Porsche Boxster third generation revealed

Porsche has unveiled the third generation of its mid-engine roadster model, the Boxster. For this new generation the German brand has given the open-top two-seater significant changes including a new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis.

The new Boxster is lighter (1310kg), features a longer wheelbase (2475mm), a wider track and larger. All of them help enhancing the mid-engine sports car’s driving dynamics, which now count with the new electro-mechanical power steering.

While offering a superior performance than the previous generation, the new Boxster is still up to 15 per cent more fuel-efficient.

In terms of design the changes in the new Boxster generation can be found in the shorter overhangs, the significantly forward-shifted windscreen, the flatter silhouette and the more expressive edges. The third generation Boxster is now equipped with a completely redesigned, fully electric hood, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid.

The new Boxster will be available in Boxster and Boxster versions, both being powered by flat-six engines with direct petrol injection. The base model features a 2.7-litre unit with a power output of 265hp. The Boxster S will be powered by a 3.4-litre engine with 315hp. Both engines can be combined with the standard manual six-speed gearbox or the optional the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK).

Both versions were engineered to become more efficient with the use of technologies such as electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. Equipped with the PDK transmission, the Boxster delivers a 7.7 l/100 km consumption while the S version consumes more 0.3 l/100km.

Porsche is offering with the new generation Boxster the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra. The Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear axle differential lock also features for the first time in the Boxster.

The market launch of the new Boxster generation will be on 14.04.2012. The basic list price in Germany will be 48,291 euro for the Boxster and 59,120 euro for the Boxster S, including 19 per cent value added tax in both cases.