PORSCHE’S Boxster has entered its third generation, this time with a new hybrid aluminium-steel body and a range of other updates that make the latest light and lovely roadster faster and more efficient.
Losing nothing of its sharp handling and astonishing lateral grip in the corners, the 981-series Boxster uses relatively modest power from a choice of direct-injected 2.7-litre (Boxster) and 3.4-litre (Boxster S) naturally aspirated flat-six engines to great effect, belting from zero to 100km/h in as little as 4.8 seconds.
The Boxster retains its folding soft-top, this time wrapped over a magnesium and aluminium frame that, driven by two electric motors, opens up the sky in nine seconds.
With a bigger footprint planted firmly on the road under a body about the same size as before, the new Boxster gets a little more power and a better spread of torque from the latest flat six engine range that also delivers fuel economy as little as 7.8 litres per 100km.
But have all these changes robbed the Boxster of its feisty spirit?

987 Boxster
Released: February 2005
Ended: June 2012
Family Tree: BoxsterEIGHTY per cent of the second-generation Boxster was new when it replaced the original in 2005.
More power, improved dynamics, better safety and greater efficiencies were among the highlights.
The 987 Boxster had bigger side windows, deeper bumpers, redesigned side air inlets, pullout door handles and a 0.02 aerodynamic improvement..
Revised versions of Porsche’s 2.7-litre DOHC flat six and its larger 3.2 S sibling meant respective peak power outputs rose 8kW to 176kW at 6400rpm, and 15kW to 206kW at 6200rpm.
A new exhaust combined with a revised air filter and induction system to pump out peak torque by 10Nm at lower revs, resulting in 270Nm at 4700rpm, with 320Nm on offer in the S at the same rpm.
The 0-100km/h sprint times to 6.2 seconds (5.5 seconds for the S), while top speed also rose to 256 and 268km/h respectively.
The Boxster and its Cayman coupe twin came in for a facelift in 2008, gaining a bigger 2.9-litre base engine and the optional PDK automated dual-clutch transmission.
Get the full story: Porsche has worked hard to keep the lid on prices rises for the updated Boxster
Facebook Twitter Instagram