I took the Boxster out for a run from Salisbury to Gillingham, Dorset, and return, this morning.
Very, very different to driving Tarka: some thoughts.
The car is quick, but not as responsive as the big V8 when putting my right foot down at lowish speeds, despite all the technology: there is no throttle lag and the gearbox changes gear seamlessly, but it seems that in Sport mode the car wants to be in a lower gear than the computer thinks appropriate, easy to resolve by taking command to the box and driving as if it is a clutchless manual. More fun that way as well.
I know the road very well, there are a couple of tight, decreasing radius downhill corners that need care, I took one at a speed that initially made me think "oh Sh*t, too fast" but the car just went round the corner. Again the car really needs to be driven rather than controlled for maximum enjoyment. The lack of road and tyre noise was impressive, as was the volume of exhaust noise when in Sport Exhaust mode. It reminded me of a Subaru Impreza, rather than anything else: not unpleasant, but just different. The A/C is wonderful, 33c outside and cold air keeping my feet and everything else just nice.
When I have Tarka back I need to repeat the trip. But carefully..and without expecting much of the A/C!
