Next generation Porsche Boxster unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show
In 1948, the 356 was the first sports car to bear the Porsche name, and in July that year the lightweight mid-engined roadster achieved its first motorsport victory. In 1953, the Porsche 550 Spyder was launched. This agile, lightweight race car was powered by a high performance ‘boxer' engine which took it to countless international victories.Through 60 years of automotive evolution so much has changed. Yet every Porsche Boxster is built on these first principles. Sports performance, lightweight construction, agility and pure driving pleasure. The technology Porsche use may have developed, but the company's ability to produce a two-seat, mid-engined sports car unlike any other on the road remains.This week, Porsche is presenting the second generation of the mid-engined Boxster roadster at the Los Angeles Motor Show (November 21 – 30). The highlight of the new generation is the new flat-six ‘boxer' engines, developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency.A further improvement of both fuel economy and performance is guaranteed by the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), the new double-clutch gearbox now available as an option on both the Boxster and Boxster S. Newly-developed ‘boxer' engines deliver more power on less fuelDisplacing 2.9-litres, the engine of the Boxster develops 255 bhp (188 kW) in the Boxster, an increase of 10 horsepower over the prior 2.7-litre model.The 3.4-litre power unit in the Boxster S now features Direct Fuel Injection, and delivers 310 bhp (228 kW), up by 15 bhp.An impressive power-to-weight ratio imbues the two Boxster models with optimum driving dynamics. For example, with the new six speed manual transmission fitted as standard, the Boxster accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds. And the Boxster S, when fitted with PDK transmission and Launch Control (featured in the optional Sports Chrono Package Plus), accelerates from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 5.0 seconds.When combined with PDK, the new 2.9-litre engine fitted to the Boxster clearly breaks through the 30.0mpg fuel consumption boundary. Indeed, the figure of 31.0mpg (9.1 litres/100km) is approximately 10 per cent better than the previous model with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Increasing fuel economy by an even more significant 15 per cent to 30.1mpg (9.4 litres/100km), the 3.4-litre Boxster S with PDK offers an even greater saving over its predecessor with Tiptronic S.In parallel with the improvement in fuel economy, so emissions of the engines have decreased also. Depending on model, emissions have been reduced by up to 16 per cent. The Boxster with the standard six-speed manual gearbox emits 221g/km CO2, and 214g/km CO2 when fitted with PDK. The Boxster S manual emits 223 g/km CO2, and 221 g/km CO2 with PDK.Significantly, these developments move every Boxster model – whether manual or PDK – into Band F for Vehicle Excise Duty and company car taxation purposes.Direct Fuel Injection standard on 3.4-litre S engine
The driver benefits from a further advantage of direct injection every time they touch the throttle pedal: with fuel being injected fractions of a second prior to combustion, the engines respond more directly and spontaneously to even the slightest movement of the driver's right foot. This is not only the case when accelerating, but also when lifting off the throttle, for engine speed drops more quickly and smoothly since there is no residual fuel left in the intake manifold which might otherwise prolong the combustion process.
The seamless blend of function and design has always been the Porsche philosophy. The result is a design consistency which is recognisable from every angle. A design which is both powerful and refined, and whose lines emphasise its sports performance.The evolutionary styling of the next generation Boxster embodies these principles. The latest models are clearly distinguishable from outside through their newly-designed nose and tail. The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, while at the rear, new LED lights taper to the outside and are integrated elegantly in to the restyled bodywork.The rod-shaped side lights in LED light conductor technology add distinction to the car's looks, which are further enhanced through their horizontal arrangement in the outer air intakes. Yet a further highlight is provided by the rectangular fog lamps featured as standard. For the first time, the Boxster is available with a Lights Package featuring bi-xenon headlights, dynamic cornering lights and LED day-time driving lights. Replacing the fog lamps, these light units are made up of four LEDs positioned next to one another.PDK: shifting gears more quickly, reducing fuel consumption
The new Boxster models are available with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) carried over directly from motor sport, and replacing the former Tiptronic S torque converter automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) When equipped with PDK, the Boxster accelerates from 0-62mph (100 km/h) 0.1 seconds faster than with the manual six-speed gearbox.Acceleration is particularly fast and dynamic with the optional Sports Chrono Package Plus featuring Launch Control; this offers maximum acceleration from a standing start and also a Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the fastest conceivable gear change as an exclusive highlight on the PDK models.Benefiting from Launch Control, the respective models accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph (100km/h) a further 0.2 seconds faster. Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – in detail
The next generation Boxster and Boxster S are available for the first time with the new Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), literally Porsche double-clutch gearbox. Offering no less than seven forward gears, the new gearbox combines the driving comfort of a torque converter-equipped automatic transmission with the dynamic manual gearshift functionality of a sequential racing gearbox. PDK also boasts an entirely automatic gearshift function, and replaces the Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission previously offered. Through its optimised and adaptive gearshift programmes, PDK further improves the acceleration of the Boxster models and reduces fuel consumption to an even lower level.
The suspension with its new set-up gives the next generation Boxster models a combination of even greater driving dynamics and enhanced comfort all in one. Modification of the valve control map on the steering gear serves furthermore to reduce steering forces, giving the Boxster more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour.The wheels come in new designs and are half an inch wider on the Boxster 2.9-litre model than in the past in order to accommodate the larger brake system of the S-models, which are now fitted on the front axle. The Boxster and Boxster S feature the latest generation Porsche Stability Management (PSM) now offering two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Whenever the driver lifts off the throttle pedal very quickly – which is typical immediately prior to an emergency braking manoeuvre – the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure in the brakes before the driver even presses the pedal down, which has the effect of moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly. When recognising that the driver is braking in an emergency due to very fast operation of the brake pedal and a defined brake force, the PSM hydraulic control unit actively delivers the brake pressure required for maximum stopping power.In conjunction with 18- and 19-inch wheels, the new models in the Boxster range are also available with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Locking action is 22 per cent under power and 27 per cent in overrun. The result is a significant improvement of both traction and stability providing a substantially higher level of performance on winding roads, particularly on the race track. Yet a further advantage is the more stable load change behaviour. At the same time, the mechanical limited-slip differential, through its particular function, interacts perfectly with the electronic ABD Automatic Brake Differential for optimum traction control, the locking action delaying the tendency of one wheel to spin on a road surface slippery only on one side. New audio and communication systems
The next generation Boxster features as standard the new CDR-30 CD radio. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 complete with hard disc navigation serves is available as an option, and when specified adopts the role as the central control unit for all audio, communication and navigation features. PCM 3.0 is now more versatile, efficient and easier to use than before, standing out in particular through its touch-screen control which enables the driver to select specific functions simply by pressing the appropriate key on the larger 6.5-inch monitor. PCM 3.0 is available with highly convenient voice control and, in conjunction with the optional, universal audio interface, can now be used also to control external audio sources such as an iPod®. ÚSB stick or Bluetooth.Enthusiasts of all-weather, open-topped motoring will also appreciate the option of seat ventilation combined with seat heating.Source - Porsche
Related Reading : Porsche Boxster History
The Porsche Boxster was introduced near the close of 1996 and is one of the companies smallest and least expensive vehicles offered for sale. Though this may be true, the mid-engined roadster is still a Porsche with superior performance, power, and styling. Internally, the Boxster is known as the 986987, a naming scheme that Porsche has used since its existence. The name Boxster is a combination....
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