Porsche announced a new Porsche Boxster this week with some great photos and a few of the major changes noted in the press release. Most notable are a new lightweight body, completely revamped chassis and a wider track. They also outfitted the car with larger wheels. You can imagine how this will continue to improve the driving dynamics of the mid-engine car. Performance is bumped and fuel economy also increased.

Here’s a bit more info from the press release:

The new Boxster thus delivers what the fundamentally changed styling with shorter overhangs, significantly forward-shifted windscreen, flatter silhouette and expressive edges promises. The passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric hood, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with the raked centre console, which, originating with the Carrera GT, ensures further improved ergonomics in all models.

The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both models are powered by flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. The base model’s new power unit delivers 265 hp (195 kW) from a 2.7 litre displacement – ten hp more than its larger displacement predecessor. Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-litre engine of the Boxster S. This now delivers 315 hp (232 kW), which is five hp more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option. Both sports cars achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK. The Porsche Boxster’s fuel consumption with PDK is 7.7 l/100 km and 8.0 l/100 km for the Boxster S. With gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, the Boxster S in 5.0 seconds.

It looks like the official launch of the new Porsche Boxster will be on April 14th (just in time for you to spend your big tax refund!).

Here are a couple more pics:

[Source & Images: Porsche.com]

Car and Driver Magazine recently published spy shots of the 2013 Porsche Boxster. I like the Boxster, but I have to say, I really like the look of this new model. Definitely more 911-like and the open top lines are mighty sexy.

A few details seem to be known such as 50 to 100 pounds lighter, LED turn signals, a little bump in power, optional PDK as before. There’s a possibility of a four cylinder engine, as well as an option on the other end of the spectrum producing 350 hp.

Check out all of the pictures and more info here: 2013 Porsche Boxster Spied Completely Undisguised.

[Source & Image: CarAndDriver.com]

I’ve been mulling over the Porsche Boxster E since the trio of cars showed up at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin in May. Two Boxster E models were represented: one car containing two electric motors, and two cars with just one electric motor. The tests of the day were successful as far as Porsche was concerned. Their engineering team, I’m sure, gleaned loads of valuable test and real world experiential data as a result of the outing.

Interestingly, the Boxster E with two motors turned out some decent specs for Porsche’s first all-electric offering:

• 0 to 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds
• Top speed that’s limited to 124 mph
• 107 miles of driving pleasure
• Road ready weight of 3,527 lbs

Specs are fairly close to a Porsche Boxster S. Not bad. The two motor Boxster E will recharge in 9 hours on 220 v power. What’s interesting about the dual motor version is the increased efficiency of the drive unit as a result of two motors being used. More power is recovered due to more energy being captured during braking.

Here’s part of my hang up though. From the Porsche press release:

Because all Boxster Es are comparatively quiet on the road, Porsche engineers have designed an Active Sound Design system that provides drivers with acoustic feedback as well as alerting any passersby.

Now call me crazy, but it just feels like we’re getting away from some of the things that have not only defined automobiles, and specifically Porsches, but part of the allure and thrill of driving these cars in the first place. At the point where we have to manufacture a sound track not produced by the engine itself, I start to think we’re moving too closely to the Jetson era where none of us will even be able to enjoy the thrill of driving any longer.

I know electric cars are coming (heck, they’re already here), and it’s an important step in the evolution of the automobile. I’ll even admit I thought the Toyota Prius was the best thing since sliced bread when I first saw it and wanted one I could mod to double the battery power. Essentially coming close to what Porsche has done with the Boxster E, minus the good looks and power.

Maybe it’s all the futuristic “what will the road be like in 20 years” articles I’ve been reading lately, but I’m starting to wonder if I really want an Electric Porsche. This despite feeling the Tesla Roadster is one heck of a cool sports car. I guess I fear losing what I’ve come to love about Porsche (and other exotic greats like Ferrari and Lamborghini)…the sound…and possibly the place to even drive these cars if the bumper-to-bumper self-driving car predictions are to be believed.

That said, I know there is much to be gleaned from Porsche’s tests of the Boxster E. What they’ve put together with the Porsche 918 Spyder surely hasn’t disappointed! Nor has their advancements on the track with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. I gladly embrace those cars as true Porsches through and through. I trust Porsche knows how to maintain the fabric woven into the brand and the cars they’ve successfully created for so many years. Maybe I just need to embrace change a bit more readily.

Would love to hear what you all think about an Electric Porsche and what that means for the future of the brand.

[Source & Images: Porsche]

Ahhh, what people with too much time on their hands get themselves into. Although this would be better fit for a Volkswagen or Bug site, there are solid connections to Porsche making it fitting for PorschePerfect.

It seems an Austrian man, Siegfried Rudolf, the owner of CarMaxx which specializes in restoring and customizing Porsche and Volkswagen cars, found a need to merge a car from each brand. The result is the Bugster. Reminds me of Brad’s Roxster creation he posted about a couple of years ago (Porsche’s Mid-Engine Gap and Project Roxster – The Ultimate Boxster).

The Bugster started life as a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle that was gutted, then fitted with a 2000 Porsche Boxster’s running gear. The final product is a mid-engined 270 hp Beetle. It’s got big side vents, huge 18′ wheels and the Porsche dashboard to further integrate the two cars.

I can’t say that I love this car, but I suppose if you’re a Beetle fan, you’ll probably go nuts for it. I suppose there are much worse creations out there (the 944 Batmobile comes to mind).

[Source & Images: Autoblog.com]

Paul snapped this picture while down in Cali earlier this week, Burbank to be exact. Can’t imagine this is much of a daily driver, but still, gotta love it! Maybe when the rain lets up, all those Porsche Boxster Spyder owners in Portland will start showing off their cars.

A few nights ago, I was sitting at home, a little bored. It was nearing 10pm and I decided we needed to do something spontaneous. I loaded the family up in the car and set out to do something I used to do at least three or four times a week for most of my high school and college years. We went to look at Porsches.

This may sound a little ridiculous and boring, but you should realize that I’ve likely spent more time sitting in my car (or my parents’ car) looking at Porsches than I have actually IN a Porsche. I used to drive nearly an hour each way to visit several used and new Porsche dealers in the Portland area when growing up. I’d also drive that same distance to visit magazine shops that carried Porsche related magazines not available in the Salem area.

This is a long standing tradition that has not died out.

Our first stop was a place named Northwest Investment Cars. Typically you can count on them to have not only a great selection of Porsches, but other exotics as well. On this particular night, there were some a few gorgeous late model 911s to be seen from the window. A solid start to our little late night Porscheventure.

The second location was a local Porsche dealer: Sunset Porsche. They always have nice cars on display and I was REALLY excited to see two cars in particular. The first was a 911 GT2. You just don’t see too many of those out and about, and this was a great example. Black with cool white lettering down the sides.

The second car was a first in person for me: a Porsche Boxster Spyder. I couldn’t believe they had one! I was so pumped at the sighting, I drove my wife (who had no intention of getting out of the warm car) over to the window to see it. I love the look of the car, especially the interior color.

My son really liked the white Porsche Cayman pictured above.

Of course I didn’t have a decent camera with me, so the only way to document the moment was with the iPhone. Sorry for the terrible picture quality.

All in all, a great night and a sure cure for boredom! Man I LOVE Porsches!

Two for one goodness today. Shortly after announcing the Porsche 911 Black Edition, they announced another black beauty. This time for the Boxster line.

The Porsche Boxster S Black Edition is due out in the Spring as a 2012 model. Here are the feature highlights:

• 3.4 liter 6 cylinder engine with direct fuel injection
• 320 hp, 10 hp more than the Boxster S
• PDK transmission
• 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds
• Top speed of 170 mph
• 19″ wheels that are the lightest in the lineup
• Convenience & Infotainment Packages included standard

MSRP is $65,200. Even though it’s a special edition, it represents a $3,200 savings over a similarly equipped Boxster S. Only 987 of the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition cars will be produced.

Here are a few more features from the press release:

This new mid-engine sports car is only available in solid black and features a monochrome treatment with a black body, black convertible top and black-painted 19-inch Boxster Spyder design wheels. Normally contrasting trim pieces from the Boxster S are also painted for a uniform look: the supplemental safety bars and side air intake grilles are painted black, as are the twin exhaust tailpipes and the model designation on the rear luggage compartment lid. A Black Edition model designation is embossed on the side of the fabric roof.

The monochromatic theme continues to the interior where black is the only available color, with aluminum and stainless steel used as accents. The brushed stainless steel door-entry guards feature Black Edition lettering, and the standard SportDesign steering wheel features twin aluminum-look spokes with a rim of smooth-finish black leather. Also painted black are the trim strips on the dashboard and around the six-speed manual shift lever or the gear selector for the optional Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed double clutch transmission, while the instrument dials are black instead of the usual white. Two final touches are the Porsche crest embossed on the headrests and a limited-edition badge on the glove compartment.

This is a gorgeous car with similar accents and features to the 911 Black Edition. I’d happily drive one of these Boxsters.

[Source & Image: Press.Porsche.com]

Thanks to 9Magazine for posting about the Porsche Boxster E “Rolling Laboratory” this morning. This appears to be a platform for Porsche to test it’s electronic drive components for upcoming models.

According to the 9Magazine site, the Boxster E has the following features:

• 240 hp motor (I’m assuming some type of gas/electric type thing, but maybe it’s all electric)
• 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds (this is why I was assuming something other than all electric, the #’s seem a bit slow)
• 29 kWh battery pack providing a range of around 100 miles on a charge

Porsche CEO, Matthias Müller, said, “Electric mobility will be one of Porsche’s central challenges in the coming years, and our engineers are ready to meet the challenge with their usual high standards.”

Porsche is supposed to be testing 3 Boxster E’s in and around Stuttgart, Germany in the coming weeks. There is supposed to be a new model announced at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Be interested to hear if it’s along these lines.

If you haven’t been out there yet, check out the 9Magazine site and consider subscribing. You can find them here: 9Magazine.com.

[Source & Image: 9Magazine)

A headline on MSNBC.com caught my eye a few weeks ago. It said, “Porsche among road warriors that won’t die” and got me to thinking about Porsche and their reliability. The post was referring to a Forbes article which in turn referred to a Consumer Reports research report on reliability of different cars.

Consumer Reports found that all of the cars and SUVs made by Porsche rated average or better in respect to longevity. The Porsche Boxster, however, rated top of the list in the report.

It’s not surprising, by any means. A good chunk of Porsche owners take extreme pride in their rides and thus take really good care of them, keeping up with maintenance and whatnot. As I continually look at used Porsches for sale on Craigslist, eBay and other places, I’m amazed at the number of high mileage cars that are in great condition…and holding strong on value.

There’s bargains to be had, for sure, but when you buy a Porsche, whether brand new, a few years old, or really old in car terms, you’re buying a vehicle with solid reliability that can be driven and enjoyed. Some TLC and you’re golden in most cases, provided you did your due diligence up front.

Sorry if this sounds like an advertisement for Porsche. Just proud of the car that grabbed my heart 25 years ago.

[Image: Porsche]

Paul sent me a link to this picture this morning. Here’s a great solution to all you Pontiac Aztek fans out there who have resigned yourselves to attempted happiness driving a Porsche Boxster. Finally a company has come to your rescue!

Sadly, someone will probably try to produce such a thing.