Porsche Reveals 303 HP Special Limited Edition 2009 Boxster, Cayman

Porsche's plans for two new special edition cars have leapt from internet leakage to reality as the duo, dubbed the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and the Porsche Cayman S Sport, are finally official and due in October. Should you be inclined to purchase one of the 50 US-bound Boxster S cars, or 200 Cayman S Sports, you'll get eight more ponies between your go-pedal and the road, for a total of 303 HP. Also, a set of 5 mm wheel spacers should provide the cars with slightly more neutral handling tendencies, possibly bordering on oversteer. You'll also find an array of cosmetic upgrades including stripes and badging, and in the case of the Boxster, a fancy new Porsche-designed wristwatch. No word on the wristwatches' effect on acceleration, handling or braking, but since it's included, we're assuming it's substantial.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Not content to leave mocking its own brand to cars like the Porsche Cayenne and the ever-pending Panamera, Porsche seems happy to offer marginal upgrades with forced exclusivity in exchange for large sums of money. And good on 'em: If you can make a buck, why not, right? Consider these cars a tribute to someone's ego and, while still great performers, not worth the extra dough. That is, unless you really want that new wristwatch.

MORE POWER AND UNIQUE DESIGN CUES MARK NEW PORSCHE BOXSTER S AND CAYMAN S LIMITED EDITIONS ATLANTA, AUGUST 4, 2008 – A comprehensive list of enhancements, led by more powerful engines and unique visual features, will distinguish the new, limited-edition Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and Porsche Cayman S Sport mid-engine sports cars when they are introduced in October by Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) and Porsche Cars Canada. Porsche will build 500 Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and 700 Cayman S Sport models, and less than 50 of the Boxster S and approximately 100 of the Cayman S limited-edition sports cars – each one with a glove box plaque bearing its number from the exclusive series – will reach U.S. shores. Both cars will be available through authorized U.S. Porsche dealers this October, and the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and Cayman S Sport U.S. MSRPs are $66,900 and $69,900, respectively.

A range of standard equipment, beyond the eight-horsepower bump to 303 from the 3.4-Liter engine, further sets these variants apart from the standard Porsche Cayman S and Boxster S. The Cayman S Sport's appearance emulates that of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, beginning with standard GT3 RS exterior colors of green or orange, which are enhanced by GT3 RS touches likeblack rims, exterior mirrors and air-intake grilles and a black interior design package. Like the GT3 RS, the sides of the new car feature its model designation, "Cayman S" in black letters. In addition to orange and green, the Cayman S Sport will be available in black, Guards Red, Speed Yellow, Carrara White or Arctic Silver.

Performance upgrades standard on the Cayman S Sport beyond the engine include Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a 10mm-lowered suspension, as well as 5mm spacers on the 19-inch SportDesign wheels. Additional standard features include Bi-Xenon headlamps, the Sports Chrono Package, sports seats, alcantara finish for the gearshift lever, hand brake and the rim of the GT3 steering wheel, as well as a sports exhaust system featuring a twin-chamber tailpipe. Spotting the new Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 will be easy – look for the Carrara White mid- engine Porsche roadster with white finishes on the star-spoke, painted 19-inch SportDesign wheels, side air intakes, center console and instrument dials. Contrasting the white features are grey stripes lengthwise along the body, and black standard leather upholstery and convertible top in stone grey. Echoing the white tachometer and speedometer is the included Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 Chronograph, a men's wristwatch from the Porsche Design Dashboard Collection designed in conjunction with the car.