Boxster S packs a more potent punch

DELIVERIES of Porsche's keenly anticipated Boxster S will start in late October or early November, with half of next year's allocation already sold.

The Boxster S packs a more potent punch than the base model, thanks to a 3.2-litre engine that produces 185kW at 6500rpm and 305Nm at 4500rpm.

The standard car's 2.5-litre powerplant generates 150kW and 245Nm.

Flexibility is said to be one of the bigger engine's fortes with 85 per cent of peak torque on tap at 2000rpm.

Power will be relayed to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional Tiptronic five-speed automatic.

Pricing of the Boxster S is expected to be set around $135,000, putting it up against the likes of the BMW M Roadster. The Tiptronic version may cost around $142,000.

It promises performance not too far behind that of its more expensive 911 stablemate, sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds.

Top speed is a largely academic 260km/h.

Porsche says it has upgraded the chassis and suspension to cope with the extra performance delivered by the bigger engine.

Externally, the Boxster S will be distinguishable from the base model only by its larger 17-inch alloy wheels, "S" badge on the rear lid and dual exhausts.

Porsche Australia plans to sell between 300 and 350 Boxsters here next year with the S version expected to account for 60 per cent of sales.

Porsche Australia managing director Mr Michael Winkler says the Boxster S will not adversely impact 911 sales as the latter attracts a different type of buyer.

Mr Winkler says due to the minimal performance differential between the manual and Tiptronic transmissions, about half of Boxster buyers opt for the self-shifting version.

Meanwhile, deliveries of the competition-derived 911 GT3 are scheduled to start around October. Porsche Australia remains tight-lipped about exact numbers allocated for sale here but concedes it is under 100.