A Summer Evening Drive in Bloomfield Hills: The Perfect Start with the Porsche 718 Boxster
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — As summer’s first golden rays embrace the landscape, people find unique ways to celebrate the season’s onset. For some, it’s the first 80-degree Fahrenheit day, a refreshing plunge into a swimming pool, or perhaps a leisurely round of golf enjoyed with a seasonal Oberon Ale. For me, the summer of 2024 began on a Thursday evening at precisely 9:07 p.m. ET, when I stepped out of my house, lowered the top of my Porsche 718 Boxster, and embarked on a drive through the still, calming air.
Just eleven minutes post-sunset, the allure of the metallic blue Boxster Style Edition, adorned with gloss white wheels, was irresistible. This quintessential sports car boasts impeccable handling and an aesthetically pleasing, well-proportioned design. With its 300 horsepower engine, the Porsche 718 masterfully balances power and elegance, offering an exceptionally tactile and linear steering feel, paired with precise braking.
As I drove, the signature roar and raspy exhaust note of the 2.0-liter flat-four engine provided an immersive auditory experience. The balanced and composed nature of the 718 made each maneuver effortless, transforming the drive into a mind-clearing experience.
Driving down Woodward Avenue, a prime location for summer cruising, car culture, and the occasional street race, the scene was relatively serene. The tranquility was momentarily broken by the powerful rumble of a friend’s Ram TRX and the swift passage of a Ferrari. It was an interesting mix as we journeyed into downtown Birmingham.
While navigating through the northern suburbs, I relished the responsive acceleration at every stoplight. The routine was simple yet exhilarating: light turns green, foot presses gas, RPMs surge, and it’s time to decelerate just shy of the 50 or 55 mph limit. Each crackle and pop from the exhaust heightened the excitement, making the seven-speed PDK transmission feel seamless, despite my preference for a six-speed manual. This optional transmission, priced at $3,210, complements the flat-four engine so well it’s worth a try.
The Style Edition exudes a retro charm reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s Porsches, featuring 20-inch white wheels, distinct white "Porsche" graphics, and an embossed fabric convertible top. Priced at $94,460, it edges close to the cost of a 911 but remains about $10,000 shy, making a compelling case for the 718’s mid-engine dynamics. However, the model’s base MSRP of approximately $70,000 feels more aligned with its value proposition.
As the sun fully dipped below the horizon and the air cooled, my summer initiation transitioned into a peaceful evening drive back home. The precision and smoothness of the 718 were so engaging that I inadvertently passed my house twice. There’s an undeniable allure in driving a sports car during these fleeting summer evenings. Eventually, with the fading echoes of the Springsteen concert I was enjoying, I decided that it was time to turn in. Although summer had just begun, the night’s drive was a perfect prelude to the season’s adventures ahead.
