An old Ford pickup slowed to look at our flashy red German sports car, the pickup’s homemade camouflage paint job melding with the rural Tennessee roadside. The driver pushed his foam and mesh trucker’s cap back on his head and stared. We didn’t stick around for a chat, but we thought his look said “These roads are for driving, boys, not fancy driving.”

Besides, we were having too much fun to care. Driving this classically-inspired, modern roadster confirms what its looks suggest – it’s a road-eating machine whose sole purpose is to thrill, though the Boxster and Boxster S don’t have scary power to make you feel like the next turn taken too quickly might be your last (its big brother the 911 Carrera can inspire that fear). The Boxster is just fast enough so that if you go hard into a corner, taking full advantage of its superb road-holding abilities, and then step hard on the gas the effect is totally exhilarating.

There aren’t many cars on the road that incorporate the driver so wholly into the experience that the machine feels like an extension of your body: turn your hands and the car turns, press down your foot and it speeds forward without a moment of hesitation. Plus, you can even feel if the road surface changes from smooth to slightly pebbly or even sandy. This level of involvement increases your confidence and enjoyment exponentially. We even felt comfortable switching off the electronic wizardry of Porsche’s Stability Management, which uses ABS (antilock brakes), ASC (anti-slip, or stability, control), EDC (engine drag control), and ABD (automatic brake differential) to help keep the car from sliding and going off-course. At first we were fearful, because on a road like the Cherohola, bad things can happen quickly. But we found the level of control and confidence the Boxster provides compensated for the lack of electronic intervention. In fact, instead of being scared of ending up in the woods, we thoroughly enjoyed the extra wheel spin and the over- and understeer that not using PSM allowed.

Adding to our experience was the Boxster’s intoxicating exhaust note, which was like a theme song for our afternoon of amour. Above 4,000 rpm the exhaust builds to a crescendo – BLENNNNN! – before you shift gears, release the clutch, and wind it up again.

The Boxster isn’t all high-octane thrills, though; its ride is compliant and comfy enough to pleasurably cruise even bumpy roads and the adaptable transmission allows you to race around at 65 mph in second gear or amble along at 35 mph in fourth. And the cabin, even with the top down, is surprisingly serene – normal conversation with your passenger is possible. The optional ($375) wind deflector that fits between the headrests plays a large role in suppressing wind noise.

The seats are similarly changeable: during spirited driving they feel like custom race buckets, but they’re spacious and comfy on long hauls, too. There’s also enough cargo space (nearly ten cubic feet total) for a weekend’s worth of luggage for two. Which is perfect, because then you can take your spouse with you and enjoy the car with a totally clear conscience.