Porsche released an official video and more pictures of the new Boxster, called 981. The new model comes 7 years after the previous 987 version got launched, while its very first incarnation, the 986, appeared for the first time in 1996.

The new Boxster will be available in two variants: the ‘normal’ Porsche Boxster will come with a 265 hp 2.7-litre engine capable of pushing the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds, whereas the Porsche Boxster ‘S’ will be powered by a 315 hp 3.4-litre unit providing it with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5 seconds flat. Even though sheer perfomance is better, the new engines also boast improved fuel efficiency over the previous range, with a claimed average consumption of 7.7 l/100km for the 2.7 unit and 8 l/100km for the 3.4. Both engines will be available with the classic 6-speed manual gearbox or the more modern and performing 7-speed PDK dual clutch automatic transmission.

The new Porsche Boxster 981 is expected to make its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18) and then enter the worldwide market in the Summer.

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Porsche releases the first technical details and high-res images of the new Boxster 981. The car shows a revamped and muscular design that surely adds up to its own personality, setting it apart from the other models of the range. Actually, we can spot some elements that are somewhat reminiscent of the 918 Spyder, namely the head lamps layout and the large air inlets on the sides of the vehicle, for the cooling of its mid-mounted engine, whereas the interior draws inspiration from both Panamera and 911.

The new Boxster will come with two boxer engine options: a 2.7-litre for the Porsche Boxster and a 3.4-litre for the Boxster S. The former delivers 265 hp (which is 10 hp more than its larger displacement predecessor), allowing the car to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds, and the latter is credited with an output of 315 hp (marking a ‘+5′ over its predecessor), pushing the ‘S’ version from 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds flat. Both units will be available with a classic 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed PDK dual clutch automatic transmission. Better performance aside, the new engines also boast improved fuel efficiency over the previous range, with a claimed average consumption of 7.7 l/100km and 8 l/100km respectively.

Porsche is yet to reveal the actual dimensions of the car, but apparently the car will be longer and wider than the current version, and lighter too. The Boxster 981 will make use of the Torque Vectoring system, which delivers the power to the rear axle through a limited slip differential, and use the same power steering apparatus of the 911. A so called ‘Sport Chrono’ package will also be available as optional extra, featuring for the first time dynamic transmission mounts. The car is expected to make its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March and hit the first markets around the world in the Summer. If you want to know more about the 2013 Porsche Boxster 918, see the official press release after the jump.

View the full 2013 Porsche Boxster 981 photo gallery

Continue reading: 2013 Porsche Boxster 918 unveiled

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A new Jaguar XE roadster is ready to debut in concept form at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, according to Autocar. It is apparently set to provide some stiff competition to the Porsche Boxster and Autocar claims its source says that the new XE “will blow the rest of the industry away”.

Them’s fightin’ words - but just how will Jaguar do it? Well, apart from the Frankfurt debut which might ruffle a few German feathers, the Jaguar XE will “express lightness” in a new styling principle which will project to the world that the models are made entirely from aluminium.

The XE could follow the spirit of the E-Type but is not considered a revival attempt. We will get some similar styling with inspiration from models such as the 1963 Lightweight car. The aluminium roadster platform will give way to a car 4.3 metres long with rear-wheel drive.

Continue reading: Jaguar XE Concept at Frankfurt

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Reports that Porsche would release an entry-level spider version, currently dubbed the Porsche baby Boxster, have been confirmed with British mag Autocar saying that the model would be inspired by the original Porsche 550 Spyder. The baby Porsche Boxster would be an entry-level model but despite its classic Porsche inspiration it won’t have a retro style, according to Porsche boss Matthias Mueller.

The original reports come from a German interview with Mueller and suggest that we will get a new Audi-developed aluminium and steel platform being built for the mid-engine model. The platform should also underpin the Audi R4 Roadster, should it get to market. The model will allow for the standard Porsche Boxster to grow (in size and price), and should also get a new four-cylinder, 2.5-litre boxer engine with about 360 hp.

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Here is a ‘test drive’ video of the Porsche Boxster E from the Challenge Bibendum event. The vehicle was driven by Günther Höchsmann, Senior Engineer at Porsche and one of the “father’s” of the car, although on such a short run it’s hard to get a real idea of the electric Porsche.

The strangest thing about riding in the Porsche Boxster E is how quiet it is. While in other electric vehicles the absence of the engine rumble is something we can get used to, in a Porsche that missing purr is particularly unusual. Engineers have included a kind of synthesised sound on the interior, but let’s face it - as much as we like the environment, that sound is never going to be like real Porsche engine noise. In fact, the only thing you’ll hear in the video above is the wind.

The Porsche Boxster E is equipped with a 90kW motor (about 120 hp), while torque is about 270 Nm. Performance stats are 0-100 km/hr in 9.8 seconds. That is significantly slower than the traditional Boxster’s 6.5 seconds. If that’s not enough for traditional Porsche enthusiasts, the company has worked on a solution of offering two motors totalling 240 hp and torque of 540 Nm. In that set-up, acceleration is down to about 5.5 seconds.

There has been talk that the Porsche cars of the future, albeit a future a long way off, will all be electric but we wonder if that’s a believable proposition. Unless Porsche were to become completely unrecognisable to what it represents now, or all the models will actually be something like the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. In which case we’re happy for that to happen.

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The Porsche Boxster S Black Edition is here, continuing Porsche’s love affair with the colour after the 911 Black Edition model. 987 units of the Boxster S Black Edition will be produced, with that number reflecting the current project name of this generation. This model also offers a series of accessories generally available only as options, and is comes in all-black tint, including the air intakes, exhaust outlets and roll bar.

Special 19-inch wheels from the Boxster Spyder are provided in black paint, shod with 235/35 and 265/35 tyres. On the inside there is a black leather sports steering wheel, black instrument panel, mixed leather seats (all leather is available only on request), and Comfort, Infotainment and Design packages. That involves a series of options thrown in including rain sensor, cruise control, PCM multimedia system, Sound Package Plus, bi-xenon headlights with LED day drive lights etc.

The Boxster S Black Edition also has a PDK dual clutch, carbon ceramic brakes, PASM active suspension system and electronically controlled seats. The special edition will be available from March and will cost about 64,000 euros on the German market, taxes included.

Porsche Boxster S Black Edition

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It’s just as well Fifth Gear is still around to give us some serious car test drives, picking up where TopGear has left off (and gotten a little crazy). Besides, we like the woman’s driving style, not that we’re biased or anything. Here Fifth Gear checks out the Porsche Boxster Spyder, describing it as a purist Porsche model where they’ve done the research on how to get it lighter.

While we question whether as a driver you’d actually notice the 0.2 seconds acceleration difference the 80 kg less makes, overall the Boxster Spyder is old-school Porsche sports driving style. It’s basically a pared-back driving machine, so if you wanted a Sunday car drive where you can sing along to the radio, this is not for you (the stereo system has been removed and is now available as an add-on).

The debate over whether you can really drive this with the roof on seems to have been resolved. We had originally suggested that the Porsche Boxster Spyder was strictly for fair weather driving, and while you can have the roof closed, the video does show how noisy and uncomfortable the ride can be at just over 60 miles an hour. If you’re a Mediterranean customer and can be guaranteed plenty of sun in your summer, the wind-in-your-hair pure sports machine could be just for you. Perhaps not recommend for Britain’s less clement weather… See the video for all the details.

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This new promo video of the Porsche Boxster Spyder has beautiful scenery, good music and a sexy car. When you’re driving a Porsche with 320 hp off the classic flat six engine, and you’ve got the roof down, it’s all very self explanatory. Enjoy the video.

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These Porsche Boxster Spyder live pics show an elegant, classic open top motor car that I like much better in the flesh than in the original Boxster Spyder pics. The photos were taken at the Los Angeles show by the guys from BenzInsider and show the spider still in white. The Boxster Spyder is equipped with a 3.4-litre flat six mid-engine with 316 hp and will be available from next February. The press release from the Los Angeles auto show is after the jump.

Porsche Boxster Spyder live pics from LA

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New pics of the Porsche Boxster Spyder prove that this is one spider meant to be driven with the top down. The original pics, featuring the roof up, had more than one commenter saying how ugly the car was, but if it ever rains, we think this is one you’ll be leaving in your garage.

The Boxster Spyder is equipped with a 3.4-litre engine with 320 hp. Eliminating a few extras like air conditioning and an audio system, has saved about 80 kg, meaning the Spyder comes in at 1,275 kg. The limited production Boxster Spyder will be available next February in Europe, and on the German market it will cost about 63,400 euros.

Porsche Boxster Spyder new pics

Continue reading: Porsche Boxster Spyder new pics: strictly fair weather driving

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The Porsche Boxster Spyder has been released with new pics showing a modern revival of the old Speedster. The Boxster Spyder is based on the Boxster S roadster, but is 80 kg lighter although at 1,275 kg it’s still heavier than the 550 Spyder.

The Boxster Spyder is equipped with a 3.4-litre flat six mid-engine with 316 hp, reaching 100 km/hr in 4.8 seconds and having a top speed of 267 km/hr with the roof down. In fact, the soft-top roof is almost an optional extra, as this has been designed for open air driving.

The Boxster Spyder will be presented at the Los Angeles auto show in December, with sales starting in February next year. The price on the German market is 63, 404 euros and while it’s not a limited edition model, it will be built to order. Other body tints are available and on the options list is also the PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Continue reading: Porsche Boxster Spyder released

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While we wait for news as to whether there will be a six cylinder boxer engine or a four cylinder in-line turbo compressed unit, we give you these spy shots of the third generation Porsche Boxster. This example is still heavily camouflaged, but it seems that the headlights will be of a new design.

The new Boxster will keep the fabric soft roof, and is expected for 2011. The idea to adopt a four cylinder VAG engine might not be as remote as first thought, and Porsche technicians are said to be working on a lighter spider with more performance. And the 2.0 litre TSI could be just the one for the task.

Source | WorldCarFans (Thanks to Ryuk Shinigami for the tip)

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