The All-New 2013 Porsche Boxter Officially Previewed

The 911’s little brother has a brand new look, having shed some weight while gaining an attractive sheetmetal as well as a few more horses.

On the back of the unveiling of the 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet in Detroit, Porsche has wasted no time showing off its next work of art in the form of the Boxter.The open-top two-seater has an entirely new lightweight body and completely revamped chassis, weighing less than its predecessor and riding on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. Coupled with larger wheels and a new electromechanical power steering, the mid-engine sports car boasts significantly enhanced driving dynamics.
It also boasts up to 15 percent better fuel-efficiency than previous models.Arguably the most handsome Boxter Porsche has ever created, the redesigned roadster benefits from shorter overhangs and a windscreen that's been shifted forward. Revised headlamps and a more slender air intake also work well as does the spoiler blending into the tail lights.Passengers are now enclosed by a redesigned fully electric top, dispensing with the convertible top compartment lid. As a result occupants have more space, reflecting Porsche's new outline that includes a raked center console and what appears to be upgraded interior materials.

The Boxter and Boxter S have debuted together, and both are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection. Efficiency is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function.What about performance we hear you cry? Well, the base model now delivers 265hp from a 2.7-liter flat six nestled behind the seats, ten horses more than its larger displacement predecessor; the Boxter S delivers 5hp more than before with 315hp managed by its 3.4-liter six. Both are mated to a manual 6-speed transmission with an optional 7-speed PDK that offers the best fuel consumption and acceleration performance.
0-60mph for the Boxter is rated at 5.4 seconds, and 4.7 seconds for the Boxter S with uninterrupted gear changes to the power flow.Porsche is offering a Sport Chrono Package for the Boxter as an optional extra, which features dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. 

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential lock is also a new feature.Expect the new models to hit US showrooms this summer just in time for the drop top season, priced at $49,500 for the base Boxter and $60,900 for the Boxter S.