Porsche CEO Matthias Muller helps introduce the redesigned 2013 Boxster.
Porsche’s new product assault continues unabated, the German icon rolling into Geneva with an all-new version of the Boxster that it boasts is lighter, more powerful and more fuel-efficient, never mind a lot more appealing to the eye.
The design is more sculpted and “more mature,” suggested Michael Mauer, Porsche’s design chief, in a conversation with TheDetroitBureau.com. The overall look adopts more of a familial look shared with the new and well-reviewed 911, notably starting with the distinctive, sloping headlamps.
Porsche migrated to an all-new aluminum body for the 2013 Boxster on display at the Geneva Motor Show, a move meant to reduce weight – by an average 55 pounds – improve handling and performance, and boost fuel economy.
In terms of mileage, Porsche CEO Matthias Muller promised a 15% improvement – though U.S. ratings have yet to be released.
The new Boxster's aluminum body results in a significant weight loss - and improve mileage.
The 2,889-pound base car gets a direct-injected 2.7-liter flat six, for 2012 gaining an extra 10 horsepower at 265 hp. That will get you from 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds.
The 3.4-liter flat six in the Boxster S makes 315 hp, a 5 hp improvement. According to Porsche, the S can hit 60 in just 4.7 seconds, despite the fact that the more powerful model also weighs in at 3,043 pounds.
Sadly, Porsche has chosen to reserve its new 7-speed manual gearbox for the new 911, at least for now. But the new Boxster comes stock with a 6-speed stick, with a 7-speed Porsche PDK double-clutch gearbox the alternative – and one likely to command the majority of sales, company officials predict.
On the creature comfort side of the equation, the new Porsche Boxster adopts a modified soft top that Muller claims can cut noise levels in half – for those who actually drive with the top up – from 75 to 71 decibels. It will still fold down in about the time it takes for a light to change and can be operated even while moving at low speeds.
Porsche plans to have the new Boxster in U.S. showrooms by summer, with the base car going for $49,500. The Boxster S will come in at $60,900. Mileage ratings will be released shortly before launch.