Automotive Intelligence - the web for automotive professionals and car enthusiasts
January 28, 2009
This Week:
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The New Porsche Boxster and Boxster S - Two Dynamic Power Machines with Supreme Fuel Efficiency
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Residual value forecast for Mercedes-Benz: New E-Class with the lowest depreciation
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New Sports Exhaust System for the Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa 4
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Mitsubishi Motors to show i MiEV SPORT AIR concept at 2009 Geneva Show
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The New Porsche Boxster and Boxster S - Two Dynamic Power Machines with Supreme Fuel Efficiency
Stuttgart - The Porsche Boxster is continuing to expand its lead as the trendsetter in the two-seater open sports car segment. Already acknowledged as a lightweight athlete with lots of power on very little fuel, Porsche’s mid-engined roadster now entering its second generation is becoming an even greater performer on even less fuel than ever before. The highlight of the new generation is the six-cylinder boxer engines developed as completely new power units from the ground up, displacing 2.9 liters in the Boxster and 3.4 liters in the Boxster S. Indeed, these engines belong to the same family as the particularly efficient power units introduced only recently in the 911 model series. The new “basic” engine now develops maximum output of 255 bhp (188 kW) at 6,400 rpm, up 10 bhp over the previous model with 2.7 liters capacity. |
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Featuring Direct Fuel Injection, the six-cylinder in the Boxster S churns out 15 bhp more than before, now offering 310 bhp (228 kW), again at 6,400 rpm. This gives both roadsters a truly outstanding power-to-weight ratio, each horsepower in the Boxster now required to move only 5.2 kilos or 11.5 lb, while on the Boxster S the power-to-weight ratio is even better at 4.4 kg/bhp or 9.7 lb. For the driver this means maximum performance on minimum fuel, particularly with the likewise brand-new Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK for short. |
Featuring this unique double-clutch gearbox, the Boxster S accelerates to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, the “regular” Boxster with PDK completing the same exercise in just 5.8 seconds.
At the same time these outstanding two-seaters are more fuel-efficient than ever before, consuming 8.9 liters in the Boxster (equal to 26.3 mpg US) and 9.2 liters (equal to 25.5 mpg US) in the S model, in each case according to the EU4 standard and with PDK transmission. The new Boxsters are understandably very self-confident and even proud in their appearance, the extra-large air intakes characterizing the superior look of both models and accentuating their superior performance. On the Boxster two of the crossbars integrated in each side on the outer air intakes are finished in body color, on the Boxster S they come in black.
The LED positioning lights and foglamps now in horizontal arrangement come above the side air intakes. The direction indicators, in turn, are integrated in the new halogen headlights which, through their two-tube look, are reminiscent of the legendary Carrera GT.
As an option both Boxsters are available with new bi-xenon headlamps with a daytime light function, dynamic curve lights, a headlight washing system and automatic headlight range control. The separate LED daytime driving lights take the place of the foglamps whose function is now performed by the bi-xenon headlamps optimized for perfect light spread and illumination to the side.
Both Boxsters are now available for the first time with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox derived from motorsport and replacing the former Tiptronic S transmission. PDK comes with seven gears and is made up of two transmission units each connected to the drivetrain through its own clutch. One transmission unit comes with gears 1, 3, 5 and 7 as well as reverse gear, the other comes with gears 2, 4 and 6. Gears are shifted very fast, with supreme smoothness and without the slightest interruption of traction, the clutch on one transmission unit opening up and the clutch on the other transmission closing at exactly the same time for an ongoing flow of power.
Equipped with PDK, the new models accelerate to 100 km/h or 62 mph 0.2 seconds faster than before thanks to the new Launch Control with electronic power management ensuring optimum acceleration from a standstill.
(Photos: Porsche)
(Jan 26, 2009)
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