The new Boxster is lighter, more powerful, efficient and agile than its predecessor – with new flat-six direct injection engines. It has a UK arrival in April. 
Porsche’s are known to be almost static in the evolution of their designs. The 911 still has the same basic silhouette it’s had since its 1960’s inception. But the Porsche Boxster cannot be tarnished by the same brush. It has been much more malleable and pliable in the evolution of its design.
The third incarnation has shorter front and rear overhangs, a significantly forward-shifted windscreen, and has a flatter silhouette. But the main visual differences are the use of expressive edges and lines and all new head-light and tail-light designs (the rear lights now blend into the vestigial rear spoiler), giving the car a fresh styling, yet still being easily recognisable as a Boxster.
Inside, there’s more passenger space, with a feature of the interior design being a Carrera GT inspired centre console. The convertible now has a new fully electric hood, which now dispenses with the need for a compartment lid when stowed.
Porsche claim’s the car’s lower weight, longer wheel-base, widened track and larger wheels offer a superior performance for the mid-engined sports car. Further driving enhancement is provided by the option of ‘Sport Chrono Package’, featuring Dynamic Transmission Mounts, and optional ‘Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV)’ with a mechanical rear limited slip differential.
The use of features such as electro-mechanical power steering, and direct injection give the new Boxster up to 15 % greater fuel efficiency. The Boxster and Boxster S benefit from new flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, with further efficiency provided by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function.
The standard Boxster gets 265 bhp from a 2.7 litre – 10 bhp on its predecessor. While the Boxster S delivers 315 bhp from its 3.4 litre – 5 bhp more than previously. Both models feature six-speed manual gearboxes as standard. But an optional seven-speed dual-clutch ‘Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK)’ gives improved fuel consumption figures of 36.7mpg for the standard Boxter, and 35.3mpg for the Boxster S.
Porsche also claim the PDK gives smoother gear changes without interruption to the flow of power, allowing the Boxster to sprint from 0- 62mph in 5.7 sec, and the Boxster S in just 5.0 sec. The new Boxster goes on sale in the UK from April 28. The standard Boxster is priced from £37,589, and from £45,384 for the Boxster S.
The Boxster features Alcantara interior, 18” alloy wheels, Auto stop/start and Sports mode, remote control hood operation, audio CD with 7-inch colour touch-screen control, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity. The Boxster S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights. 
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