Mens Car Review: Porsche Boxster for 2009

12:34 am Contributed by JW

Whether you like it or not, Porsche Boxster has been around for a dozen years, evolving slowly but steadily in the time-honored Porsche way.

Indeed, this popular mid-engine roadster--forever enshrined as "the car that saved Porsche"--has seen only one major update so far, during model-year ’05. That update was highlighted by more power, classier interior appointments, and cautiously revised styling.

Finally, Porsche has finalized with Boxster upgrade. Model year 2009 upgrades start where they do for any enthusiast machine: in the engine bay. The previous base Boxster's 2.7L flat-six has given way to a new 2.9L unit. Power rises from 245 to 255 hp; the Cayman's 2.9 is rated at 265 hp.

There's no displacement increase for the S versions; it remains 3.4L, but the powerplant is largely new and boasts direct fuel injection. It spools out 310 hp in the Boxster S and 320 in the Cayman S, increases of 15 and 25 hp respectively. Anyway, the price is range from minimum of $52,000 for the base model and $61,000 for the S.