2013 Porsche Boxster S Test Drive

For the first time since it was introduced as a 1997 model, Porsche’s entry-level sports car gets a complete makeover for 2013. It was well worth the wait.

On-Sale Date: Summer 2012

Price: $49,500 for the base, $60,900 for the S

Competitors: BMW Z4, Audi TT

Powertrains: 2.7-liter six-cylinder, 265 hp, 207 lb-ft. of torque; 3.4-liter six-cylinder, 315 hp, 266 lb-ft of torque; six-speed manual or seven-speed auto, midengine, RWD

EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 21/30 (S with the dual-clutch automatic); 20/28 (manual S).

What’s New: Pretty much everything. Porsche revitalized the styling, especially at the front and the rear. The new steel-and-aluminum body is lighter. The flat-six engines have more horsepower and get better mileage, and the chassis has been considerably modified. Between the front and rear trunks, there’s nearly 10 cubic feet of luggage space.

Tech Tidbit: At the press event, Porsche didn’t bother to bring a single car with the six-speed manual gearbox. That shows the confidence they have in the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. That confidence is well-founded. Driving Character: The Boxster S with the dual-clutch automatic is fast, nimble, and lighter on its feet than even the 2976-pound weight would imply. And the flat torque curve gives the newest Boxster an around-town, daily driver friendliness. Speaking of which, there’s plenty of room for two adults, and ample luggage space forward and aft. Extra credit for the car’s fabric roof, which is fast and simple to operate, unlike those of some folding-lid sports cars.

Favorite Detail: On a fast lap of Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.,with legendary Porsche racer Hurley Haywood, he noted, “Isn’t it amazing that the loudest noise we hear is the air-conditioning fan?” That’s how good the sound insulation is with the soft top up. There is a louder performance exhaust package offered, but Porsche had none to sample.

Driver’s Grievance: At their respective base prices, the Boxster and S are excellent buys. But start adding options and you can quickly surpass the Cayman and even a base 911 as you soar past $100,000. Be careful to buy only what you want or need.  

Bottom Line: Not once during the event did we hear anyone say, “You know, I liked the way the old Boxster did (whatever).” The newest-generation Boxster is a unanimous upgrade, inside, outside, and on the road.