Advice on SportDesign Package

[DANNOV]

I am considering ordering a 2011 Boxster S and one of the options that I am thinking about is the XAL SportDesign Package, which is described as a new front apron, with spoiler lip and an auto extending rear spoiler. I have seen a few Boxsters with this option and they look good. The one thing that concerns me is that Porsche warns that this option "substantially reduces entry angle to gradients" and that the option "slightly lowers the front end".

I live in Chicago and occassionally encounter potholes and steep entry ramps, but this has never been a problem with my Cayman S. Can anyone enlighten me about just how much the front end is lowered with this option? I would be grateful if someone with the XAL package could measure the ground clearance so I could compare it to my Cayman.

Any other comments about this particular option would also be welcome, either pro or con. This is one of the more expensive options ($4,900) and I want to make sure that I don't destroy it on the streets of Chicago.

[dm1]

I also live in Chicago. My '08 BoxS (died in a flood, RIP) had the same package. To the extent there is a problem it is not with pot holes etc but entry ramps. in my case, just one that I have to navigate on playdates (not mine, my son's :)). Accept it and enjoy the good looks! Also my current car '09 BoxS (insurance replacement) is w/o the package yet I scrape on the same entry ramp, so the difference is minor. (fyi, I liked the older package back end treatment better; plan to try to add that someday.)

Edited December 11, 2010 by dm1

[DANNOV]

I also live in Chicago. My '08 BoxS (died in a flood, RIP) had the same package. To the extent there is a problem it is not with pot holes etc but entry ramps. in my case, just one that I have to navigate on playdates (not mine, my son's :)). Accept it and enjoy the good looks! Also my current car '09 BoxS (insurance replacement) is w/o the package yet I scrape on the same entry ramp, so the difference is minor. (fyi, I liked the older package back end treatment better; plan to try to add that someday.)

Thanks for the info. I just ordered a 2011 Boxster last week without the Sport Design Package. The main reason I didn't go that way is because I too liked the older package. The new Sport Design just does not seem to be as pleasing to my eye. Incidentally, Napleton Porsche put together the best deal. I had one local dealer who wanted full MSRP and then tried to under-price the trade-in of my 2007 Cayman S by about $2K. Some of these guys are sharks. It will be mfg in Feb for March-April delivery. Since the crappy weather is upon us I don't mind the wait.

[zhang18]

Out of curiosity, how well does your boxster handle Chicago winter? Do you find the snow, slush, salt, etc. non-issue / bothersome / impassable? I live in NYC and am thinking of getting a Boxster but am unsure of practically how many months of a year I can actually drive it around... Thx!