2012 Porsche Boxster

PDK AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The available PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission is comprised of two separate manual gearboxes and clutches. With odd-numbered gears housed in one assembly and even-numbered gears in the other, Porsche's PDK transmission anticipates the next gear change based on driver input for virtually seamless acceleration.

DRY SUMP LUBRICATION
Conventional wet sump oil systems shift oil to one side of the engine during constant high-g maneuvers, hindering the oil pump's ability to sufficiently lubricate vital engine components. The Boxster's dry sump system utilizes a pressurized oil reservoir and a series of pumps that cycle oil to and from the engine for consistent lubrication regardless of extreme gravitational forces.

The Boxster's driver-focused cabin boasts a pair of heavily bolstered bucket seats along with a host of race-inspired instruments. The assortment of audio and climate controls feel unintuitive at first, but prolonged operation ultimately stimulates a muscle-memory response. Wind control is kept under wraps with the top-down, although top-up wind noise at highway speeds can drown out a conversation or music from the standard audio system. For this reason, we recommend the high-output, 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. Cargo space is surprisingly generous thanks to the Boxster's mid-engine design, which permits enough room for a trunk under the hood and behind the engine.

From its Carrera GT-like headlights to its timeless silhouette, the 2012 Boxster organically mixes contemporary roadster design with classic Porsche DNA. Dual center-mounted exhaust outlets and red-painted brake calipers help distinguish the Boxster S model from the standard version, while the Boxster Spyder's prominent rear deck fairings, revised taillights and distinctive beltline graphics produce a truly unique appearance. As is typical for Porsche, the 2012 Boxster offers a variety of standard and available wheel choices. The base model rides on 17-inch wheels, whereas stepping up to the Boxster S lands you a set of larger 18-inch alloys. Both the Spyder and Black Edition models receive a unique 19-inch split-spoke wheel design, with the Black Edition showcasing a – you guessed it – black paint finish.

The 2012 Porsche Boxster's standard powerplant is a horizontally-opposed 2.9-liter engine that puts out 255-horsepower. The Boxster S sports a 310-horsepower 3.4-liter flat-6, while a modest retune ups the horsepower to 320 for the Boxster Spyder and Black Edition. All models are available with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic.

2.9-liter flat-6
255 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
214 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400-6,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (manual), 20/29 mpg (PDK automatic)

3.4-liter flat-6
310 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (manual), 20/29 mpg (PDK automatic)

3.4-liter flat-6
320 horsepower @ 7,200 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (manual), 19/26 mpg (manual, Black Edition), 20/29 mpg (PDK automatic)

The 2012 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S are priced at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $49,000 and $59,500, respectively. The Boxster Spyder begins at around $63,000, while the Boxster S Black Edition, limited to 987 examples, will set you back $66,000. Adding the dual-clutch PDK transmission to any of these adds another $3,420 to the bottom line. The BMW Z4 shares a similar starting price with the 2012 Boxster, though the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and the Audi TT Roadster undercut the Boxster by a few thousand dollars. To see what consumers in your area are actually paying for their 2012 Boxsters, take a look at KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price at the bottom of this page, 5-year projected resale values for the Porsche Boxster remain slightly higher than the SLK-Class and on par with the Z4 and the TT Roadster.

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