Like the 911, Porsche’s latest Boxster and Cayman sports cars will soon be available with all-new flat-six boxer engines offering significantly improved economy as well as increased power. These improvements are optimised when used with the optional PDK transmission, which is now also an option on the mid-engined models.

The new 2.9-litre engine gives 255HP in the Boxster and 265HP in the Cayman, increases of 10 and 20HP respectively. S-versions, with 3.4 litres and Direct Fuel Injection, now give 310HP in the Boxster S and 320HP in the Cayman S, improvements of 15 and 25HP for them. The new engines are lighter than before and the package enables the latest Cayman S to cover 0-62mph in 4.9sec, when fitted with the optional PDK gearbox and Launch Control system. The new 0-62mph time for a standard six-speed manual Boxster is 5.9sec.

More important, perhaps, are the fuel consumption reductions. The previous models were very good in this respect, considering their performance, but improvements of up to 11 per cent for the 2.9-litre and 16 per cent for the 3.4-litre models are claimed.

Revised styling to the front and rear, plus new lights, wheels and other details, are further improvements to the latest Boxsters and Caymans, which also benefit from further enhancements to the already excellent suspension systems.

Both the Cayman and Boxster next-generation models go on sale in the UK and Ireland from February 21st 2009. The Cayman is priced from £36,870; the Cayman S from £45,050; the Boxster from £34,420; and the Boxster S from £41,250. Customers will be able to explore the dynamic attributes of their car, and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre at Silverstone.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Porsche