As one automotive writer observed, there are fewer visible changes to the new Boxster than there are syllables in Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. However, as we Porsche fanatics know, it’s what’s inside that counts.

Under the 2009 Boxster’s hood lies one of two new boxer engines. There’s the base 2.9-liter, direct injection flat six with 255 horses and a 3.4-liter with direct fuel injection that’s good for 310 ponies in the new Boxster S. Perhaps the most interesting news is the availability of the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) twin clutch automatic transmission that made its production debut in the 2009 911 series. Before that, only serious racecars had this technology. The PDK provides better fuel economy (26 mpg plus) and quicker acceleration than the six-speed manual. A new, limited-slip differential provides better traction and stability during performance driving.

The 2009 Porsche Boxster made its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show at the end of November 2008. The second generation, mid-engined Boxster is a showcase for new flat-six ‘boxer’ engines, developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency. A new, ultra-fast and precise six-speed transmission has been introduced along with the PDK.

Teamed with the PDK, the new 2.9-liter powerplant is capable of delivering 31 mpg, approximately 10 percent better than the previous model with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission. The Boxster S with the 3.4-liter mill and a PDK betters fuel economy by 15 percent over its predecessor with a Tiptronic S. It’s good for 20.1 mpg on the highway.

The new engines offer horsepower boosts without weight gain. This preserves an impressive power-to-weight ratio that makes either Boxster wicked fast. For example, with the new six-speed manual transmission, the Boxster accelerates from zero-to-62 mph in 5.9 seconds. A well-eqipped Boxster S hits zero-to-62 mph in just 5.0 seconds.

Credit for the new power and efficiency must go in part to Direct Fuel Injection, which dramatically improves engine response by injecting fuel just prior to combustion. Throttling up and down is smoother and more fluid than ever before. Drivers used to “blipping” the throttle on manual downshifts will appreciate the quick response of Direct Injection because there is no lag for rev fall-off, making gear selection nearly as fast as the PDK.

Speaking of PDK, the new Boxster models replace the former Tiptronic S torque converter automatic with something very special. Speaking of PDK, the new Boxster models replace the former Tiptronic S torque converter automatic with something very special. Porsche’s PDK is controlled by steering wheel-mounted toggles (or the conventional gear selector) and works by combining two separate transmission units (one a conventional manual and one a hydraulic control unit) with two individual clutches (one that handles even and one that handles uneven gears). The systems work in perfect concert to shorten gear engagement and increase performance. Gearshifts using PDK are 60 percent quicker than with a conventional automatic transmission. The gears are already ‘in mesh’ when shifting, so there is no lag between shifts. Incredibly, a PDK transmission weighs 22 pounds less than the Tiptronic S unit it replaces.

Acceleration is particularly fast and dynamic with the optional Sports Chrono Package Plus featuring Launch Control. This offers maximum acceleration from a standing start and also a Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the fastest conceivable gear change as an exclusive highlight on the PDK-equipped Boxsters.

The Boxster and Boxster S feature the latest generation Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which now provides even greater confidence during emergency maneuvers and braking. The new limited-slip differential on the rear axle substantially improves performance on twisty roads or racetracks. The locking action delays the tendency of one wheel to spin on a road surface slippery only on one side. At the same time, the mechanical limited-slip differential integrates perfectly with electronic ABD (Automatic Brake Differential) for optimum traction control.

Available on the 2009 Boxster is the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 system that serves as a central control unit for all audio, communication and available navigation features. A 6.5-inch touchscreen makes the system more intuitive than ever, and even incorporates voice control over Bluetooth devices and iPods. As for comforts, the 2009 Boxster is available with seat ventilation combined with seat heating.

The Porsche Boxster and Boxster S are substantially improved for 2009. They’re not only faster and more fuel efficient, they are easier to drive as well. Some say the mid-engined Boxster is the “purest” of the Porsche sportscars. See if you agree! Give us a call and we’ll arrange an introduction, including a test drive.