| Dimensions and Weight | |
| Overall length | 4374 mm |
| Overall width | 1801 mm |
| Height | 1281 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2475 mm |
| Dry Weight | 1320 kg |
| Tyres | |
| Front | 265/35R Z 19” |
| Rear | 265/35R Z 19” |
| Performance | |
| Maximum speed | >277 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h | <5.0 s |
| Engine | |
| Type | 6 cylinder mid-engine |
| Total Displacement | 3436 cc |
| Maximum Power | 315 hp @ 6700rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 360 Nm @ 5800rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Gearbox | |
| Gearbox | Seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Rental prices starting from only $197 per day. |
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The new Porsche Boxster – codenamed 981 – represents a clear break from the past. A combination of new detailing, a more cab forward silhouette, larger wheel houses (to accept optional 20-inch wheels), distinctive air vents and a rear wing integrated into the tail lamps give the new Boxster a more striking appearance than ever. New underpinnings boasting wider tracks and longer wheelbase provides it with a more confidence stance.
Its mid-engined layout remains, but it retains its architectural links with the latest 911. Porsche wants models to have as much commonality as possible.
Underneath its new lightweight body, the thoroughly re-engineered roadster shares much of its front end structure with the 911, including its MacPherson strut front suspension and all-new electro-mechanical steering.
Inside, the Boxster and 911 share much of their interiors. The new cabin looks and feels modern. The centre feature is the rising centre console. Housing an armada of switches, it also shortens the distance between the gear stick and steering wheel.
The Boxster S driven here retains the same 3.4-litre unit, shared with the 911 Carrera. Revisions to the induction and exhaust liberate another 5bhp, taking power to 311bhp at 6700rpm. Torque remains at 265lb ft, but is available across a 200rpm wider range from 4500 to 5800rpm.
There is still a choice of normal and sport modes. The latter enhances throttle mapping and traction control. The electro-mechanical steering, with speed sensitive assistance, is better even than the 911’s – superbly weighted, eager to self centre and direct. The new car is as agile as ever, but its longer wheelbase and wider track aids stability. The front is particularly calm compared to the old model, with less bobbing at motorway speeds.
Its defining factor is still its cornering ability. Crisp, balanced and fluid turn-in from the newly configured chassis and a level of traction unmatched in its class endows the Boxster with a high level of athleticism.
On first acquaintance, the new Boxster is brilliant and continues to remain one of the world’s most entertaining road cars. With an extravagant new look, classy interior, added accommodation, improved performance, engaging handling and improved comfort, you could argue – at the risk of upsetting the legion of 911 fans – that it is now the most complete model Porsche produces.
