PORSCHE BOXSTER

Performance meets legendary pedigree and style in the 2011 Porsche Boxster.


The 2011 Boxster is the entry level model in Porsche’s lineup, but don’t let that designation fool you – there is nothing ordinary about this car.  The Boxster is available in three variations: Boxster, Boxster S, and the new for 2011 Boxster Spyder.  Each variety of Boxster gets a unique engine and different levels of interior features.



(We’ll address the Boxster and Boxster S first, for information on the Boxster Spyder scroll to the bottom of this overview.) 


Both the Boxster and Boxster S share the unique look and mid-engine mounting that has been a staple of this line throughout the years.  A power folding soft-top is standard for motoring pleasure when the weather is good, while a hardtop is optional.  Also standard is the automatically extending rear spoiler, which deploys at high speed to add downforce and keep the Boxster composed.  The Boxster S distinguishes itself from its counterpart by adding dual exhaust pipes and red brake calipers.

Under the hood, the Boxster features a 255-horsepower, 2.9-liter flat-six that produces 214 pounds-feet of torque.  The Boxster S gets a bump in power, employing a 310-horsepower, 3.4-liter flat-six that features direct injection and pumps out a robust 266 pounds-feet or torque.  A six-speed manual transmission is the standard gearbox in both cars, while a seven-speed PDK double-clutch automatic with paddle shifters is optional.  The PDK gearbox is one of the most advanced transmissions on the road today, and lets you fire off shifts in milliseconds.


Inside, the Boxster’s cabin is well furnished and equipped.  Standard features include power seating for both passengers, leather upholstery, air conditioning, and power windows and locks.  Adaptive sport seats which allow you to adjust the bolsters and backrest to suit whatever you’re doing that day, whether it be track driving or long cruising, are optional.  Other options include USB/iPod connectivity, automatic climate control, and the Porsche Communication Management system which manages the navigation system and Bluetooth® interface using voice commands.


Safety features include all-disc antilock brakes, front airbags, Porsche Side Impact Protection with side airbags, and a two-part rollover protection system.  

The new 2011 Boxster Spyder is a performance car in the purest sense of the word.  The Boxster Spyder borrows parts from many of the other cars in Porsche’s stable, and many of them help to shave weight off of the Spyder’s beltline.  The cloth top isn’t powered and the rear spoiler is now fixed which cuts pounds.  The Spyder’s distinctive styling feature is the new one piece rear hood which features curves behind each seat and is constructed from aluminum.  It doesn’t even have interior door handles – it takes the distinctive straps from the 911 GT3 to save a few pounds.  For power, the Spyder features the 3.4-liter flat-six from the Boxster S which has been boosted by 10 horsepower.  The chassis has been lowered by one-inch and the camber on the wheels dialed in more aggressively, and these changes combined with the weight loss makes the Spyder the best handling Boxster to date.  


With its balance of power, precision handling, and near perfect weight distribution, the 2011 Porsche Boxster remains one of the best drivers’ cars on the road today.