2008 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2009 Porsche Boxster

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What is it?
2009 Porsche Boxster

What's special about it?
The 2009 Porsche Boxster is a more substantial upgrade than its modest cosmetic changes might indicate. Like the Porsche 911 that has been thoroughly refreshed this year, this Boxster benefits from new engines, a new dual-clutch automated manual transmission and a number of smaller changes to give it another few years before a complete redesign will be required.

The standard Boxster now gets a 2.9-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder with 255 horsepower, while the upgraded Boxster S gets a direct-injected 3.4-liter six with 310 hp. Although the engines only offer modest output gains over their predecessors, Porsche claims that both of the power plants represent comprehensive redesigns that also offer cleaner emissions and increased fuel-efficiency.

A new dual-clutch automated manual transmission is the big news for this Boxster. Officially known as the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), the seven-speed gearbox replaces the Tiptronic automatic. Porsche says the PDK gearbox not only shifts faster than the Tiptronic, but also delivers improved fuel mileage. A Boxster S is now capable of accelerating to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, according to Porsche. Part of the improvement comes from a launch control system that comes as part of the optional Sports Chrono package.

Not much changes in the chassis department. The basic suspension layout remains unchanged, although there are now slightly wider wheels to accommodate larger brakes. For the first time, the Boxster S will offer Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as an option. It adds a 13.8-inch carbon-ceramic rotor at each corner with a four-piston caliper painted in yellow. A mechanical limited-slip differential is also available on all models with 18- or 19-inch wheels.

The interior revisions are also modest. A new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system attempts to reduce electronic complexity while increasing the number of available options. The button count has been cut in half to 16, while features like an iPod adapter and a USB port have been added. Other new options include ventilated seats and a new audio system called the Sound Package Plus.

Inside Line says: When you cut the number of radio buttons in half to 16, you're acknowledging that there has definitely been an interior design problem. The direct-injection engine should dramatically improve the usability of this already well-rounded roadster. — Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor