The new third-generation 2013 Porsche Boxster features a completely new, lighter body and revamped chassis, longer wheelbase, wider track, and larger wheels, for just a taste of what's to come. And on trend, the new Boxster boasts significantly better fuel economy. Competitors include the Nissan 370Z, BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK 350.
The Boxster and Boxster S are powered by direct-injection flat-6 engines with auto start/stop function. The Boxster gets 265 hp from 2.7 litres, up 10 from the previous generation in spite of slightly smaller displacement, with 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.8 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual; 5.7 with Porsche's unpronounceable, optional PDK 7-speed transmission. Fuel economy is a pretty darned impressive 8.2L/100km with the manual, and 7.7 with the PDK.
The S gets a 3.4L, 315-hp powerplant with a five-horse power boost over the last, for 0-100 acceleration of 5.1 seconds, 5 flat with the PDK. Top speeds range from 262 to 277 km/h depending on trim and tranny.
The windscreen is flatter and set about 10 cm further forward, and the convertible topline extends further back for a more elegant silhouette; plus, the body is slightly longer and the front overhang reduced.
The new shoulder line runs from the front wing into the rear side section, accommodating the exterior mirrors at the upper edge of the door. The indentation in the door is more pronounced, guiding the eye to the beefy air intake in the rear side section. Headlights -- halogen on Boxster, bi-Xenon on Boxster S -- are redesigned, with daytime driving and position lights integrated above the air intakes.
The rear end is redesigned too, and the convertible-top compartment lid eliminated. A prominent edge spans the width of the rear, linking the rear wing and lights. A central lamp unit combines rear fog light and reversing lights in one flat strip. New tail lights are integrated into the rear apron, and curve slyly around the corner of the car.
The optional Sport Chrono package features for the first time dynamic transmission mounts, making for a very wide spread between a sporty set-up (think track) and everyday more comfort-oriented use. The Chrono package in combo with the PDK offers a launch control function that shaves 0.2 seconds off its 0-100 km/h time.
The new Boxsters get electro-mechanical power steering, used for the first time on the new generation 911 Carrera, for a reduction in fuel economy by at least 0.1L/100km over hydraulic power steering.
New Porsche Torque Vectoring, available in conjunction with Porsche Active Suspension Management, improves cornering dynamics by selectively braking the inside rear wheel. As for the PASM, four additional vertical sensors on the front and rear wheels deliver more sensitive control, and drivers can still choose between Normal and Sport settings.
Brakes feature new, stiffer callipers on the front axle, optimised brake pad control and larger brake surface. Larger front axle brake discs are borrowed from the 911 Carrera. Race-tested Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes are still an option. New 18- and 19-inch tires are standard and boast a 7 per cent reduction in rolling resistance, and the rolling circumference on the front and rear axles is up by 4 per cent.
The newly designed convertible top is longer and now extends to the vicinity of the rear wheels, emphasized by a lengthened rear window. A rocker switch opens or closes the fully electric top up to speeds of 50 km/h in nine seconds or less.
The 2013 Porsche Boxster ($56,500) and Boxster S ($69,500) are expected early this summer, with prices about $1,500 and $2,500 more than the current models, respectively.
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The Boxster and Boxster S are powered by direct-injection flat-6 engines with auto start/stop function. The Boxster gets 265 hp from 2.7 litres, up 10 from the previous generation in spite of slightly smaller displacement, with 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.8 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual; 5.7 with Porsche's unpronounceable, optional PDK 7-speed transmission. Fuel economy is a pretty darned impressive 8.2L/100km with the manual, and 7.7 with the PDK.
The S gets a 3.4L, 315-hp powerplant with a five-horse power boost over the last, for 0-100 acceleration of 5.1 seconds, 5 flat with the PDK. Top speeds range from 262 to 277 km/h depending on trim and tranny.
The windscreen is flatter and set about 10 cm further forward, and the convertible topline extends further back for a more elegant silhouette; plus, the body is slightly longer and the front overhang reduced.
The new shoulder line runs from the front wing into the rear side section, accommodating the exterior mirrors at the upper edge of the door. The indentation in the door is more pronounced, guiding the eye to the beefy air intake in the rear side section. Headlights -- halogen on Boxster, bi-Xenon on Boxster S -- are redesigned, with daytime driving and position lights integrated above the air intakes.
The rear end is redesigned too, and the convertible-top compartment lid eliminated. A prominent edge spans the width of the rear, linking the rear wing and lights. A central lamp unit combines rear fog light and reversing lights in one flat strip. New tail lights are integrated into the rear apron, and curve slyly around the corner of the car.
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| A prominent edge spans the width of the rear, linking the rear wing and lights. (Photo: Porsche) |
The optional Sport Chrono package features for the first time dynamic transmission mounts, making for a very wide spread between a sporty set-up (think track) and everyday more comfort-oriented use. The Chrono package in combo with the PDK offers a launch control function that shaves 0.2 seconds off its 0-100 km/h time.
The new Boxsters get electro-mechanical power steering, used for the first time on the new generation 911 Carrera, for a reduction in fuel economy by at least 0.1L/100km over hydraulic power steering.
New Porsche Torque Vectoring, available in conjunction with Porsche Active Suspension Management, improves cornering dynamics by selectively braking the inside rear wheel. As for the PASM, four additional vertical sensors on the front and rear wheels deliver more sensitive control, and drivers can still choose between Normal and Sport settings.
Brakes feature new, stiffer callipers on the front axle, optimised brake pad control and larger brake surface. Larger front axle brake discs are borrowed from the 911 Carrera. Race-tested Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes are still an option. New 18- and 19-inch tires are standard and boast a 7 per cent reduction in rolling resistance, and the rolling circumference on the front and rear axles is up by 4 per cent.
The newly designed convertible top is longer and now extends to the vicinity of the rear wheels, emphasized by a lengthened rear window. A rocker switch opens or closes the fully electric top up to speeds of 50 km/h in nine seconds or less.
The 2013 Porsche Boxster ($56,500) and Boxster S ($69,500) are expected early this summer, with prices about $1,500 and $2,500 more than the current models, respectively.
 |
| Brakes feature new, stiffer callipers on the front axle, optimised brake pad control and larger brake surface. (Photo: Porsche) |
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