2013 Porsche Boxster Preview

Exterior FeaturesThough it looks similar to the previous Boxster, the new 2013 Porsche Boxster is completely redesigned and features a longer wheelbase combined with a wider track. The body is constructed of aluminum, shaving 56 pounds from the base curb weight and allowing the Boxster to weigh in at 2,889 pounds in standard trim, according to Porsche. A spoiler that automatically deploys and retracts depending on vehicle speed separates new LED taillights, and the power convertible top opens and closes in less than 10 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph, the automaker says.

Interior Features

Thanks to the stretched wheelbase and track, the 2013 Boxster is larger inside and features the same elevated center console design as the Panamera and 911 models. Porsche says this reduces the distance between the flat-bottom steering wheel and shifter for faster gear changes. The ignition remains to the left of the steering wheel on the dashboard, and the right gauge display is now a 4.6-inch information screen.

Optional Features

Porsche is offering its Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system on the 2013 Boxster, which includes a locking rear differential. A set of Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) is also available, and wheel selections go up to 20 inches in diameter. Additionally, Porsche provides numerous ways to tailor a Boxster to specific preferences.

Under the Hood

In the standard Boxster, a 2.7-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine makes 265 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 206 lb.-ft. of torque between 4,500 and 6,500 rpm. For added power and performance, there's the Boxster S, which employs a 3.4-liter 6-cylinder good for 315 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 266 lb.-ft. of torque between 4,500 and 5,800 rpm.

Each engine is paired with a standard 6-speed manual or 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual-clutch automated manual gearbox. Auto start/stop engine technology reduces overall fuel consumption by 15 percent, according to Porsche, and each model is equipped with a standard Sport button for sharpened response.

Porsche says the Boxster produces the fastest acceleration and fuel economy when equipped with the PDK transmission. By Porsche's stopwatch, the standard Boxster accelerates to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the Boxster S makes the same run in 4.7 seconds. Add the optional Sport or Sport Chrono package and drivers can expect to shave a few tenths off acceleration times. Top speed is 173 mph, the manufacturer claims.

Safety

Six air bags are standard on the 2013 Porsche Boxster, including head air bags that inflate upward from the door panels for added protection in side-impact crashes. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is also standard, as well as a rollover protection system that deploys if sensors detect that the Boxster is about to flip over.