2013 Porsche Boxster Preview: The Poor Man’s 911
The terms Porsche and 911 are synonymous. Prestige, performance, and heritage are so deeply ingrained in the brand that loyalists are willing to forgive ugly creations like the Panamera, and cash cows like the Cayenne. But such prestige doesn’t come cheap. The 911 starts at $82k, a price that only the top earners of society can afford. At these numbers, value is no longer the top priority and excitement and desirability trumps all. But what about the recently wealthy, or rich folks looking for a deal? Is there a model with significant savings, but the same prestige and excitement? Porsche thinks so, and the 2013 Boxster may be just the ticket. Follow the jump for a preview.
Like the 911, the Boxster has been a hit since it’s introduction in the late 90′s. With a mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout, the Boxster should’ve been the design that the 911 uses. But again, at these prices, buyers are more interested in heritage than logical reasoning. For 2013, the Boxster is instantly recognizable as a Boxster. The center tailpipes, the swept back headlamps, and the convertible roadster body are all still here. Porsche hasn’t gone and messed with a good thing. Instead they’ve made subtle nudges and tweaks to keep the sheet metal looking fresh. The body is lighter, wider, and longer. The extra length is offset by shorter overhangs and larger wheels. Power increases by 10hp to 265hp from a 2.7L mounted behind the seats. Electrical steering is the future, and even a sports car oriented brand like Porsche has switched to it. But don’t worry about lifeless steering. If Porsche engineers can keep a rear engined car relevant in the 21st century, tuning direct and responsive electric steering should be child’s play.
Starting at a hair over $50k and sharply raising with options up to $62k, the Boxster is costs entire entry-level luxury car less than an entry-level 911. For that kind of coin, the buyer is rewarded with a true sports car, spartan but functional interior, and a Porsche badge on the hood. If the wealthy had the word “value” in their dictionary, it would have a photo of the Boxster next to it.