Strengths

Racetrack performance; lightweight construction; agility combined with pure driving pleasure; a seamless blend of function and design

 

Changes

Following a complete redesign in 2009, the Porsche Boxster returns unchanged for 2010.

 

Value

Named after the car's 'boxer' engine design, the Porsche Boxster shares its basic design with the Porsche Cayman. The base Boxster starts around $46,000, which makes it a tempting value proposition relative to other sports coupes that are both road and track-ready.

 

Overview

The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive Porsche Boxster is powered by a 255-horspower, 2.9L horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine for 2010, while the S model gets a stronger 3.4L flat-6 making 310 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and allows the 2010 base-level Boxster to accelerate from 0 to 62 in 5.9 seconds. Porsche's double-clutch PDK 7-speed gearbox is optional, which provides better fuel economy and quicker acceleration. In this system, two wet clutches are used in radial arrangement, controlled hydraulically and use oil for both cooling and lubrication. An S equipped with this system and the Sport Plus package is able to sprint to 60 in just 4.7 seconds, versus an S with the conventional 6-speed, which takes 5.0 seconds.

Standard equipment includes automatic climate control, cruise control, an alarm system, a CD sound system, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated power mirrors and heated washer nozzles. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system and side airbags. A power-folding soft top is also standard on the Boxster, as is a rear spoiler that automatically deploys at speed for stability.

The Boxster offers a long list of optional equipment and includes special interior trims, accessories, adaptive sport seats, a Bose surround sound audio system and park assist. The Sport Package adds to the base Boxster the 6-speed gearbox, along with Porsche Active Suspension Management, which lets the car ride a half-inch lower and enables more firmness during hard cornering. Porsche's optional Sport Chrono Package includes a sport button which modifies throttle, traction and suspension settings to suit high-performance driving.

The wheels are half-inch wider on the Boxster S in order to accommodate a larger braking system and base Boxster and Boxster S feature the latest generation of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), now offering two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. This combination improves brake response significantly and shortens stopping distances. In addition to 18- and 19-inch wheels, there's also a limited-slip differential available.

When fitted with PDK transmission and launch control (featured in the optional Sports Chrono Package Plus), acceleration goes from 0 to 62mph in just 5.0 seconds. Starting in 2009, the Boxster became available with a Lights Package, which features bi-xenon headlights, dynamic cornering lights and LED day-time driving lights.

The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 option package comes with hard disk navigation and provides a central control unit for all audio, communication and navigation features. PCM 3.0 saw an upgrade in 2009, making it easier to use thanks to a larger 6.5-inch monitor, voice control, USB port, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.