(March 4, 2012) The 2013 Porsche Boxster mid-engine two-seat sports car gets a major remake, gaining more visual and mechanical sophistication as well as more pure performance. The Boxster will be making its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday.



Considerably lower weight, a longer wheelbase, widened track and larger wheels significantly enhance the driving dynamics of the mid-engined sports car. These attributes, combined with many other new features including electro-mechanical power steering, result in the new Boxster not only offering superior performance but also up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency.

Slightly larger than the vehicle it replaces, the new Boxster also has a longer wheelbase and wider track. Those dimensional changes coupled with bigger wheels and tires and the extensive use of aluminum in place of steel that helps reduce curb weight by 100-200 pounds promise to give this stunning roadster even more incredible handling dynamics in both Boxster and the more potent Boxster S iterations.

Motivation for the 2013 Boxster and Boxster S comes from a pair of highly efficient direct-injected flat-six engines. The Boxster's packs a 2.7-liter with 265 horsepower, up 10 from the current model while the 3.4-liter alternative in the Boxster S cranks out 315 ponies, five more than the present "S" variant. Either can be matched with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed "Doppelkupplungsgetriebe" (PDK) dual-clutch automated manual.

The latter transmission delivers both the quickest acceleration - 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds for the Boxster and 4.7 ticks for the Boxster S.

Both 2013 Porsche Boxster variants also feature new Start/Stop technology as well as thermal energy management systems. Porsche claims those features coupled with the substantial weight loss programs and more efficient electro-mechanical power steering are expected to generate up to 15 percent better fuel economy.

The new Porsche Boxster and Boxster S models arrive in U.S. showrooms this summer. Pricing for the new Boxster will start at $50,450 and the Boxster S will start at $61,850.