2013 Porsche Boxster Convertible

Everything. The Boxster rides on a new, lighter platform, has more efficient and more powerful engines, and features a thoroughly updated interior. Its aggressive new sheet metal is, for the first time, completely different from that of the 911.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster is now built upon a longer, wider, and lower chassis than before. The new revision gives it more impressive styling with a shorter nose and a large array of curves and creases throughout the exterior design. The rear taillights are now LED, and larger wheels are standard. The base model trim receives 18-inch wheels and a powered soft top. The S model upgrades to 19-inch wheels and gains bi-xenon headlamps and red brake calipers.

With the optional packages, the Porsche will quickly shoot up in price. These options include a Convenience package, which adds a wind deflector to the exterior. The Premium package upgrade goes further to add adaptive headlights, and upgrades the headlights to bi-xenon for the base model. The Premium package also includes auto-dimming side mirrors. Standalone options include 19-inch and 20-inch wheel designs for the exterior.

Color options include 19 paint colors, which include exotic paint jobs like Cognac Gold, Racing Yellow, Lime Gold Metallic, and Guards Red. Roof color also brings on four options, including black, blue, brown, and red. All models feature a rear spoiler. Other exterior options include painted wheels, painted rear apron, and painted side air intakes. Overall, the exterior portrays an extremely attractive convertible with a ton of customization available. As mentioned, the price will quickly raise with options.

The interior of the 2013 Porsche Boxster is equally impressive as the exterior. The base model features cruise control, six-way powered driver's seat, and partial leather upholstery. Also standard is climate control, air filtration, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The Convenience package of options include heated seats and dual-zone climate controls, and the Premium package includes 10-way power adjustable sport seating among other things. With the infotainment package, a navigation system and a seven-speaker surround sound system are added.

The standard audio system is a four-speaker AM/FM/CD player with MP3 playback and an auxiliary jack for integration of audio devices. The CD player can be replaced with a six-disc changer, and a 10-speaker, BOSE surround sound system is available as well. With the display screen that comes with the navigation system upgrade, the CD player can be replaced with a DVD/CD player, which is also available as a six-disc changer. Standalone options also include voice control, satellite radio, and ambient lighting. If this weren't enough, Porsche allows for the customization of leather upholstery with more than a dozen color choices. Also, the trim can be customized with wood, aluminum, carbon, and wood.

Additionally there is a Sports Chrono package that includes a lap timer, chassis settings, and launch control in the interior. The major drawback is the cargo space only amounts to 10 cubic feet, and that's split between a trunk in front and a trunk in the rear, which means very limited storage space. Overall the interior comes standard with very attractive basics, but the long list of options makes it extremely customizable for the driver.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster comes with standard safety equipment such as dual front head airbags, dual front side mounted airbags, and daytime running lights. The passenger seat includes a sensor that deactivates the airbag when no one is present. Other standard fare includes anti-lock brakes, emergency braking assist, and electronic brake force distribution. In addition, traction and stability controls help the driver remain in control, and the tire pressure monitoring system alerts the driver when tires are not properly inflated.

The Boxster also features a roll-over protection system that includes safety hoops above the headrest. During brake testing, the Boxster went from 60 miles per hour to a complete stop in about 103 feet, which is extremely impressive. Also available is ParkAssist technology, which takes the guess work out of trying to squeeze into tight spots.

Unfortunately, the Porsche Boxster has not been crash tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Regardless, overall safety appears to be above par for sports convertibles.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster's base model comes equipped with a 2.7-liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. Standard fare is a six-speed, manual transmission, but a seven-speed, automatic transmission is available. According to Porsche, the Boxster's acceleration is rated at 5.4 seconds for zero to 60 miles per hour, which is incredibly fast. Fuel economy is estimated at 20/30 mpg city/highway for the manual transmission, and it raises slightly to 22/32 with the automatic transmission.

The Boxster S comes with the larger 3.4-liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produces 315 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Slightly faster, the S speeds from zero to 60 in about 4.9 seconds, and it impressively sees only a small drop in fuel economy on the highway. Estimated fuel economy is 20/28 mpg city/highway.

The ride is firm, but it isn't extremely bumpy or jarring. The new electric-assist steering does just as well as Porsche's previous hydraulic steering system. With the Sports package, performance improves even more. Overall, the light weight, incredibly acceleration, and fine-tuned handling make the Boxster an incredible drive.

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