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AUTOS: Porsche Reveals Next-Gen Boxster
Bigger, lighter, faster and sexier, the 2013 midengine sports car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
Viknesh Vijayenthiran  | http://motorauthority.com  |  Posted January 12, 2012   Stuttgart, GER
Porsche Boxster will be all-new for 2013 with a re-engineered chassis and engines that are more powerful and more fuel efficient. (Photo: Porsche)
Hot on the heels of the 2012 911 Cabriolet introduction in Detroit, Porsche today revealed photos and details of the next-generation Boxster that’s lighter, more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the model it replaces.

The shapely convertible also looks a lot sexier with shorter overhangs, a wider track and square headlight shapes inspired by those on the upcoming 918 Spyder hybrid supercar.

The 2013 Boxster gets steering and suspension enhancements that improve handling and drivability, Porsche says. (Photo: Porsche)
Porsche will unveil the 2013 Boxster officially at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The comprehensive changes to the Boxster line and the new 2013 Cayman coupe were made on an all-new platform, which in addition to being lighter is slightly bigger than the previous one.

The new dimensions are coupled with larger 20-inch wheels and a new electromechanical power-steering system that enhance the midengine sports car’s handling and dynamics, Porsche says. The suspension still features MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup in the rear.

The Boxster S gets a bigger flat-six engine that delivers 315 horsepower. (Photo: Porsche)
Both a Boxster and sportier Boxster S will be available powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection, with fuel efficiency further increased by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and an engine start-stop function. Porsche promises the cars are roughly 15 percent more fuel-efficient than previous models. Final EPA figures will be released closer to launch.

The engine in the new Boxster displaces 2.7 liters and develops a peak output of 265 horsepower, 10 more than the previous versions despite smaller displacement. Customers will be able to choose from either a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK dual clutch, the latter allowing the Boxster to sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Opt for the Boxster S and in addition to a host of upgrades you get a more powerful 3.4-liter engine with 315 horsepower on tap. The 0-60 run in this model takes just 4.7 seconds, also with the PDK.

The all-new interior reflects the designs of the latest 911 and the Panamera sedan. (Photo: Porsche)
To further enhance driving dynamics, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new to the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear-differential lock that varies the level of torque sent to each of the rear wheels.

Looking at the interior, we see that the designers were inspired by the new look found in the 2012 911, which itself was borrowed from the Panamera and Cayenne. The cabin is enclosed by a power-operated soft top, and Porsche claims that there’s more space inside for the driver and passenger.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster will hit showrooms just in time for summer with a starting price of $49,500 for the base model and $60,900 for the more capable Boxster S, not including the $950 destination charge.

This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
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