(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) THE PHRASE (OR clich), 'it corners like it's on rails,' has a tendency to be somewhat overused when describing high-performance cars, especially if they roll out of the Porsche factory. When it comes to the recently tested 718 Boxster GTS, though, no other phrase will really do it justice. This nippy little two-seater can be flung into any bend at pretty much any speed and it will cling onto the tarmac like...well...you know. We really don't know how the carmaker seemingly continues to improve handling. Every time we sit behind the wheel of a Porsche, that familiar dumbfounded look descends. One day we'll figure it out. In the meantime what we can say is we think the 718 Boxster GTS is one of the best sports cars for the UAE and here's why.
Drop top along Jumeirah Beach Road
There are a few times when driving a cabriolet sports car with the roof down can make you feel like a right wally. The vehicle could be so loud or so elaborately designed that you can't whole-heartedly enjoy the experience for fear of the eye-rolling which may come your way. Not that it should matter -it's your car, enjoy it - but we know we've been guilty of a head shake or two at Flash Harry and Co. cruising around wearing sunglasses at night. Not so in this car. Obviously avoid shades after dark, but the subtlety of this model, even in the more outlandish colours, and the quality which exudes from the build mean you can drop away, friends. You've got yourself a fine, yet not ostentatious machine.
We want bends
We give you five minutes at the helm of the 718 Boxster GTS before you're pining for corners. Sorry to bang on about it, but we can't iterate enough how poised it is navigating a long and windy road. Once you've got the measure of the straight-line acceleration and the throttle's responsiveness, you'll be drawn to the hilly regions outside Fujairah before you realise what's happening. Even the World Trade Centre roundabout starts to sound appealing. The swift and smooth motion of taking a curve at speed is an experience of which you will never tire. Put your foot down (within reason) while hitting a bend and you just get round faster with zero fuss. It's magic.
Is it fast?
Yep. That's a simple one really. You're in a Porsche, it's always going to be quick. On paper the engine may not look incredibly impressive, but those designers have managed to coil up a rocket inside its 2.5-litre four-cylinder flat motor. The turbocharger and redeveloped intake duct obviously help. Depending on your packages - standard Sport Chrono and the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung - the 718 GTS can go from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds or 4.6 seconds. Both times are admirable. A top speed of 290km/h is one you won't ever really need, but it's nice to know it's there, right? What you will love every day is the noise. The standard sports exhaust system with centrally positioned black sports tailpipes lends the flat engine a spine-tingling sonorous tone. The relationship between the engine and exhaust flap control and the automatic intermediate acceleration function give the 718 GTS that sporty sound you crave.
How much are we talking?
A model like this isn't cheap, but compared to the rest of the range, we believe that if you have sports car money you should definitely consider running your eye over the 718 Boxster GTS. Starting from just under Dhs289,000 you get a lot of Porsche for your Pesetas and all the thrills the marque entails.
SPECS
Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder
Power: 365hp
Top speed: 290 km/h
Price: From Dhs288,800
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