Porsche Boxster S 2013 Review

Not so much:
?>> Some wind noise ?
>> 20-inch rims on Australian roads?
>> Push-pull steering wheel shift buttons

More photos of the Porsche Boxster at www.motoring.com.au

OVERVIEW
>> The bigger, better Boxster
Touted as lighter, more fuel-efficient, faster and more agile, the new third-generation Boxster adopts a lightweight body, revised flat-six engines with direct injection, and a suite of chassis and ancillary upgrades.

Boasting shorter overhangs, riding on a longer wheelbase and with a wider track and larger wheels, the mid-engine convertible’s dynamics are buttressed by electro-mechanical steering, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV -- which includes a mechanical rear differential lock) and optional dynamic transmission mounts.

Engine choices see Boxster and Boxster S receive 2.7 and 3.4-litre horizontally-opposed six-cylinder mills respectively. Porsche says efficiency gains of up to 15 per cent have been achieved by enhanced electrical system recuperation, improved thermal management, on-demand ancillaries and an idle stop/start system.

The entry-level model now outputs 195kW (up 7kW) while the sportier S gains four kilowatts to deliver 232kW. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard while the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is available optionally.

Boxster accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and consumes 7.7L/100km (PDK) while Boxster S hits triple figures in 5.0 seconds while averaging 8.0L/100km (PDK).

An electrically-operated roof dispenses with the convertible top compartment lid and added interior space (leveraged from the repositioning of the windscreen and longer wheeelbase) improves accommodation.

A new Carrera GT-inspired centre console brings a sportier feel to Boxster’s purposeful décor. The popular Sports Chrono Package remains an optional extra.

The new Porsche Boxster range is in showrooms this month.

Porsche's million-dollar Carrera GT has influenced the Boxster’s interior architecture yielding a sophistication that was lacking in the previous model -- and is admirable given the smallest Porsche's pricetag. The clean lines of the upward-sloping centre console and close proximity of the primary controls are an ergonomic asset, while grouped switch clusters effectively eliminate clutter.

The new 7.0-inch infotainment screen is positioned higher in the centre stack for improved visibility while the legacy three-binnacle instrument cluster remains, with the tachometer front-and-centre, of course. To the right of the gauge panel, a 4.6-inch VGA display provides read-outs for onboard diagnostics and satellite navigation (where fitted).

Two premium audio packages are offered in addition to the standard system, including the range-topping 10-speaker BOSE Surround Sound system.

Elsewhere in the two-seater’s options check list, Boxster is available with dynamic bi-xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control and front and rear parking assistant with TopView camera.

Porsche Boxster is priced from $107,500 for the standard models and $133,800 for the top-of-the-range Boxster S. PDK transmission attracts a $5300 premium on each model.

There are, quite literally, dozens of options available to buyers – both performance and appearance focussed.

In high-spec, the standard model boasts a top speed of 262km/h with a (NEDC combined) fuel consumption tally of 7.7L/100km and CO2 emissions of 180g/km.

The up-spec Porsche Boxster S benefits from a larger displacement 3436cc version of the same engine, this time delivering 232kW at 6700rpm and 360Nm from 4500-5800rpm. Like its ‘lesser’ sibling, Boxster S is available as standard with a six-speed manual transmission and offered optionally with the seven-speed PDK.

Boxster S dispenses the 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds in manual guise, 5.0 seconds flat with PDK and 4.8 seconds when optioned with the Sports Chrono Package. Top speed is rated at 279km/h with a fuel consumption figure of 8.0L/100km and 188g/km of CO2 when fitted with the PDK transmission.

The optional Sports Chrono Package mentioned previously includes dynamic transmission mounts (familiar to the new 911 Carrera S) for the first time. Porsche says these enable Boxster models to adapt rigidity and damping characteristics according to the driving situation, essentially keeping the drivetrain in tune with the body. At the same time, NVH is reduced, and, as a nifty bonus, when fitted with PDK, include Launch Control for improved starting acceleration (-0.2 seconds).

A longer wheelbase (+60mm), wider front and rear track and larger wheels and tyres are said to improve the Boxster's high speed stability. The chassis is further enhanced by optional dual-mode Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), dynamic engine suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV is an extension of the car’s stability control system) and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Boxster models are offered as standard with 18-inch alloys; Boxster S models get 19s. Both are fitted with purpose made Pirelli lower rolling resistance tyres.

Both Boxster models are fitted with the electro-mechanical power steering debuted in the new 911. An electric parking brake is used.

Braking is enhanced with what Porsche says are ‘stiffer’ callipers up front, larger discs and improved brake disc cooling. The LED brake lights pulse when antilock is activated, and, as with previous models, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is available as an (expensive) option.

Despite these rather significant changes, Boxster’s body is only 32mm longer than its predecessor; the most noticeable change, perhaps, a 27mm reduction in front overhang. The new model is up to 35kg lighter than the outgoing generation. Depending on variant, Boxster tips the scale from between 1310 and 1350kg.

The all-new interior not only looks the part, but is also more accommodating than before. Porsche fitted new sports seats it says sit 5mm lower in the car, extracting more legroom (+25mm) and improving driver and passenger comfort. The steering column is adjustable for height and reach, longitude range increased by 10mm.

Body sculpting changes see a revised shoulder line flow from a strong upward curve at the front, following in profile to the upper edge of the door. The door itself is indented to guide air flow across the radiators via a side-mounted intake. It is accompanied by separate lateral intakes across the front fascia, flanked by LED daytime running lamps and familiarly styled headlamps Porsche say are completely redeveloped.

At the rear, Boxster’s rear wing and curvaceous LED tail lamps are linked by a defined edge that spans the vehicle’s width. Below, reshaped exhaust outlets, by way of differentiation, are a singular oval pipe on Boxster models, and dual-port-look for Boxster S.

The fully-electric convertible top – which opens and closes in 9.0 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h -- is also redesigned to form its own cover once folded, and features a redesigned and lengthened rear window (+120mm).

Porsche says that the sum of its many body changes not only improve the car’s silhouette, but also aerodynamic efficiency, now 0.30Cd.

While we’re sure the Boxster is as safe as a sports convertible can be, neither a EuroNCAP or ANCAP rating is offered.

COMPETITORS

Audi TT ($81,600 - $103,300), BMW Z4 ($76,900 - $120,500), Mercedes-Benz SLK ($82,900 - $155,000), and, if the funds can’t be extended, the Nissan 370Z convertible ($74,990 - $77,990), are likely the nearest rivals to Porsche’s new Boxster. All offer ample engine selections and two-seat styling, though only Boxster offers a mid-rear engine / rear-wheel-drive layout.

Of course, any comparison in this sector is subjective, and depending on the vehicle’s intended purpose, packaging and practicality issues will weigh heavily on a buyer’s decision. But when it comes to pedigree, outright dynamism and, arguably, badge cred, the Porsche Boxster is pretty hard to beat.

The car points accurately, and corrects purposeful changes in attitude with rapid response. Like the new 911, the electro-mechanical steering telegraphs the front wheels’ position accurately to the fingertips.

Performance from the revised 3.4-litre powerplant is more linear than before and the wider torque spread means less gear work is necessary. Not that that’s an issue from either transmission. In PDK, shifts are nearly spontaneous and in manual models, a sweet, short throw shifter is complemented by a well-modulated clutch.

Confined to the posted speed limits of a public road, the base-model Boxster felt quick enough for everyday situations, although the considerable torque difference from its larger displacement brother meant the slick-shifting six-speed gearbox was kept busier. Throttle response is precise, but forgiving of a heavy foot.

At highway speeds, both Boxster variants (shod with 20-inch rubber) were quiet, the new roof insulating the cabin well from unwanted noise, even if some wind rustle was evident from the wing mirrors. Sans roof, Boxster is not as well shielded from bluster as some convertible models, but given the acoustic merriment from behind the rear seat, we’re certain it’s a sacrifice worth making.

The slightly bigger cabin is friendlier in lay-out, switchgear sees a ‘one button, one purpose’ philosophy applied to all controls not accessed via the centre touchscreen. A new TFT binnacle set to the right of the three-pod instrument panel hosts trip computer, navigation and peripheral gauges, the fuel gauge now digital swinging the opposite direction to its analogue forebear.

With its impressive performance credentials, sharp handling and improved refinement the new Boxster has come of age. Any remnants of its reputation as a Porsche-lite are now well and truly gone...

More photos of the Porsche Boxster at www.motoring.com.au

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