SDAP adds new Boxster variants & Panamera GTS to its impressive line-up

 

(Arnt Bayer, CEO of SDAP with the new Boxster)
 

The Boxster. available in standard and S trims, takes up Porsche current philosophy of building sports cars suitable for all road conditions; cars that lighter, more fuel  efficient and at the same time, nimbler, fun-to-drive and definitely quicker. Like the iconic Porsche 911, the new Boxster features a lightweight design body and completely revamped chassis, along with what the folks at Porsche call: the Porsche Porsche Intelligent Performance. 

 

Being the more affordable of Porsches, the Boxster resembles the Cayman to a varying degree, though the new mid-engine roadster is lighter and has longer wheelbase as well as a wider track. The larger wheels (19-inch for the S version and 18-inch for the standard Boxster) give the roadster an impression of a track car, especially from the rear. For customization, 20-inch wheels are available as an optional extra. In dimensions, the Boxster has its wheelbase increased by 60 mm and the front track width by up to 40 mm and at the rear by up to 18 mm..

 

Its outlook stayed true to the Boxster design conceptualization, with an obvious shoulder line that runs from the front to the rear. Meanwhile, side windows sit on the upper edge of the doors. The front end of the two-seater is dominated by the large lateral radiator openings, lip-like intake, and completed by; either the standard halogen (Boxster) or bi-xenon (Boxster S) headlights with daytime driving and position LED lights. From the rear, the roadster no longer carries a convertible-top lid; instead a rear wing and angular combination lights are linked by a prominent edge spanning the entire vehicle width. Additionally, the central light or third brake light is housed up top of the rear end's lid, while the double exhaust is neatly positioned at the center of the bottom portion of the roadster. The standard Boxster has oval exhaust, whilst the Boxster S is instilled two-rounded exhausts.

 

Inside, the Boxsters include a predominantly black color scheme all-around, though customers can opt for customized leather interior schemes (above). One of the major interior highlights is the three-spoke sports steering, where options include: multi-function buttons steering or paddle shifters steering in conjunction with Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), For entertainment buffs, a standard CDR audio system should keep occupants satisfied, but if it isn't enough, go for the optional Sound Package Plus which comprises seven loudspeakers and an external amplifier with a total power output of 185 Watts or the BOSE Surround Sound System with a total of 10 loudspeakers, fed by eight digital amplifiers channels.  

 

Other interior highlights and options are a center console storage compartment. two-zone automatic climate control, electrically-operated folding exterior mirrors including welcome home lighting, and parking assistant front and rear with TopView.

 

Performance indeed speaks for itself with the newest Porsche roadster; the standard Boxster incorporates a 2.7-litre boxer engine with 265 hp; rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission, optional seven-speed PDK; acceleration 0 – 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, with PDK in 5.7 seconds (5.5 seconds with Sport Chrono Package); top speed 264 km/h, with PDK 262 km/h; fuel consumption (NEDC) 8.2 l/100 km, CO2 192 g/km; with PDK 7.7 l/100 km CO2 180 g/km. The top of the line Boxster S features a 3.4-litre boxer engine with 315 hp (232 kW); rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission, optional seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); acceleration 0 – 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, with PDK in 5.0 seconds (4.8 seconds with Sport Chrono Package); top speed 279 km/h, with PDK 277 km/h; fuel consumption (NEDC) 8.8 l/100 km, CO2 206 g/km; with PDK 8.0 l/100 km CO2 188 g/km.
 

 

As an additional boost to driving dynamics, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear axle differential lock.

 

The Panamera GTS in the guise of the Gran Turismo Sport remains a Porsche four-door variant, but at an invariably higher level. The Panamera GTS, resembling the true-breed Porsche Performance of the '63 904 Carrera GTS, exemplifies the performance aspects to the fullest.  

 

More power and upgraded brakes, a body lowered by ten millimetres and the sportily-tuned chassis with air suspension and PASM are the major technical modifications that make it the Panamera model capable of cutting it on the racing circuit – without sacrificing practicality. The sportiest of all Panameras also conveys this to occupants and the outside world by its striking sound. In terms of looks, the new Panamera GTS signals its independence by distinctive design features at the front-end, side and rear areas as well as black highlights. The interior, too,  is tailored to the sporty personality with sports seats, SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles, exclusive GTS leather interior and Alcantara surfaces. 

 

The power unit in the Panamera GTS is a modified 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering 430 hp at 6,700 rpm, which betters the Panamera S/4S models by 30 hp. The maximum torque also increased by comparison, from 500 Nm to 520 Nm. A zero to hundred sprint is completed in under 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 288 km/h. Fuel consumption doesn't exceed 11l/100km; and only 10.7 l/100 km with low-friction tyres (semi-slicks). 

 

Sturdiness of the Panamera GTS in handling and stability is thanks to the adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which regulates level settings, height, spring rate and damping. Stability is also enhanced by 255/45 size 19-inch tyres on the front axle and 285/40 on the rear axle. Deceleration on the sporty four-door GTS is provided by the superlative braking system of the Panamera Turbo.

 

Porsche Motorsport Week is an annual event, consisting the Porsche Driving Experience Malaysia (PDEM) and Porsche Circuit Training (PCT). The PDEM offers driving experience on various Porsche variants from the 911 to Cayenne.in 4 challenging scenarios (Slalom, Brake, Moose and Skid-pad), while the PCT provides elusive opportunities to get a foot or two down on the Cayman R, new Boxster S and Panamera GTS around the 5.543km Sepang track. 

 

The standard Boxster retails for RM 450,,000; the Boxster S goes for RM 550,000 and Panamera GTS fetches a whopping RM 1,050,000, all prices on-the-road with insurance. All prices include a 4-year factory warranty and 4-year complimentary service and maintenance package.