2013 PORSCHE BOXSTER

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD
BRADLEY HUBBARD


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Never before in the history of the mid engine Porsche Boxster was a change of generation so comprehensive Stuggart stated. The open-top two-seater car is being marketed with a completely new lightweight design body and a completely revamped chassis. Considerably lower weight, a longer wheel-base, a wider track and larger wheels significantly enhance the mid-engine sports car's driving dynamics yet further, already far and away the best in its class, supported by the new electro-mechanical power steering.

The Porsche Boxsters were first introduced in 1997. Since those years Porsche kept improving the Boxster models.  The last generation was a wonderful performance and handling vehicle. 

Thanks to the new chassis the Boxster is 55 pounds lighter coming in Porsche states at 2882 pounds. The Boxster S loses even more weight to weigh in at nearly 2970 pounds.

The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and auto start/stop function, power both models.

The base model’s new 2.7-liter engine delivers 265 hp. That is ten horsepower more than its larger displacement predecessor. The new 3.4-litre engine of the Boxster S now delivers 315 hp, Porsche states it has five hp more than before.  Torque on the S model is 266 foot pounds at 4500 rpm.  Zero to 60 is approximately 4.5 seconds.

The third generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche Boxster and Boxster S. Both models feature last year’s manual six-speed gearbox as standard. They do not offer the seven-speed manual for the Boxster’s seen in the new Carrera. The six-speed is a short thrown manual making the fun of driving a few hundred miles in the mountains pure enjoyment.

An optional seven-speed automatic Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available. 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.

The convertible two-seat car receives an entirely new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis. This 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 Boxster boasts superior performance and is also up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than previous models Porsche states.  When we test it for a week we will calculate our findings for fuel consumption.

The 2013 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. Porsche has done this on other models like the Carrera GT ensuring improved ergonomics in all models. It houses the shifter and other switches. The interior of the base model is outstanding. Quality of all parts is superb. Still for those that must have the optional leather package Porsche will sell you this. The great seats are from the 911 and make the long journey from LA to Las Vegas a treat.

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. These magnetorheological transmission mounts will stiffen or relax. This allows them to soften in less aggressive driving. But when you want to get into the corners the transmission mounts stiffen to help in handling of the Boxster.

Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential lock. PTV locking mechanical rear differential works with individual rear brakes to help the Boxster turn into a corner. You cannot turn it off. It works well keeping the Boxster cornering at high limits.

The electric power steering some wish had not been added. Some of the road feel of the previous hydraulic these “aficionados” miss. But, the system is lighter and it is precise.

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.

The Boxster remains the only mid-engine sports car in its class.

Competition would be the Corvette convertible, Nissan 370Z, BMW Z4 , Audi TT roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK Class.

We await a long test drive to complete our performance figures.

Bruce Hubbard

Bradley Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group