Porsche Boxster (2013)

The rear end of the new Porsche Boxster models has been completely redesigned: there is no longer any convertible-top compartment lid, rear wing and lights are linked by a prominent edge spanning the entire vehicle width and the central lamp unit located beneath it combines the rear fog light and reversing lights in one flat strip. The new tail lights, all in LED technology, are perfectly integrated into the rear apron, with their shape curving around the corner of the car. The redesigned tailpipes complete the deep, centred look. This is further emphasised by the diffuser, which spans the width of the vehicle. A characteristic feature of the Boxster is an oval tailpipe; the Boxster S has a twin-flow double tailpipe.

Engine and transmission

The Porsche Boxster's mid-engine concept has been a decisive reason for its outstanding agility ever since the roadster has existed. In addition, the flat-six engines with their economical performance, located forward of the rear axle, make the two-seater Porsche a model of performance and efficiency.

The new Boxster models have opened a whole new chapter here. Both models' engines are more powerful than before on the one hand while being more than 15 per cent more fuel-efficient, irrespective of model, on the other hand.

Porsche Intelligent Performance: Greater efficiency from downsizing to coasting

The Porsche Boxster's engine has been derived from the Boxster S machine according to the downsizing principle and has a displacement of 2.7 litres - 0.2 litres less than its predecessor. To increase efficiency, the boxer engines feature electrical system recuperation and map-controlled cooling water thermal management. Moreover, Porsche is introducing the auto start/stop function for the PDK and manual transmission in the Boxster as well.

The Porsche Boxster with PDK transmission is borrowing the principle of only drawing on engine power when it is actually needed from the new 911 Carrera: so-called coasting. What is meant by coasting is rolling along without power, with the engine idling and with low fuel consumption to match. In practice, that means fuel savings of up to one litre per 100 kilometres with a forward-thinking driving style in everyday driving.

Manual six-speed gearbox or Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK)

A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard in the new Boxster models, the gear ratios being optimally matched to the engine characteristics. The extensively redesigned Porsche PDK, available as an option, offers seven gears, gear changes without interruption to the power flow making for faster sprints and lower fuel consumption. In combination with the features relating to the chassis and the engines, the new Boxsters with PDK deliver a completely new driving experience.

New: Sport Chrono Package for the first time with dynamic transmission mounts

The optional Sport Chrono Package, which now includes dynamic transmission mounts for the first time, makes for a very wide spread between a sporty setup - for example for the race circuit - and driving comfort in everyday use. These change their rigidity and damping characteristics according to the current driving situation. The system thus ensures that the power unit is optimally in tune with the body in every driving situation, thereby contributing to improved handling characteristics accompanied by a high degree of driving and vibration comfort. Moreover, the Sport Chrono package in combination with PDK offers the Launch Control function for the best possible starting acceleration. The vehicle thus requires 0.2 seconds less for zero to 100 km/h than in the normal mode.

Chassis and brakes

As a mid-engine sports car, the Porsche Boxster was blessed with superb agility from the cradle. The two-seater's new chassis elevates this to a level that puts even the previous Boxster's agility in the shade.

The basic geometry alone created the very best prerequisites for this: 60 millimetres longer wheelbase for greater stability at very high speeds, a wider track on both axles for additional driving stability and agility in bends, larger tyres for even better adhesion to the very edge of the envelope. The proof: When equipped for optimal driving dynamics, the new Boxster S laps the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7:58 minutes. That is twelve seconds faster than with the comparably equipped predecessor model. Options such as the enhanced Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), dynamic engine suspension and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and the optional 20-inch wheels ensure the very highest driving performance.

Quick-reacting and efficient: electro-mechanical steering

The new Porsche Boxster's further improved agility and speed of response is also down to electromechanical power steering, which Porsche has used for the first time in the new 911 Carrera generation. The fundamental advantage compared with hydraulic power steering is the reduction in fuel consumption by at least 0.1 l/100 km. Additional functions further enhance comfort and safety. Specific feedback is passed to the driver through the steering wheel and negative or unnecessary influences are filtered out.

More traction, more dynamic cornering: Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV)

Previously, the mechanical rear differential lock optimised the Boxster's traction upon demand. The new Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), available in conjunction with PASM, goes one better: it improves cornering dynamics from the moment the vehicle enters the curve. Basically, PTV improves the steering behaviour and steering precision of the vehicle by selectively braking the inside rear wheel. In terms of dynamics and driving stability, PTV is the ideal complement to Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Whereas PSM uses braking interventions to stabilise the vehicle if required, PTV uses braking interventions to enhance driving dynamics and agility. The mechanical rear differential lock included in PTV has, as in the previous model, an asymmetric locking action of 22 per cent in traction and 27 per cent in propulsion.

Revamped PASM with enhanced sensors

The revamping and ongoing development of the optional active suspension system PASM has tailored it even better to the Boxster's dynamics. Unlike earlier models, four additional vertical sensors on the front and rear wheels deliver even better, more sensitive control. As before, the driver can choose between the two programs, "Normal" and "Sport", by selecting the PASM button on the centre console.

New: upgraded brakes and electric parking brake

Enhanced performance has also been matched by a more powerful braking system - a given with Porsche. Along with new, stiffer brake callipers on the front axle, optimised brake pad control and a larger brake surface, the brake disc cooling has also been improved. Moreover, the new Porsche Boxster S also boasts larger front axle brake discs, borrowed from the 911 Carrera. For increased traffic safety and to provide a better warning for following traffic, the Boxster's brake light pulses as soon as the ABS control system is activated. Like other Porsche model lines, the new Boxster models now feature an electrically operated parking brake, which can be conveniently activated using a button on the left of the dashboard. As with the previous models, the powerful, race-tested Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is available as an option.

Larger wheels and tyres with lower rolling resistance

The new Porsche Boxster models run on newly developed, 18 and 19-inch tyres, fitted as standard. The new tyre generation has been optimised for rolling resistance, typical Porsche performance with regard to handling and braking distance, as well as weight. The reduction in rolling resistance of seven per cent compared to previous models contributes to lower fuel consumption. The handling characteristics, and thus driving fun, have been greatly improved by increasing the rolling circumference on the front and rear axles by 4 per cent compared to the previous models.

Body and convertible top

An essential development objective for the new Boxster generation with a major impact on performance, agility and handling as well as fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was a significant weight reduction. Initially however, based on the previous models, the more stringent safety and torsional stiffness requirements meant a weight increase of up to 20 kg, depending on model.

Due to intelligent lightweight design, however, it was possible to reduce the actual vehicle gross weight of the new Boxster models by up to 35 kilograms compared with the previous models: The new Boxster is the lightest sports car in its class.

Improved aerodynamics and new rear wing concept

The Porsche Boxster's new shape is not just more striking but offers aerodynamic benefits as well Although the more powerful engine and brakes require a modified cooling system, the drag coefficient is a very good cd=0.30. It was possible to reduce the lift on both axles even further compared with the predecessor model, which translates into even greater driving stability at high speeds. On the rear axle, the new rear wing and wrap-around separation edge have a decisive part in this. It generates more downforce than the earlier extending separation edge and offers less resistance to the airflow.

New convertible top without a convertible top compartment lid

The Boxster's new design is critically influenced by the interaction between the flatter windscreen, set further forward, and the all-new, elongated convertible top, which now extends all the way back to the vicinity of the rear wheels. Even when open, the difference with the predecessor is unmistakable: There is no longer any convertible top compartment lid, making the vehicle look lighter.

The new Boxster models' convertible top was completely redesigned. The very elongated, sporty, elegant shape is emphasised by a rear window lengthened by 120 millimetres. The basic technical concept was adopted from the previous Porsche Boxster and developed into a fully electric convertible top. The convertible top can be opened or closed by means of a rocker switch in the centre console at speeds of up to 50 km/h within no more than nine seconds. Here too, the Boxster's speed is unsurpassed.

Interior and equipment

The Porsche Boxster's interior architecture has been completely redesigned but is familiar to any Porsche driver in its basic functions. The result is a sophisticated new interior design, with clean lines influenced by the Carrera GT super sports car.

The upward sloping centre console with its racing-style raised gear control gives the driver the feeling of being even more integrated. The short distances between the steering wheel and the gear lever or selector make for an emphatically sporty feeling. The important functions and settings for operating the vehicle are grouped in logical clusters on the centre console. This button configuration allows quick and intuitive operation of individual functions.

The new central higher location of the standard CDR audio system with its seven-inch touchscreen display is not only very clearly visible, but also provides ready access to the many functions available. The classic three round instruments of the Boxster model line with the centrally positioned rev counter and the ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel provide the link with the familiar cockpit environment. Also new is the 4.6" VGA multi-function display in the instrument on the right. In addition to the most important on-board computer functions, the screen also features the map display for the optional PCM with navigation module, for example.

New sports seats with a five millimetre lower seat position and more legroom offer the driver and front seat passenger both greater long-distance comfort as well as good side support when being driven with a dynamic driving style. Compared with predecessor models, the leg room has been extended by 25 mm for more comfort and cabin space. As before, the steering wheel can be adjusted mechanically both in height and reach, with the longitudinal adjustment range being increased by ten millimetres. This enables the driver's seat to be adjusted even more individually and precisely.

Full programme: proven and new optional extras

The extensive range of interior options offers many different ways to individualise the new Boxster models to one's own personal taste. For example, different seat families up to and including the Adaptive Sports Seats Plus are available. There is also a choice of leather interiors in different variants.

Porsche offers two further sound systems as an alternative to the CDR audio system, featured as standard. The optional Sound Package Plus comprises seven loudspeakers, divided into five channels, as well as an external amplifier with a total power output of 185 Watts. The top of the range system is the optional BOSE® Surround Sound system with a total of 10 loudspeakers, fed by eight digital amplifier channels.BOSE® Surround Sound system with a total of 10 loudspeakers, fed by eight digital amplifier channels.

In addition, Porsche offers a wide range of other options for the new Porsche Boxster, including for the first time:

• Bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
• two-zone automatic climate control
• electrically-operated folding exterior mirrors including welcome home lighting
• Parking assistant front and rear with TopView