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"Expectations are high for the 2013 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S. Introduced on the heels of the just-launched Porsche 911, the third-generation Boxster needs to not only stand apart from its rear-engine big brother, but it also needs to outperform its predecessor\u2014already one of the world&amp;#039;s sports-car standard bearers.   Video window may take a few moments to load...          The new Boxster (codenamed 981) is 1.3 in. longer, has a 2.4-in.-longer wheelbase, and has wider tracks\u2014they grow 1.6 in. up front and 0.7 in. at the rear. The chassis is constructed using a combination of aluminum, steel and magnesium. In fact, to help achieve a total weight savings of 55 lb. (Boxster) and 77 lb. (Boxster S) compared to the outgoing models, 46 percent of the new car is made with aluminum in areas such as the doors and trunklids\u2014and yes, the Boxster still has two trunks. Overall, the base Boxster weighs in at 2888 lb., and the Boxster S at 2910 lb.        2013 Porsche Boxster    Sitting 0.5 in. lower, the new mid-engine Porsche rides on all-around modified strut type suspension. The steering system utilizes an electro-mechanical assist that takes place of the hydraulic setup used in the past. There are two gearboxes available, the standard 6-speed manual or the optional, redesigned 7-speed PDK, Porsche&amp;#039;s own twin-clutch transmission retuned for more precise shifting.  More Power Yet More Efficient The new Boxster is powered by a direct-injected 2.7-liter flat-6 with VarioCam Plus that&amp;#039;s rated at 265 bhp and 206 lb.-ft. of torque. That&amp;#039;s a gain of 10 horsepower but a 7 lb.-ft. decrease compared to the previous engine. That said, the Boxster shows at least a 12 percent fuel economy improvement and can still launch from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in an estimated 5.5 sec. equipped with the optional Sports Chrono Package and PDK transmission.        2013 Porsche Boxster    Opt for the sportier Boxster S, and a larger 3.4-liter flat-6 with similar technological content resides amidships. The 315 bhp (+5 bhp) and 266 lb.-ft. (no change) powerplant with at least 10 percent better fuel economy can still propel you to 100 km/h (62 mph) in estimated 4.8 sec.   More Aggressive Looks   On the outside, the 981 Boxster sports a more aggressive stance. Thanks to wider, more sculpted fender flares front and rear, the more svelte look of the past gives away to a more muscular appearance. The newly designed vertically stacked headlights take cues from the company&amp;#039;s 918 hybrid sports car. And instead of a smooth body sides, the new Boxster now wears wide, horizontal channels that direct airflow to intakes just forward of the rear fenders. Around the back, the LED taillights are linked together by a rear slightly protruding wing detail that adds a nice 3-dimensional look.        2013 Porsche Boxster    Inside, the new Boxster has a upscale feel, thanks to design cues similar to those seen in the Panamera and the 911. The traditional 3-gauge look is still there, but now the far right one is a multi-functional display where you can choose other views such as a close-up map\u2014a helpful addition to the main display where you can see a larger map, tire pressures, engine vital signs, etc. All the switches and buttons are within easy reach and have a precise action that imparts a sense of solid construction.   Impeccable Road Manners   Around the curvy mountain roads near St. Tropez, France, our test car for the day\u2014a yellow Boxster S equipped with Sports Chrono Package and 7-speed PDK, was the perfect companion.        2013 Porsche Boxster    With the fully automatic top up, the interior noise is impressively quiet, thanks to an all-around fleece material to damp wind noise. And when the sun did peek out from the morning clouds, it took just 9 sec. from a simple touch of a center-console button to stow the top, a process that can be done while traveling at up to 31 mph. And this is when the fun begins. Put the Boxster S in Sport Plus mode and everything comes alive. Not only does the engine note sound more explosive when you romp on the throttle, the 7-speed PDK also matches your eagerness to tackle corners. In manual mode, summon the gear you want with the paddles and the PDK responds instantly. In automatic mode, the PDK upshifts smoothly with a slight pause\u2014not because it takes long to swap gears, but to make the engine sounds that you associate with manual shifting. And even through tight and winding switchbacks, the car seems to hold or downshift gears quickly and precisely, almost as if it knows your wishes at every turn.        2013 Porsche Boxster   Through a few of the World Rally Championship (WRC) stage roads north of Nice, France, the Boxster S&amp;#039; steering and handling are absolutely impeccable. The confidence-inspiring way in which the Porsche turns into the apex and holds the trajectory makes you feel and look like a pro driver. In fact, with the car&amp;#039;s wider front track, a mid-corner adjustment asking for a tighter line is no problem. The car just grants your wish with minimal fuss and understeer. Throttle on through corner exit and the Boxster S rushes forward, not with brute force but with pure athleticism.   The 2013 Porsche Boxster starts at $49,500. And the Boxster S will have a sticker that begins at $60,900. I can&amp;#039;t wait to put the car through our regular performance test regimen stateside to see how this mid-engine Porsche truly shines.        2013 Porsche Boxster   "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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