First look: Boxster packs bigger punch

MOVE over 911: more power and fresh styling could soon return Boxster to its mantle of Australia's favourite Porsche when a facelifted version of Stuttgart's popular convertible arrives here in September.

Overshadowed by the success of its recently facelifted high-performance cousin, the flagship 911 coupe, Boxster now represents 40 per cent of Porsche Cars Australia's sales volume, which amounted to about 800 cars last year.

But more powerful, better handling, better equipped and sexier versions of the already highly competent Boxster and Boxster S siblings could well see that trend reversed come September.

Instantly distinguishable via its new front and rear-end treatment, along with restyled lateral air intakes, the facelifted Boxster gets a new front bumper, designed to further reduce lift and so increase high-speed stability.

Revised front air-intakes direct more air to the engine for better cooling, while the distinctive headlights are now fitted with clear lenses, complemented at the back by clear indicator covers.

The mid-engined Porsche's back end gets a revised lower bumper and a restyled exhaust, while the Boxster S now has an aggressive twin-pipe treatment instead of the standard model's more modest single oval pipe.

A redesigned, speed-sensitive rear wing improves downforce at the back and, when retracted, is more cleanly integrated into the car's lines. Redesigned side intake scoops also provide more effective cooling.

The business end of proceedings also gets a thorough makeover. Both horizontally opposed units have received a reworked version of the 911's acclaimed VarioCam variable valve timing system, which aims to enhance mid-range response by altering camshaft timing by up to 40 degrees.

A by-product of this is extra peak power from fewer revs, with the Boxster's 2.7-litre flat six now developing a maximum output of 168kW at 6300rpm (previously 162kW at 6400rpm) and the Boxster S producing 191kW at 6200rpm (previously 185kW at 6250rpm) from its 3.2-litre flat six.

Porsche says the result is 0-100km/h acceleration that is improved by two-tenths for both models, with the Boxster now claimed to sprint to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds and the Boxster S in just 5.7 seconds. Despite all this, fuel consumption is claimed to have been reduced 2 per cent.

Other changes include a wider range of lightweight 911-style alloy wheels to reduce unsprung weight, with Boxster's new 17-inch wheels being 2kg lighter and new 18-inch alloys (optional for both models) said to be a big 10.8kg lighter.

Specification train-spotters will rejoice in the fact Boxster's electrically operated roof finally gets a glass rear windscreen. The redesigned soft-top drops into its recess at a steeper angle to house the rigid rear screen, giving the Boxster a smoother roof-up silhouette.

Inside, there's a new cupholder in the centre console, while the stereo and sat-nav have been upgraded and the large, lockable illuminated passenger glovebox is now connected to the alarm system. Finally, three new colour options extend the range.

Prices will remain unchanged when the Boxster hits UK streets in March, but Porsche Cars Australia is yet to decide on local pricing for the revised Boxster range.