German premium automaker Porsche has launched its new Boxster featuring a completely new lightweight body, a revamped chassis, a wider track and larger wheels enhancing the mid-engine sports car’s driving dynamics.

The open-top two-seater now has a longer wheelbase and is supported by new electro-mechanical power steering.

The new Boxster offers 15 per cent more fuel efficiency. Depending on model, it consumes significantly less than eight litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, a statement said.

Passengers are enclosed by a re-designed, electric hood, which dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. The interior offers more space, and reflects the new Porsche outline, with a raked centre console which originated with the Carrera GT.

The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection.

Engine efficiency is boosted by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and the new start/stop function.

The base model’s new power unit delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 litre displacement – 10 hp more than its larger displacement predecessor. It is now based on the 3.4-litre Boxster S engine; delivering 315 hp - five hp more than before.

Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard, with seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option. Both sports cars achieve best fuel consumption and acceleration with PDK.

The Porsche Boxster’s fuel consumption with PDK is 7.7 l/100 km and 8.0 l/100 km for the Boxster S. In tests – where gear changes were made without interruption to the power flow - the Boxster sprints from zero to 100 km/hr in 5.7 seconds; the Boxster S in just 5.0 seconds.

To enhance driving dynamics even further, Porsche offers a Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new for the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear axle differential lock.

The new Porsche Boxster and Boxster S are available for order with first deliveries starting in June.  The basic retail price for the Boxster in the GCC is $53,654, whereas the Boxster S is available from $59,154. – TradeArabia News Service