2012 Porsche Boxster Preview

For many sports car enthusiasts, Porsche Boxster roadster is the ultimate. The convertible is not the fastest Porsche convertible in a straight acceleration (that honor goes to turbocharged version of the 911 Cabriolet), but it is the master going at high speeds on winding roads and turning.

The 2012 Porsche Boxster is available in a basic model, Porsche Boxster S Porsche Boxster Black Edition, and the Porsche Boxster Spyder. The base model is powered by a 2.9-liter flat-6 engine, while the Porsche Boxster S, Black Edition, and the Spyder is equipped with the powerful 3.4-liter flat-6 engine. All Porsche Boxster models, except for Spyder, are well equipped with a huge list of options. The Spyder is the "pure" or "raw" model for the enthusiast roadster, and Porsche has been stripped of many standard features such as roof supports, radio and even climate all in the interest of saving weight.

Options include 18 color choices, 10 seat covers, nine wheel choices, and 5 types of seats. There are even five available colors for the roof.

Body Style: Convertible

Engines: 2.9-liter flat-6, 3.4-liter flat-6

Transmissions: six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic

Models: Porsche Boxster, Porsche Boxster S Porsche Boxster Black Edition Porsche Boxster Spyder

The Porsche Boxster debuted in 1996 and 1997 with the second (and current) generation introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model. Porsche has a tendency to incremental changes in its lineup, adding new functions, standardization of old, or expanding others, such as new color choices. The automaker redesigned the Boxster in 2009 with new engines and transmissions. The Boxster Spyder was introduced in 2011. For 2012, the Porsche Boxster Black Edition joins the lineup.

The Porsche Boxster is a two-seat convertible sports car. With the signing circle headlights, pronounced wheel arches, the Porsche Boxster is one of the most recognized roadsters in the world. All Boxster models are powered soft-top convertible with the exception of the Spyder, the top should be set by hand. Porsche has no significant changes on the outside of the Boxster for 2012.

Porsche has no significant changes in the interior of the Boxster for 2012. The automaker added new color options and more standard features like Bluetooth in 2011. Like most Porsche models, the Boxster interior offers leather or similar materials, high performance plastics, carpets, real wood, carbon fiber and aluminum. The Boxster is suitable for all seats to help, but most drivers. Note the Boxster Spyder changed a number of standard features for the more "raw" image fits roadster, for instance, the seats, like the soft-top roof, manually instead of power. Porsche Spyder on the changes made to help the weight down.

The Porsche Boxster is a very balanced car, almost floating through the winding roads continue to feel planted at the same time. Acceleration of both engines near breathtaking speed due to the light weight of the convertible. Suspension absorbs road imperfections well for a small sports car, only more annoying in excess. The Porsche Boxster Spyder is more reactive than the other models, although the bumpy ride stiffer springs can make depending on road conditions.

Like all Porsche models, the 2012 Porsche Boxster well equipped with active and passive safety features, many of them standard. Driver and passenger are protected by driver and passenger airbags, head-thorax side airbags and roll bars in case of a rollover. Other amenities include ABS brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control.

Porsche Boxster with a 2.9 liter flat-6: 19 to 20 mpg highway mpg city/27-29

Porsche Boxster with a 3.4-liter flat-6: 19 to 20 mpg highway mpg city/26-29