2005 Porsche Boxster Preview

Like the new 911, the front turn signals are now set into the front bumper. The Boxster's rear design features new taillights,

Porsche answers the Boxster's main criticism by redesigning the interior. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

plus new rear fenders and fascia. Less apparent are more aggressive rocker panel aerodynamics, larger side air intakes and larger side windows.

Inside, Porsche answers the Boxster's main criticism by redesigning the interior. It now features more intuitive ergonomics, higher quality plastics and real aluminum trim. Four oval HVAC vents mirror the new headlamp shape, while a completely redesigned center stack has been designed to accept a navigation screen. Many of the controls appear similar to those first seen on the brand's Cayenne SUV, and look to be similar in quality.

As previously mentioned, the new 2005 Boxsters will get more muscle under the rear decklid, which is always welcome among Porsche's faithful. But how much more power will the automaker need to get Boxster owners trading up to the new model? It seems that the German

The new base 2.7-liter Boxster will get 15 additional horsepower for a total of 240. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

automaker feels quite a bit is necessary, as the new base 2.7-liter Boxster will get 15 additional horsepower for a total of 240, which is getting very close to current Boxster S output. Of course, to make certain interested parties are faced with a strong enough reason to ante up the extra coin needed for an S, the top-line 3.2-liter Boxster gets an additional 22 horsepower for a total of 280.

The entry-level Boxster now can achieve a top-speed of 159 mph after sprinting from zero to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds. The S charges from standstill to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds, while topping out at an impressive 166 mph.