According to price, the Boxster is the entry-level Porsche two-seater, but many high-performance fans think it’s one of the best of its kind, regardless of price. A roadster with a soft-top that neatly tucks away in just a few seconds, the Boxster and its more powerful sibling, the Boxster S, feature a mid-engine layout that only further enhances this pair’s legendary handling.
What's New for 2014
Fresh off a 2013 redesign, the only change to the Boxster for 2014 is the addition of an available Burmester audio system.
Choosing Your Porsche Boxster
The most significant decision you’ll need to make about your Boxster is in your choice of engine. The base Boxster features a 2.7-liter horizontally-opposed six-cylinder boxer engine with a peak power output of 265 horsepower and peak torque of 206 pound-feet. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and an optional seven-speed PDK, which stands for Porsche Doppelkupplung, automated manual functions as either an automatic or a manual and features very fast gear changes, and quicker acceleration over the standard manual transmission.
If you want more power, the Boxster S uses the same six-cylinder boxer but it now tops out at 315 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The base Boxster’s transmission options are also the choices for the Boxster S.
Both Boxster roadsters are equipped with rear-wheel drive and include a rear spoiler that stays hidden until you reach 75 mph, when it extends automatically to help with stability and traction.
With performance uppermost on the list of important factors for the Boxster, Porsche offers a number of systems that allow drivers to a push the car to the edge of its safety limits. A standard stability management system automatically applies the brakes selectively to restore stability when necessary. While this function can actually be switched off, the anti-lock braking system remains engaged at all times.
Optional systems include an active suspension with normal and sport modes. Although the modes are selected by the driver, in certain situations the system may override that selection to ensure safe handling and stability, as well as protect the car itself on very rough surfaces. The available torque vectoring system applies torque to the rear wheels as needed in cornering situations to enhance traction and steering agility.
For the Boxster’s interior, a variety of options offer trim enhancements in leather, aluminum, wood, carbon fiber and Alcantara suede. You can also select seats that offer power-adjustment capabilities in two, 14 or 18 ways.
For information, entertainment and communication, you can add an infotainment package to the standard CDR audio system. This package adds a touchscreen, a navigation system and a smartphone interface to the standard system. Additionally, you can upgrade the entire package to Bose or Burmester surround-sound systems, and standalone options offer voice control, a six-disc CD changer or a six-disc DVD/CD changer.
With the Convenience package, you add a wind deflector, two-zone climate control and heated seats. Move up to the Premium package and you add auto-dimming capability to all mirrors, power sport seats with a memory function and bi-xenon headlights that include cornering and range features.
Choose Your Porsche Boxster >>
Boxster options quickly add up to a hefty sticker price. The performance-oriented traction and stability systems alone can add several thousand dollars, as can the upgraded audio systems.