For the 2012 model year, the Porsche Boxster continues to offer sure-footed agility and the unequaled exhilaration of top-down high-performance driving whether it’s on the world's most serpentine byways or on the city streets and urban freeways of a daily commute.
The Boxster's 2.9-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder "boxer" engine develops 255 horsepower and delivers a wide torque curve of 214 lb.-ft. The engine couples to either a six-speed manual transmission or to the optional PDK gearbox.
Like all Boxsters, it is equipped with 12.5-inch vented and cross-drilled brake discs on the front wheels with 11.8-inch rotors in the rear. Those brakes are activated by four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers, which are painted black. The Boxster rides on 17-inch wheels with 205/55-aspect Z-rated tires in front and 235/50s at the rear. 18 and 19-inch wheels are available, over 10 in all.
Standard equipment includes Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which can apply braking pressure to help the driver keep the car on its intended path; seats with manual height and fore/aft adjustment, electric seat-back adjustment and Alcantara inserts to help hold the driver and passenger in place even in very aggressive cornering maneuvers; a three gauge instrument cluster with the tachometer centered to keep the driver attuned to engine operation; a sport steering wheel; air conditioning; cruise control; intermittent wipers; water- repellent side windows; front and rear cargo areas; an audio system with universal audio interface and Bluetooth telephone connectivity; a top that opens or closes in 12 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph, and front and dual side airbags.
The Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP) system includes airbags mounted in the seat backs and head-protecting side-impact airbags which deploy from the windowsills of the Boxster’s doors.
But even so well equipped, the 2012 Porsche Boxster weighs less than 2950 lbs pounds with a manual transmission and only 3,009 with the PDK gearbox.
With a manual transmission, the 2012 Porsche Boxster can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. This time drops to 5.5 seconds with the PDK gearbox and to 5.3 when the Sport Chrono Package is employed. Top track speed is 163 mph.
Fixed rear wing in contrasting color and front spoiler from Cayman aerokit
Exterior mirrors in contrasting color
Porsche side logo in contrasting color
Bow-type door handles
Underbody paneling
Preparation for roof transport system
Side windows with hydrophobic coating and heated rear window
Rear side section air intake in contrasting black or silver
Chassis
Wheels individually suspended on wishbones with trailing links
Tie rods and spring struts (McPherson type, Porsche optimized)
Locking rear differential
Climate Control Systems
Heating and air recirculation with optional climate control with active carbon filter
Green tinting heat insulating glass
Windhshield with grey top tint
Electrical Systems
Alarm system with interior surveillance
Electric engine immobilizer
No cost CDR-30 radio with 4 speakers
Power windows with one-touch open/close functions
Cruise control
Homelink garage door opener
Engine features
Aluminum engine block and cylinder heads
Integrated dry-sump lubrication
Direct fuel injection
VarioCam Plus
Cylinder specific knock control
Hydraulic valve adjustment
SDI 3.1 engine management system
On-board diagnostics for monitoring emission control system
Stereo Lambda control circuits
Electronic throttle
Instruments
Instrument cluster with cowl removed and aluminum look cover
Central tachometer
Multi-function display
Permanent digital display of total mileage, trip mileage, time, outside temperature, and speed, along with analog tachometer, speedometer, coolant temperature, and fuel level gauges
Black instrument dials
Interior
3-spoke SportDesign steering wheel with manual height and reach adjustment
Sport bucket seats on driver's and passenger's sides with Alcantara center sections
Steering wheel rim, gear lever, handbrake lever grip, center console storage compartment lid, armrests in door panels and door handles covered with leather in interior color, and door opener loop in red or black
Rear center console and dashboard covers in exterior color, armrest storage compartments deleted, black center and side air vent surrounds, red gear selector pattern, gear lever/selector trim, glove box opener, and lever trim in aluminum look
2 cupholders integrated behind switch panel trim available at no cost
Sports look pedals
Stainless steel entry guards with logo
Optional cell phone preparation
Large lockable glove compartment
Lighting Systems
Modular halogen clear glass headlamps with integrated direction indicator and black surround
LED position/fog lights in front section, LED rear fog light on driver's side
LED 3rd brake light
Performance and Transmission
Top track speed: 175 mph (manual) / 174 mph (PDK)
0-60 mph: 4.7 sec (manual) / 4.6 sec (PDK)
When equipped with both PDK and Sport Chrono Package Plus, 0-60 mph is 4.4 sec
6-speed manual transmission
Safety and Security
Rigid passenger cell with computer designed deformation zones
Deformable front and rear section with energy-absorbing aluminum impact elements
Full size airbags and Porsche Side Impact Protection System
Seat occupancy detection with preparation for ISOFIX and child seat detection
