2013 Porsche Boxster

I have always been a fan of the Porsche Boxster since it's introduction. The car reminded me a lot of the Porsche 914 from the 1970s. It was sort of an alternative to shelling out the big bucks for a 911.

Now, Porsche has given the Boxster a full redesign and I REALLY like what I see. The new car has a longer wheel base and wider track, yet weighs less than the outgoing model. What's more impressive is the upgrades in power. The Boxster gets a new 2.7 liter flat six that has an additional 10 ponies, pushing the power to 265 hp. The Boxster S now puts out 315 horse power from a 3.4 liter flat six. Both cars will be included with 6 speed manual transmissions as standard equipment with an optional 7 speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (don't worry, I can't pronounce it either.) PDK trans. The interior is also upgraded, taking some styling cues from the Carrera GT.

Pricing has also been announced $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S as starting MSRPs.

Source: Porsche Cars NA
Official press release.
2013 Porsche Boxster:
Lighter, more muscular, more distinctive and more fuel-efficient
ATLANTA, January 12, 2012 – Never before in the history of the Porsche Boxster has a
change of generation been so comprehensive. The open-top two-seat car receives an entirely
new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis. The new Boxster weighs less than
the previous generation and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. These new
dimensions are coupled with larger wheels and a new electromechanical power steering
system to significantly enhance the mid-engine sports car’s driving dynamics. The new
Boxster boasts superior performance and is also up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than
previous models on the European cycle.

The new Boxster benefits not only from an increased wheelbase but also shorter overhangs,
while the windscreen has been shifted forward. The passengers are enclosed by the
completely redesigned, fully electric top, which now dispenses with a convertible top
compartment lid. The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new
Porsche outline with a raked center console, which, originating with the Carrera GT ensures
improved ergonomics in all models.

The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and
Boxster S. Both models are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection, the
efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal
management and start/stop function. The base model’s new power unit delivers 265 hp from
a 2.7 liter displacement – ten hp more than its larger displacement predecessor. Technically,
it is now based on the 3.4-liter engine of the Boxster S. This now delivers 315 hp, which is
five hp more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with
the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option. Both sports
cars achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK. With
gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 60 mph
in 5.4 seconds, the Boxster S in 4.7 seconds.

To enhance driving dynamics yet further, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an
optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also
new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential
lock.

The new Boxster models are expected in U.S. showrooms in early summer 2012. The basic
list price will be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a
$950 destination charge.