Porsche Boxster S: An even more formidable vehicle Porsche Boxster S

Nice review here of the Porsche Boxster S.

It's here the new Boxster delivers its knockout punch. The basic model's new 2.9-litre engine has 188kW and a willingness that makes it a brisk - if not ballistic - performer.

But the gutsier S is the car purists will desire. The direct-injection system on the boxer six-cylinder offers crisper response with a well-tuned snarl from the exhaust.

Performance is impressive, not just for its 5.2-second 0-100kmh acceleration time (5.0 seconds if you choose the Sport pack, with its aggressive launch-control system) but more so for its excellent thrust throughout the rev range.

Even just off idle there's an agility and liveliness that mates with sublime linearity throughout the rev range. The addictive crescendo is a tingling shriek. Economy, too, is impressive, with a claimed average of 9.2 litres/100km.

The six-speed manual has precise changes and a good spread of ratios and for an extra $6000 or so the seven-speed twin-clutch automatic (Porsche calls it PDK) brings better performance and economy.