There's a new Boxster in the ring – and it already looks set to KO the opposition. Not content with winning our Driver Power reliability and satisfaction survey, the pride of Porsche is taking the fight to higher levels, as these first official pictures of the new model show. The car, which goes on sale in the UK in August, is instantly distinguishable with its new front and rear-end treatment, along with restyled lateral air intakes.

The nose of the mid-engined rocket gets a new front bumper, designed to further reduce lift at speed and also enhance high-speed stability. Reworked front intakes direct more air to the engine to optimise cooling, while the front end receives a distinctive headlight treatment. Its charismatic 'fried-egg' lamps have been fitted with clear lenses, complemented at the back by see-through indicator covers.



The Porsche's pert rear gets a revised lower bumper and a restyled exhaust, with the S given the aggressive twin-pipe treatment, while the standard model has the more modest single oval pipe. A redesigned, speed-sensitive rear aerofoil improves downforce at the back and, when retracted, it's more cleanly integrated into the car's lines. Side ducts channel air towards the mid-mounted engine past their body-coloured strakes. And, after being redesigned, the scoops provide a more effective cooling breeze.

Both flat-six units on offer receive a reworked version of Porsche's acclaimed VarioCam variable valve-timing system, which is designed to enhance mid-range response for more muscular in-gear acceleration. The fettling also bumps up power by 8bhp across the board. As a result, the standard version's 2.7-litre powerplant develops 228bhp, while the 3.2 in the flagship S kicks out a storming 260bhp. That's enough to shave two-tenths of a second off the 0-60mph dash! This means the standard Boxster now bolts to 60mph from rest in 6.4 seconds, while the S racks up a truly impressive 5.7-second time. Despite the hike in power, fuel consumption has been cut by two per cent, while exhaust emissions are also slightly down on the outgoing models. Other changes include a wider range of lightweight 911-style alloy wheels to reduce unsprung weight. And the electrically operated roof finally gets a glass rear windscreen, addressing a problem Auto Express readers repeatedly highlighted in our Driver Power survey. The redesigned hood drops into its recess at a steeper angle to house the rigid rear screen, giving the Boxster a smoother roof-up silhouette.

Inside, there's a new cup-holder in the centre console, while the stereo and sat-nav have been upgraded. In a thoughtful move, the large, lockable illuminated passenger glovebox is connected to the alarm system. Finally, three new colour options extend the range. Despite these alterations, prices remain unchanged at £31,450 for the Boxster and £38,150 for the hotter S.

 

I have like the Boxster since it has come out. It just seem stange to me that they don't really have a good re-sale value

 

Looks the same to me

 

The changes are more evident in the back. The front, trully looks very much the same. Except the grill type inteakes.

 

They really need to come out with a more powerful version. I know they wouldn't want to have something that will compeat against the 911 crowd but they could bump the power up to like 280 or so....

 

These are photos of the "previous/existing" Boxster compared with the above new Boxster pics:

 

I agree. And as you said, it all has to start with making the 911 more powerfull. Since they just bumped it to 320HP just months ago, I am not expecting anything drastic soon. So that is all we get for the Boxsters for now, I am guessing.

 

Hey, they pulled an ACURA act, and just changed a few minor "stupid" features..........Same old Shizta..........

 

Big deal... still only 260hp for the Boxster S and 228 for for the Base Boxster are you fucking kidding me! For $50,000 + no thank you...I'll take a Corvette Z06 instead, and go pick on 911 Turbos. New and improved my ass!

 

EXACTY THE ACURA POINT !

 

Naw they are different animals. Midengine boxter rwd. I know the Z06 is a beast and handles very well but you can't beat the boxter layout. I'm not saying it's worth the money. Long-haul....i don't have confidence in either lasting but i'd take my chances with the prosche.

 

I didn't know the Boxster had a mid-engine design. To me the Boxster is just way overpriced to begin with...as far as bang for the buck goes the Boxster is near the bottom. I'd rather have an S2000 than a base Boxster.

 

The only big news here is the glass rear window! FINALLY! I actually like the "old" boxter better. Taillights look too much like a 911 (big no no) and the headlights are the same as the older 911s. 911 owners hate that!!!

 

One good thing about the Boxster.......they are running killer lease deals on them now, dealers are totally overstocked- even the Boxster S.

 

glass rear window finally!!!!!!!!

it looks decent...it does look very similar though...there's been rumors of a turbo version for a while but still nothing has been said about it....but that would be sweet

i've driven a boxster a few times...and you can't compare it to any GM product...esp a corvette...completely different types of cars.

I'm a man that loves to go fast...but my $50,000 would go to the Boxster S anyday over the Z06

but, thats just me

 

They seemed so underpowered.

 

Yeah they are pretty light cars but it would be nice if the
boxster-S go head to head with the m3/z06

 

And actually the HP numbers I posted are in HP DIN. When they will be converted in our BHP SAE NET, they will by 1.5% less. or so. So I am guessing 225 and 257 or so.

 

I agree. I have test driven both the C5 (not Z06) and the Boxster (not S) and the feeling is completely different. The Porsche felt like a faster Miata, very nimble and pleasurable to drive when you are in the mood for such driving.

The C5 felt like an oversized GT (which it is really), not a nimble roadster.

But for every day driving I would go with the C5. And now it sounds like the C5 became even more friendlier to drive over bad roads with the new active suspension offered in the 50th anniversary car. Mags stated that this is not just an improvement. It is a "leap ahead" in the suspension department. Hmmm... I would like to check it out.

 

See with these highly refined vehicles it doesn't feel like you are really going super fast, which isn't bad, but it can take away from the enjoyment of the spirited drive

 

That is true. The Boxster sales figures look like our CLS' There is less demand than supply.

 

The better rumor now is they are working on a coupe version. It has been spied testing on the track. And then my question is: Why not get a 911 Carrera for a little more money?

 

That is the job of the 911

 

yeah i see but it's 70k.... I was thinking something more competative in price as well as performance 0-60 times would drop a little if they added the AWD from the 911's

 

That centered, single tail pipe looks like the back end of a animal with it's tail raised. Duals is the only way to go.