its performance capabilities, I'm not convinced yet that its place in the market has been cemented like the Boxster.

Bringing the Sports Coupe Back

2013 Subaru BRZ and 2013 Scion FR-S

I have to be honest. The Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S never really made it onto my radar. I read the early reviews, and saw that they were almost universally positive. But, it wasn't until Car and Driver named these two cars as one of their 10 Best ("2013 10Best: Cars") that I took the time to reflect not only on the quality of these cars, but also the significance of their appearance in the market. After thinking about it a little harder, I'm really happy that they are here. Let me tell you why.

First, do yourself a favor and look up sports cars available in today's market for around $25,000. I'll wait.

Are you back yet? Good. What'd you find? Mustang, yes. Camaro, yes. And probably the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.I'm not counting the Accord coupe or Altima; those are coupes, not sports cars.So, we've got three cars in that space, and so far the Mustang and Camaro are dominating, while the Hyundai attempts to play catch-up.

1979 Mazda RX-7

Interestingly, over the years, we've seen trends like this before. In the 70's, the American pony cars were the heavy hitters, but were hitting their low periods.Fortunately, it was at that time when a couple Japanese cars came in and reinvigorated the segment: the Nissan/Datsun 280 ZX and the Mazda RX-7. Then, in the 90's we saw some new entrants from Mitsubishi (the Eclipse), Subaru (XT) and Toyota (MR2).

Nissan 280 ZX

While none of these cars had the staying power -- the Nissan Z car has been reinvented as a more upscale ride competing with Mustang GTs and Cobras -- they have all been needed to keep the market going.

Now, once again we find ourselves short on true sporting cars. The trend that we are seeing is for the "hot hatch": VW GTI, Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500 Abarth are the current must-haves. But more are on the way. Looking at the "true" sports cars, the Mustang and Camaro, you may notice that the credentials are all there, unlike the 70's and 80's. They have powerful engines and sporty designs. But the problem for me, and a lot of others, is that they are everywhere! So, people certainly want sports cars. They just haven't had much to choose from.

Until now. With the new Subie and Scion, sports car enthusiasts have something to cheer for. It is possible to have uncompromising performance at near-entry level cost without looking like everyone else out on the road.

2013 Ford Mustang V6

Let's be clear, though. While these cars will compete in the same space, they are not looking for the same driver. And that's part of what makes them so interesting. A basic Ford Mustang V6 packs over 300 hp and can sprint to 60 mph in under 6 seconds (with performance package). But the Subaru/Scion with their 200 hp flat four avoid the traps altogether and head for the twisties. With its low center of gravity due to the placement of its "Boxer" engine, the car is able to handle in a lively, yet predictable manner. For the 10Best write-up, Car and Driver notes that in testing, the car managed .91g of lateral acceleration, a number equal to the $90,000 BMW M5.

The Mustang also has a host of options and packages and goodies, while the "Subion" makes due with a very stripped-down, lightweight platform. This contributes to a very different feel in the car; one that won't necessarily appeal to all buyers, but will definitely attract some purists.

It is the difference in philosophy that ensures that the Subaru/Scion is relevant. It is the car's ability to execute that philosophy as well as it does that makes sure both are truly good cars.