2009 Porsche Boxster Cayman price list in Norway

Norwegian imported for Porsche cars, Autozentrum Sport AS, has decided to decrease the output of the Boxster and Cayman, in exchange for reduced import taxation.

According to BilNorge, the entry-level Boxster will only produce 211 hp instead of 255 hp. Likewise, the Cayman will also be detuned to 211 hp (down from 265 hp).

While this sounds tragic, there is a logical explanation behind it. Norwegian import taxes are partially based on a car's horsepower and CO2 emission ratings. With the reduced output, the Boxster receives a stunning 88,000 Norwegian crown ($15,621 USD / €10,524) cut while the Cayman costs 106,000 crowns ($18,819 USD / €12,677) less.

Oddly enough, Porsche is claiming the weakened cars are just as fast as the usual models. A manually equipped Norwegian Boxster can run from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the Cayman can do the same task in 5.8 seconds (cars equipped with the PDK transmission are 0.1 seconds faster). The company also says the top speed remains unchanged (263 km/h for the Boxster, 265 km/h for the Cayman).

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Malignant Rumors: VW Planning to Reshape Porsche's Model Portfolio, Drop Cayenne and Panamera?

The biggest of the boardroom battles between VW and Porsche may be over, but that hasn't done much to stop the usual rumors from making the rounds. First, Germany's Autobild reported that VW CEO Martin Winterkorn was pushing for a couple of volume vehicles - a baby Boxster and junior Cayenne - and a third, Panamera-based, model. More recently, however, Car magazine is claiming that VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech wants to take the Porsche brand in another direction, pushing it back to its roots.

How? By killing off the Cayenne and Panamera once they have run through their respective life cycles, the argument being that VW AG produces more than enough sedans and SUVs already.

The big questions are: 1) How would people feel if Porsche aced its controversial (if popular) Cayenne and the new Panamera, and instead concentrated on strictly building sports cars? and2) What sort of lineup would we be looking at?

After all, a baby Boxster would be right in line with the old Porsche philosophy, and a larger GT would help make use of the Panamera's platform if the humpback saloon did indeed bite the dust. Of course, no one but the suits within the company know what's really going on, but it's always fun to speculate.

By Phil Alex

Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had an obsession with cars and travel. Currently he resides near Japan's international airport in Narita. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded. If for any reason you are inclined to vent some more, check out more of his posts on the Examiner here.

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LA Show: 2009 Porsche Boxster and Cayman Facelift

Pride of place on Porsche's Los Angeles Auto Show goes to the refreshed 2009 Boxster and Cayman models that benefit from new flat-six boxer engines, a double-clutch PDK gearbox, suspension revisions and subtle cosmetic changes. On the front end, the 2009 Boxster and Cayman gain new halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators that are reminiscent of those found on the Carrera GT as well as new LED daytime running lights. At the rear end, both models feature slightly larger 'swoopy' taillights, new exhaust tailpipes and redesigned lower bumper areas.

But as one might expect, what's really important about Porsche's new mid-engined sports cars is well hidden underneath the skin as both models gain much of the tech seen on the recently facelifted 911s. The basic versions now come with a 2.9-liter direct-injection straight six that cranks out 255HP in the Boxster and 265HP in the Cayman, an increase by 10 and, respectively, 20HP over the preceding models. The 3.4-litre power unit in the S-versions, benefiting from direct fuel injection, now delivers 310HP in the Boxster S and 320HP in the Cayman S, a 15 and 25HP bump respectively.

For the first time, both the Boxster and the Cayman are available with Porsche's PDK double-clutch gearbox which not only shifts gears even more quickly but according to Porsche, it also helps reduce fuel consumption. Equipped with the PDK double-clutch gearbox, the Roadster and Coupe accelerate to 100 km/h or 62 mph 0.1 seconds faster than with the manual six-speed gearbox featured on the "basic" models.

Porsche hasn't published the exact performance figures for all versions but it did announce that the Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 while the Boxster 2.9 with its six-speed manual gearbox completes the same exercise in 5.9 sec.

In terms of fuel economy, Porsche said that with the PDK, the new 2.9-litre boxer engine make do with 8.9 lt/100 km (equal to 26.4 mpg US) or 11 percent less than the former models with Tiptronic S. The 3.4-litre versions reduce fuel consumption by an even more significant 16 percent to 9.2 lt/100 km (equal to 25.5 mpg US).

Other improvement for the 2009 models include the new suspension set-up that promises to further enhance handling and the new audio and communication systems in the interior.

Porsche's new mid-engined models are entering the market in February 2009 with the base price for the Boxster in Europe set at €38,600 and the Cayman's at €41,700. The corresponding prices for the Boxster S are €46,700 and the Cayman S €51,500. If you add VAT and national specifications, the Boxster retails in Germany at €46,142, the Cayman at €49,831, the Boxster S, at €55,781 and the Cayman S at €61,493.

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TechArt Trickle-Treats Porsche Boxster and Cayman Facelift Models

Just weeks away from the bi-annual Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, Porsche tuning specialist TechArt is unveiling the first of several new upgrades to come for the facelifted versions of the Boxster roadster and Caymane coupe models. Included in the initial package are two different Aerokits, daytime running lights, a set of sport springs, as well as carbon interior packages that subtly transform the looks of the two Porsche models.

TechArt's aero kits that are said to optimize the Boxster and Cayman's drag coefficients comprise of a front spoiler with a spoiler lip that match the body's color and new LED daytime running lights, rear wing, side sills and a new rear apron with an integrated diffuser that houses the twin tailpiped of the more sonorous sport exhaust system.

The bodykit can be rounded off with 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels available in various designs and colors while additional upgrades include TechArt's sport springs and a lowering kit that reduced the ride height by up to 30 mm.

For the interior, TechArt offerings include a variety of options ranging from a full leather treatment with contrasting seams and decorative carbon fiber trim to aluminum sport pedals, a three-spoke sport steering wheel and illuminated entry sills with individual logos.

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VW BlueSport Roadster: 30 New High Res Photos of Mid-Engined, RWD Sportscar

If you want any more proof that Volkswagen's BlueSport roadster concept is heading towards production, just consider the fact that the German firm has not only given the car an internal development code name but it also invited a number of journalists to take the one-off concept for a quick test drive. Furthermore, VW has published a brand new photo album of the car on the road, that you can check out in all its high-res glory after the jump.

Even though VW officials may not publicly admit it, the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive BlueSport roadster that was revealed for the first time at this year's Detroit Show, is essentially a low-cost alternative to the Porsche Boxster.

"The two-seater is still a concept, but as a production car it would have the best talents for turning the segment of compact, genuine sports cars upside down," said VW in a statement. "That is because this roadster is sporty, sustainable and affordable all at once – a people's car and a sports car for a new era."

Developed with a 'back to basics' approach, the concept version of the 3.99 meter long BlueSport roadster is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI turbocharged diesel engine that cranks out 180HP and 350Nm or 258.2-lbs/ft of torque which is transferred to the rear axle through a 6-speed dual clutch transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

With the 180HP 2.0 TDI, the soft-top roadster that weighs in at less than 1,200kg (2,645-lbs), can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in about 6.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 226km/h or 141mph. Volkswagen claims that the two-seater roadster can deliver an average fuel consumption of just 4.3 liters per 100km (54.7mpg US). In combination with the 50-liter tank, the car's theoretical range is greater than 1,150 kilometers or 715-miles.

If, or rather when the Roadster enters production, expect to see an array of turbocharged gasoline (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines that will most likely include the 160HP 2.0 TDI, the 1.4 TSI with 122HP as well as the Scirocco R's 265HP 2.0 TSI.

The German firm promises that in spite of the car's sporty credentials, the roadster still offers a respectable level of everyday utility. In the cargo area under the front hood, the Concept BlueSport can stow 112 liters of luggage while the rear trunk handle an additional 70 liters of cargo. Altogether that makes 182 liters or 20% more space than what the Mazda MX-5 / Miata offers (150 liters).

If all goes well and the BlueSport Roadster receives the final green light for production, the first cars could arrive at VW showrooms around late 2012

[Source: Carscoop]

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