Uncompromised quickness: 2015 Porsche Boxster roadster
Classy, refined, prestigious and fast – these are just a few of the words that can be used to describe the Porsche Boxster roadster.
Following the automaker's usual process of steady and consistent evolution, Porsche designers further refine the well-balanced design language of the model without the need to radically change the design and looks of the car. With roots that trace to the famed Porsche 550 Spyder and Coupe racing cars of a bygone era, but with contemporary designs, fuel-efficient technologies and the inherent dynamic balance of mid-engine vehicle architecture, the Porsche Boxster continues to set the pace among the more affordable, premium-class, two-seat sports cars. High performance, lightweight construction, sporting agility, pure driving
pleasure – these values are reflected in every detail.
The open-air roadster is available as the Boxster and Boxster S. Base power for the Boxster is generated by a 2.9L horizontally opposed six-cylinder “boxer” engine coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or to the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed automatic gearbox. Like all Boxsters, it is equipped with 12.5-inch vented and cross-drilled brake discs at the front with 11.8-inch rotors in the rear. Those brakes are activated by four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers, which are painted black. The Boxster rides on 17-inch wheels with 205/55-aspect Z-rated tires in front and 235/50s at the rear.
Standard equipment includes Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which can apply braking pressure to help the driver keep the car on its intended path; seats with manual height and fore/aft adjustment, electric seat-back adjustment and Alcantara inserts to help hold the driver and passenger in place even in very aggressive cornering maneuvers; a three gauge instrument cluster with the tachometer centered to keep the driver attuned to engine operation; a sport steering wheel; air conditioning; cruise control; intermittent wipers; water repellent side windows; front and rear cargo areas; an audio system with universal audio interface and Bluetooth telephone connectivity; a top that opens or closes in 12 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph.
With a manual transmission, the Porsche Boxster can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. This time drops to 5.4 seconds with the PDK gearbox and to 5.2 when the Sport Chrono Package is employed. Top track speed is 163 mph.
The Porsche Boxster S benefits from the presence of a 3.4L “boxer” six cylinder engine. It rides on 18-inch wheels with 235/40 Z-rated tires in front and 265/40s at the rear and has red-painted brake calipers, wider rear brake rotors direct fuel injection (DFI) and dual tipped exhaust.
With a manual transmission, it sprints to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Times drop to 4.7 seconds with the PDK and to 4.5 with the Sport Chrono package. Top speed on the test track is 173.4 mph.
Inside the cabin, the seats are designed for lateral support and comfort during “spirited driving”. Displays are easy to read while the bulk of essential controls and switchgear are found in the center console.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 97.4; overall length: 172.2; width: 70.9; height: 50.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.9L six-cylinder – 265 hp at 6,700 rpm and 207 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400-6,000 rpm; 3.4L six-cylinder – 315 hp at 6,700 rpm and 266 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500-5,800 rpm;
Transmission: six-speed manual, PDK seven-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.9L – 20 city/30 hwy. (manual), 22 city/232 hwy. (PDK); 3.4L 20 city/28 hwy. (manual), 21 city/30 hwy. (PDK);
Cargo capacity: 5.3/4.6 cubic feet (front/rear)
Safety features
Dual front airbags, seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, active brake differential, anti-slip regulation, Porsche stability management, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, fog lights, engine immobilizer, central locking system, remote keyless entry, roll bars, side-impact door beams, tool kit and air compressor. S adds rear driver’s side fog light and alarm system.
Optional safety features include: navigation system, Porsche communications management, Bi-Xenon high intensity headlamps and dynamic cornering lights.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Porsche Boxster roadster starts from $51,400 for the Boxster and $63,300 for the Boxster S. Destination charges add $995.
