For the first time, a car launch took place at the Marina Barrage, an iconic landmark in Singapore that Porsche picked to symbolise the openness concept of the Boxster.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
The new Boxster clearly distincts itself from the previous generations in terms of looks; comprehensive changes have been made to produce a much more elegant silhouette and sportier appearance. However, the Boxster spirit remains intact with improved performance and greater efficiency. Fundamental changes to the chassis also significantly enhance the sports car’s driving dynamics, already far and away the best in its class.
The open-top two-seater now has a completely new lightweight body and revamped chassis. The considerably lower weight, longer wheelbase, wider track and larger wheels significantly enhance the mid-engine sports car’s driving dynamics, supported by the new electro-mechanical power steering. The new Boxsters are also up to 15 percent more fuel efficient. Depending on model, they get by with significantly less than eight litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.
The fundamentally changed styling is delivered with shorter overhangs with forward-shifted wind-screen, flatter silhouette and expressive edges. The passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric hood, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. The interior concept offers occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with the raked centre console, which originated with the Carrera GT, ensuring further improved ergonomics in all models.
The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both models are powered by flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, of which the efficiency is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. The base model’s new power unit delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 litre displacement — ten hp more than its larger displacement predecessor. The 3.4-litre engine of the Boxster S now delivers 315 hp, which is five hp more than before.
Both models also feature the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) as standard option. The PDK will enable both the sports cars to achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance. The Porsche Boxster’s fuel consumption with PDK is 7.7 l/100 km and 8.0 l/100 km for the Boxster S. With gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, the Boxster S in 5.0 seconds.
To enhance driving dynamics yet further, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear axle differential lock.
“The new Boxster sets a new benchmark for open-top driving enthusiasts in Singapore, revitalising its position as the dynamic sports car among the roadsters segment. The mid-engine layout of the roadster promises outstanding agility, performance and handling that will not disappoint the sporty Porsche enthusiast,” said Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group of Companies.
“The new Boxster sets a new benchmark for open-top driving enthusiasts in Singapore, revitalising its position as the dynamic sports car among the roadsters segment. The mid-engine layout of the roadster promises outstanding agility, performance and handling that will not disappoint the sporty Porsche enthusiast,” said Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group of Companies.
The basic list price in Singapore will be SGD 218,210 for the Boxster and SGD 258,182 for the Boxster S. Prices include a 5-year free maintenance and warranty program, market-specific equipment, GST but exclude COE.
