Photo: Porsche
Two brand new entry-level models have recently popped up on Porsche Belgium’s official website. Both the Boxster roadster and its coupe cousin that goes by the name Cayman have received 211 PS (155 kW) outputs, raising quite a few questions among fans of the Stuttgart prancing hose.
Have they finished making the new flat-4 turbo engines? No, not really. Both cars are listed as having a 2.7-liter engine, which is the standard unit for both cars. In addition, both 2-seaters are available with PDK, so it’s not a question of cost-cutting measures meant to make Porsche into a hot hatch rivaling brand.
In many European countries, new car purchases are heavily taxed in accordance with the environmental impact. In some case, a solidarity tax is used to bring more money from people of higher income. On many occasions we’ve talked to local buyers, who say thus prefer to get the highest possible trim level with the smallest and least powerful engine.
In both the Boxster and the Cayman’s case, the prices are exactly the same as on the models with regular 2.7-liter engines. It’s just a little slower to accelerate. According to the official website, the “ Boxster 211 PK” sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.4 seconds with manual gearbox and in 6.1 seconds with the PDK automatic. This isn’t exactly slow, but considering you’re spending upwards of €52,030 ($67,500), it’s hardly normal.
A quick check of Porsche’s Belgian website reveals there are also other models listed as “211 PK), including one version of the Cayenne Diesel, Panamera Diesel and Mancan S Diesel. We’re told this country has specific tax brackets according to the output of the engine. The one below the 155 kW which the Porsches hit is 120 kW or 163 PS, which is why a BMW 320d has exactly that much power there.
In many European countries, new car purchases are heavily taxed in accordance with the environmental impact. In some case, a solidarity tax is used to bring more money from people of higher income. On many occasions we’ve talked to local buyers, who say thus prefer to get the highest possible trim level with the smallest and least powerful engine.
In both the Boxster and the Cayman’s case, the prices are exactly the same as on the models with regular 2.7-liter engines. It’s just a little slower to accelerate. According to the official website, the “ Boxster 211 PK” sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.4 seconds with manual gearbox and in 6.1 seconds with the PDK automatic. This isn’t exactly slow, but considering you’re spending upwards of €52,030 ($67,500), it’s hardly normal.
A quick check of Porsche’s Belgian website reveals there are also other models listed as “211 PK), including one version of the Cayenne Diesel, Panamera Diesel and Mancan S Diesel. We’re told this country has specific tax brackets according to the output of the engine. The one below the 155 kW which the Porsches hit is 120 kW or 163 PS, which is why a BMW 320d has exactly that much power there.
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