2013 Porsche Boxster

Porsche has introduced its all new 2013 Boxster, which has undergone significant changes and is looking pretty fresh.

The open-top entry level Boxster has been given a whole new platform and body work, which has helped the car shed some weight resulting in better fuel efficiency and power to weight ratio.

The car is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March, but Porsche has given out some preliminary details before unveiling the car'

 

Design Upgrade

Changes in design are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Still Porsche has managed to dish out a handsome design. The new square shaped headlamps, the wider stance and shorter overhangs, add to the character of the car. The new design seamlessly masks the increased length and width of the platform.

The new Boxster would be equipped with larger 20-inch alloys. The interior of the 2013 Boxster is inspired from the 2012 911. A fully electric top would close the cabin space and the company suggests that the cabin space for driver and passenger has increased in the new design.

Performance

Boxsters are known for their performance and the new model certainly won't disappoint. The standard Boxster will be powered by a 2.7 liter flat-six engine with direct fuel injection that churns out 265 horsepower, 10 hp higher than previous model.

The more powerful Boxster S would be powered by a 3.4 liter six cylinder engine generating 315 hp, which is a marginal increase over the previous model (by 5hp). The engine is available with a 7 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6 speed manual transmission.

The performance of the Boxster has always been top notch. The new standard Boxster does the 0-60mph dash in 5.4 seconds while the Boxster S takes 4.7 seconds for the same run, both with the automatic transmission.

The lighter chassis and body work of the new Boxster translates in better fuel economy as well and customers can expect an increase of 15%.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster is expected to hit the showrooms by summer. Expect the starting price tag to be around $49,500 for the standard model and $60,900 for the sportier Boxster S.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has been formed almost entirely with aluminum and, as a result, weighs nearly 125kg less than the SL predecessor.

The aluminum bodyshell and lower weight means the car is a lot more agile and easier to handle than previous Mercedes-Benz SL cars. The aluminum shell isn't the only outstanding new feature of the 2012 SL, either!

Engine

The BlueDIRECT engines in the new SL are far more powerful and yet up to 29% more economical than other SL engines. The fact that the car is carrying a lot less weight also aids less fuel consumption and increases the dynamism of the car.

In comparison to other SL versions, the 2012 edition offers a lot more comfort to drivers, thanks to the lengthening the body and the slight increase in width of the car. While the car has slightly larger dimensions that what you'd normally expect, it means there's a lot more space for you to enjoy inside the car (both shoulder room and elbow room have increased).

New Features

Several new features have been incorporated into the new SL including the unique and highly efficient Magic Vision Control system and the Front bass system. The Magic Vision Control system allows your windscreen to be wiped clean without obscuring your vision since it doesn't splash water across the whole windscreen. Fully heated wipers are also available for the first time, so you can stop ice forming on your wiper blades during cold weather.

The other unique feature, the Front bass system, uses free space near the footwells to increase bass resonance. Even when you have the top down, you'll still get crisp audio.

Existing features including the retractably vario-roof (now available as painted, glass or a panoramic roof that uses Magic Sky control) and the operating mechanisms have been modified. The roof now takes under 20 seconds to open/close completely!

As usual, the new SL follows the long-standing Mercedes-Benz tradition and has provided us with another aesthetically honed and luxurious new car that has been finished with the fine materials, style and character that you'd expect from Mercedes-Benz.