Porsche Boxster S: Does it get any better?

Take one of our Boxster Ss and run it for a year,'' the Porsche representative said.

``Good grief, twist our arm,'' we replied, followed quickly by-before they changed their minds-``well, okay, if you insist.'' Offers like that don't come along every day.

Our Seal Grey long-term Boxster S arrived in November with just 69 miles on the odo. The base sticker price is $50,200, and the standard-equipment list is long, including antilock brakes, dual front and side airbags, automatic climate control, telescoping steering column, power windows, intermittent wipers, anti-theft system and remote keyless entry.

Think of the Boxster S as a Boxster on steroids and you get the idea. The engine bay is where most of the changes take place between the two cars. The Boxster's liquid-cooled flat six displaces 2.5 liters; it is bored to give the S 3.2. The intake system from the previous 911's 270-hp six is used in the S. Horsepower is up from 201 to 250 and peak torque is up from 181 lb-ft to 225. Buyers have a choice of the 911's six-speed manual transmission (our choice) or the five-speed Tiptronic.

Boxster Ss have a stiffer suspension setup than the regular Boxster. There are increased spring rates in the rear, and stiffer shocks and thicker antiroll bars both front and rear. Boxster Ss use the 911's cross-drilled disc brakes.

The S's interior is nearly identical to a standard Boxster's, so plenty of you will find it familiar. The center-mounted tach dominates the instrument cluster, the ignition key is on the left. Seats are comfortable and the driving position near ...