The Porsche Boxster remains true even in its third generation model. Outwardly, there is little difference to the predecessor. For it has been done with a lot of technique and materials.
The Porsche Boxster remains true even in its third generation model. Outwardly, there is little difference to the predecessor. For it has been done with a lot of technique and materials.
There is hardly a new model that does not precipitate larger and heavier than its predecessor. The reason for this are growing more comfort and safety needs and some other cheaper materials. Could stop this trend so far only a few manufacturers. In an icon Porsche pulled it off - and so those will be permitted to call the Boxster 19 years after the debut of the first study on the auto show in Detroit.
Elements from the 918
The two-seater, which goes by the internal development code 981 is, indeed become longer by 3 cm. But he is now flatter and remained unchanged in width. In combination with a longer wheelbase by 6 cm this results in slightly altered proportions - but you have to look closely to see the differences. The most noticeable changes are the taillights that make up a spoiler edge grows. This covers almost the entire width of the vehicle.
Porsche has given much trouble to the Interior: It works in design and materials of higher quality than before. "We have maintained the design with some caution," says Porsche Design Manager Matthias Kulla. However, his team has carefully integrated elements of the upcoming supercar 918 - as in the wings or in the interior. That's not too far-fetched, because the 918 is the Boxster already by his vehicle layout conceptually closer than the 911th
55 kg lighter
Fahrdynamiker keep the mid-engine concept, the Boxster already more convincing than the rear-engine design of the 911 - and they will be noted with satisfaction that Porsche has reduced the weight of the new Boxster, depending on engine and transmission design by 25 to 35 kilograms. Without the adjustment to more stringent emission and safety regulations as well as the improved performance, it would have been as much as 87 kilograms. Only 55 kg in body have been saved. This was achieved inter alia through a steel hybrid construction, which relies on body and structural aluminum, high-strength steel, multi-phase steel and boron alloy steel. When folding steel, plastic, aluminum and magnesium are used. Eliminating the top compartment lid brings twelve kilograms savings.
Ten hp more than its predecessor
The 232 kW/315 hp 3.4-liter Boxster S engine was equipped with a switchable resonance flap and now produces 5 hp more than before. Otherwise, he was not affected. The entry level model in the Boxster gets a new engine, however, at 2.7 liters, which is directly from the Boxster S engine derived. With 195 kW/265 hp it is ten hp more than its predecessor. Both engines are direct injection. They feature variable valve lift and valve timing on the intake side. The air is drawn on both sides. Not to impede the flow of air, the system measures the intake manifold pressure using a pressure sensor instead of a conventional hot-film air mass meter. The Boxster has Bordnetzrekuperations functions. The charging current of the generator is reduced with a full battery. Consumption is depending on the model in the EU cycle 1 to 1.4 liters lower than the previous model. The thermal management while 0.2 liters, the "Sailing" with the optional PDK 0.1 liter and the electromechanical steering also 0.1 liter savings.
"Sport Plus" with a push forward
The transmission includes a manual six-speed transmission from Getrag is responsible. Is an optional short shifter no longer there. Surcharge on the 911 as a "wet" ZF seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK) is available, with the weight of the vehicle increases by around 30 kilograms. It operates in three modes: Normal mode operates an automatic start-stop system, and the Boxster goes automatically or manually in a free-wheeling, sailing over, to use the kinetic energy of the vehicle.
In Sport mode, the transmission shifts later. In Sport Plus mode when upshifting puts a torque increase the Boxster a push forward. This mode is primarily intended for the racetrack. In the other modes, the transmission interpreted the way the drivers intention based on the current driving style. With the PDK, the Boxster switched without interruption of traction and therefore accelerates better than with the manual transmission. The cycle consumption is also lower because the vehicle does not need to orient defined switching points, as dictated in the manual transmission. Due to the lower efficiency but decreases the speed.
Larger wheels, no differential
The Boxster has a redesigned McPherson strut front suspension and a modified rear axle McPherson. The rim size has grown by an inch, a maximum of 20-inch wheels provided. The full potential of the suspension, however, can only explore some of purchased components. Offers the Porsche to an electronic damper system, a mechanical rear axle differential lock with braking for improved steering response and dynamic transmission bearings. The weight distribution is 46 percent front and 54 percent rear. An active differential is not available because it would be too heavy.
Electric parking brake instead of classic
For this, Porsche is using the standard four-piston brake addition to a ceramic composite brakes, responsive and snappy again to have a longer service life. The previously used hydraulic power steering system has been replaced by an electro-mechanical power steering, which is one of the best in its genre. Purists will complain the electric parking brake: it is contrary to the previously built, traditional handbrake no longer suitable to reduce the turning radius.
For around 49,000 euros from Zuffenhausen or Osnabrück
The Boxster is built in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and in the former Karmann factory in Osnabrück. Cayman derived from the Boxster (internally: C7), Porsche can be installed only in Osnabrück. The previous model was created, among other things by Valmet in Finland Uusikaupunki - from there should migrate production to Magna Steyr in Graz. For the change to Osnabrück however said the takeover of Volkswagen by Karmann works, but also the mood of the group on the Opel-Magna advances .. For the end user, the Boxster is to get from 48,291 euros, the S-model costs 59,120 euros. An all-electric version is not an issue until further notice. For photo opportunities and insights for e-mobility vehicles are currently developing based on the previous model in use.
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