Car news! Porsche Boxster Convertible

Porsche Boxster Convertible

Full 2014 Porsche Boxster Review

What's New for 2014

Following a full redesign last year, the 2014 Porsche Boxster gets the addition of a GTS trim level that provides small increases in horsepower and torque. Also added are an optional Burmester audio system and a couple of new paint colors.

Porsche Boxster Convertible from tsoogii on Vimeo.
Introduction

Like George and Weezy, the 2014 Porsche Boxster is movin' on up. Of course, the previous generations of the Boxster weren't exactly slumming it -- on the contrary. Roughly 300,000 examples were sold during its first decade and a half of production, making it one of the most popular convertibles on the planet. But there was always a distinct sense that it was the entry-level Porsche, the one you settled for because the 911 Cabriolet's asking price made you blush.

That's where the current Boxster decisively turns the page.

Entering its second year of production for 2014, the latest-generation Boxster is still headline news in the world of premium convertibles. There's now a GTS version of the Boxster that adds a few horsepower, but it's not a giant leap forward by any standard. Sure, some of the notoriety is due to the car's exemplary performance, but let's be honest: The midengine Boxster has always been a dream to drive. No, what really sets this one apart is its newfound excellence in other respects.

Most notably, the styling has gone from cute to curvaceous, even evoking the exotic Carrera GT from certain angles, while the beautifully crafted interior has us thinking budget Ferrari, especially with the optional two-tone leather trim. Is the Boxster still the entry-level Porsche? Technically, yes. But it's suddenly one of the most desirable Porsches, too, unless you're holding out for the $845,000 918 Spyder.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Porsche Boxster is a two-seat convertible offered in three trim levels: base, S and GTS.

The base model comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-operated soft top, an automatically extending rear spoiler, heated exterior mirrors, cruise control, six-way adjustable seats (power backrest, manual fore/aft and height), a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, partial leather upholstery, Bluetooth, a 4.6-inch TFT driver information display, a 7-inch color infotainment display and a four-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack.

The Boxster S adds a more powerful engine, 19-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, an upgraded seven-speaker stereo and red-painted brake calipers.

The Boxster GTS adds an even more powerful engine, a sport exhaust, 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, tinted taillights and upgraded interior and exterior trim. Optional on the base and S models, the GTS also gets electronically controlled dampers (Porsche Active Suspension Management, or PASM) and the Sport Chrono package as standard. The Sport Chrono package adds dynamic transmission mounts (said to minimize weight transfer during gearchanges), a lap timer, driver-adjustable chassis settings and, with the PDK transmission, launch control.