The Porsche Boxster mid-engine roadster underwent a complete design overhaul for the 2009 model year,including the addition of an optional state-of-the-art automated manual transmission. The 2010 version is a carryover,save for a slightly different steering wheel on both trims. The Porsche Boxster competes mainly with the Mercedes-Benz SLK and the BMW Z4.

For 2010,the base Porsche Boxster features 17-inch wheels,air conditioning,cruise control,power accessories including a power soft top,partial leather upholstery,and a 4-speaker sound system. The Boxster S trim features a larger,more powerful engine,18-inch wheels,and an upgraded sound system. Options?packaged and stand-alone?are plentiful on both trims. The buyer has considerable choice of upholstery and interior trim materials,suspension,wheel sizes,and sound systems. Several different seat designs are offered,from traditional to ultra-sporty. A limited-slip rear differential lock is available; so are adaptive bi-Xenon headlights,navigation system,voice controls,Bluetooth connectivity,and various automated features. An optional wind deflector smoothes the ride at higher speeds when the top is down. Front and rear trunks combine to provide 10 cubic feet of cargo space,according to Porsche.

The base power plant in the 2010 Porsche Boxster is a 255-horsepower,2.9-liter flat 6-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional double-clutch 7-speed automated manual with paddle shifters and rear-wheel drive. This combination delivers 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with manual transmission,and 20/29 with automated manual transmission,according to the EPA. The Boxster S trim features a 310-horsepower,3.4-liter flat 6-cylinder engine; its fuel efficiency is virtually the same.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Porsche Boxster include anti-lock disc brakes,stability control,traction control,front and side seat-mounted air bags,and fixed rollover bars.

Starting MSRP for the 2010 Porsche Boxster was $47,600.