2012 Porsche Boxster (981) Photos, engines & full specs

Fifteen years have passed since the introduction of the Boxster in the Porsche lineup, and the German sports car maker had already launched the car's third generation at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The world economy started to recover after the world financial crisis that began in 2008, and Porsche was one of the brands that survived that era. Other automakers were not that lucky and either closed their assembly lines or were on the brink of bankruptcy. Fortunately for the German sports car maker, sales of its vehicles were good enough, and the Boxster was one of the models that saved the brand. In addition, the 987 has already been on the market for eight years, and a new model was needed. As a result, the automaker launched the third generation of this moniker, bearing the unusual 981 coding in the factory system. It was lighter, bigger in all sizes, featured a smaller displacement engine, and was quicker than its predecessor. Last but not least, it was more fuel efficient, and although that wasn't a must for a sports car, it proved the carmaker's involvement in lowering emissions.

Thanks to the wider front track by 40 mm (1.6 inches) and the low-slung nose, the 2012 Boxster looked more menacing. Its lower bumper featured broader side scoops that flanked a center-mounted air intake, and all served a purpose. The automaker also included new halogen headlights with an option for Bi-Xenon bulbs, while the parking lights and the DRLs were with LEDs. The hood still sat lower than the front fenders, albeit not as low as on the 987 or the 986 generations.

When it made the 981 generation, Porsche lengthened the wheelbase by 60 mm (2.4 inches), while the overall length increased by just 46 mm (1.8 inches). In addition, thanks to the windshield's lowered height, the vehicle's low-slung profile was even more evident. Furthermore, the retractable multi-layered fabric roof could be opened or lowered at up to 50 kph (30 mph) in a mere nine seconds. One of the solutions found by the automaker to achieve that record time was to remove the panel that covered the roof when folded completely. The other was to redesign the entire mechanism, along with the electronics behind it. Out back, the automaker installed a flatter rear deck that sported the third brake light. Behind it, a full-width retractable wing could be either automatically or manually deployed. The trunk lid was flanked by new LED taillights featuring a slim middle area with clear lenses for the reversing lights. Like all its predecessors, the 2012 Porsche Boxster featured an oval-shaped exhaust in the middle, underneath the rear apron.

The fresh interior resembled the lines of other Porsche models. The automaker replaced the former round vents with rectangular ones, and a new optional PCM (Porsche Communication Management) infotainment unit fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen adorned the center stack. Fronting the driver was the same three-dial setup as on the previous Boxsters, although this time, it came with a 4.6-inch TFT display on the right side of the tachometer, which, as usual, took center stage. A set of high-bolstered seats with Alcantara or leather upholstery, or a mix of two, was on the offer, spoiling customers with a 911-like quality level.

Behind the cabin, Porsche installed a new 2.7-liter engine, known as the MA1, which the automaker paired as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, customers could get it mated to a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmission. A Chrono package helped the car get better acceleration times. The power provided by the direct-fuel injected engine was enough to make the 2012 Porsche Boxster rocket from naught to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in 5.5 seconds. Last but not least, thanks to the lightweight materials used, Porsche lowered the car's weight by 35 kilos (77 lbs) over its predecessor.