Boxster fights back

The new 981-series Boxster has been launched in Australia this week, and it's a car Porsche says is lighter, more fuel-efficient, faster and more agile.

Featuring a new aluminium-steel hybrid body, revised flat-six engines with direct injection, and a suite of chassis and ancillary upgrades, the third-generation Boxster rides on a longer wheelbase, but with shorter overhangs and a wider track.

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

A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard while the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is available optionally.  
An electrically-operated roof dispenses with the convertible top compartment lid while added interior space – leveraged from the repositioning of the windscreen – 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 and is priced from $107,500 for the Boxster manual, $112,800 for Boxster PDK, $133,800 for Boxster S and $139,100 for the range-topping Boxster S PDK.

Visit motoring.com.au again soon for our complete launch review.

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