Launching the new Boxster & Cayman Models
The ultimate power play.
At 11.30am, Wednesday 2nd April, I and approximately twenty other Porsche enthusiasts converged on the driver training facility at Norwell, set among the cane fields between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Our task was simple. We were there to become (much) better acquainted with the new generation Boxster and Cayman models.
While tucking into some tasty sandwiches shortly after arrival it was clear our minds were elsewhere as we gazed through the windows, observing the test track and skid pad demonstration areas. The morning session had just concluded, and the earlier group of ‘enthusiasts’ had completed their duties.
Several sandwiches, some half eaten, were placed on back on plates. It was our time.
Bright sunshine, a warm breeze and perfect track conditions greeted us as we strode to our start point on the Norwell circuit. A group of professional Porsche driving instructors awaited us along with James Simpson - Sales Manager Porsche Centre Brisbane, and New Porsche Sales Consultant Anthony Webb
Our first task was to put four vehicles through their paces. That’s actually an understated, relatively benign description of our experience, but let’s just use that for now shall we. Boxster, Boxster S, Cayman and Cayman S – all four new model variants were on hand, all four fitted with Porsche’s new PDK double clutch transmission.
I could go on about the technical virtues of the new Porsche engines featuring DFI and PDK, but I’m really not qualified to do so as a layman, and you’ve probably read plenty on them in all of the motoring press (including this very newsletter). So in a technical sense, you’re up to date with it.
Let’s talk about DFI and PDK from a practical sense, and a Porsche driver’s perspective. DFI and PDK are fabulous. On track PDK is sensational, and can be used in either its ‘manual’ setting, or with the gear shift left in ‘D’. It’s an incredibly flexible gearbox, and drivers can experience PDK in a number of ways under various driving conditions and using a number of driving styles ranging from comfortable and economical to the extreme “race track strategy” with Launch Control Function.
Our instructors showed us each and every way to utilise the technology that makes up Porsche’s PDK transmission, and how to apply it while piloting the new generation Boxster and Cayman. It is so impressive to drive, no matter which vehicle it’s fitted to among the new Boxster, Boxster S, Cayman and Cayman S range, however you should experience it first hand.
From the high-speed track we moved across to the slalom section. This involved series of witches hats over a 1.5km course, one black Boxster fitted with PDK, a stop watch - and you know the rest. Even as novices, we managed to guide the Boxster through the red hats, standing on the throttle, then standing on the most incredible brakes I’ve ever experienced. And take a moment to consider these brakes had been stood (very heavily) on all day long. No sponge in the pedal, no fade at the bottom – not even at the end of the day. Just sure-footed, precise and safe Porsche stopping power.
The slalom section taught us how nimble the new Boxster is, how instantly its power can be harnessed and despatched to the tarmac and how it stops safely under extreme driving conditions, all day long. Our times were recorded and shared among the group. Some were faster than others; a lot of laughs were had.
Our last challenge: the skid pan. A clockwise course, red witches hats set up as a series of ‘gates’ and continually doused with water. We had the roof and windows up on this Boxster, a six speed manual this time. The course was designed to show just how far you could push a Boxster safely in the wet, while racing the clock at the same time.
It’s safe to say the group learnt a lot on the skidpan, and not just about mid-engined handling dynamics and Porsche Stability Management, we also learnt a few lessons in safe driving as well.
We arrived full of anticipation, and left completely amazed by the new generation Boxster and Cayman with DFI and PDK.
Two different characters whose drive for power is impressive, and whose spirited nature is fascinating, have set a new benchmark in sports car performance.