Porsche Boxster (2012-2016) review - all the sportscar you might ever need - Engine and Gearbox

Engine and Gearbox

At 2.7 litres, the third generation Boxster’s base engine is smaller than the 2.9 used in the outgoing Boxster and slightly more powerful, if a little less torquey: the 261bhp and 206lb ft outputs represent a 9bhp rise and 8lb ft drop. Even so, peak power still pips that of the original Boxster S.

As for the current S, the extra capacity of its 3.4-litre flat-six qualifies as a genuine step change, delivering 311bhp at 6700rpm and 265 lb ft at 4500rpm. The range-topping GTS uses the same larger engine strategically tweaked to give an extra 15bhp. As before, though, all the engines feature direct injection for optimum efficiency.

The deliciously slick and positive six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard across the range with Porsche’s seven-speed PDK double clutch transmission available as an option, as it was on the previous models. This time it has revised software for quicker and smoother shifts and, against the clock, is the quickest way to accelerate in a Boxster.

Those who opt for the Boxster Spyder will find performance significantly increased thanks to the bigger 3.8-litre engine. From 5000rpm onwards, the extra torque of the motor helps deliver another level of performance in the Spyder above and beyond even what the GTS can manage.