2013 Porsche Boxster: Motoramic Drives

When Porsche first launched the Porsche Boxster in 1996, the little brother of the 911 came off as a consolation prize for owners who couldn't afford the "real" Porsche sports car. But with the 2013 Boxster, Porsche has crafted a car that's almost good enough to generate sibling rivalry.

For the third generation, Porsche made a complete redesign of the mid-engine 981 Boxster. The wheelbase is 2.36 inches longer, the height is 10mm lower and the front track is 1.57 inches wider. The body extensively uses aluminum to reduce overall weight by 55 lbs in the Boxster and 77 lbs in the Boxster S, making it the lightest roadster in its class.

The flat-6, 2.7-liter engine in the Boxster is up 10 horsepower compared to the previous model, bumping it to 265 hp with 206 ft-lbs of torque, mastering a 0-60 mph run at an estimated 5.5 seconds, with the optional Sports Chrono package and Porsche's PDK seven-speed automatic transmission.

The sportier 3.4-litre Boxster S gets a jump of 5 hp to 315 and 266 ft-lbs of torque. With all the options installed the claimed 0-60 is just 4.8 seconds. Fuel efficiency has been improved for both models with 10 percent better mileage compared to the previous Boxster.

The old Boxster had a rear end that looked like Donald Duck's bill, but the slightest re-work on the 2013 has tied the car together nicely. The exterior has had some nip-tuck and the design takes cues from the Carrera GT. Seeing the two next to each other, the influences pop out, especially from the side angle presenting the new air scoops just behind the doors. The new LED rear taillights with the integrated edge works nicely, complimenting the car's more aggressive stance.