Porsche Boxster S: 2013 Autoweek Best of the Best/Car

Today, Autoweek editors announced the Porsche Boxster S and Mercedes-Benz GL as the car and truck winners at the 2013 Best of the Best awards presentation.

Editor Wes Raynal revealed the winners and presented Best of the Best trophies to representatives from the winning auto manufacturers.

“As the only brand to have two models make our list of finalists, Porsche showed up in force,” Raynal said. “Both the Boxster S and 911 are stellar vehicles, but ultimately the Boxster S proved an absolute delight to drive, and it claimed the title.”

The Boxster S beat its stablemate, the Porsche 911, and also edged the Subaru BRZ.

The new Boxster is bigger, 1.8 inches longer than the outgoing model and the styling is evolutionary, but has a slightly more cab-forward look and larger wheel openings. The track is slightly wider and the wheelbase 2.3 inches longer. It's a nice update on what originally quickly became a classic shape.

The new Boxster S houses a 3.4-liter flat-six developing 311 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. You can get a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. You really can't go wrong with either.

The 911 and BRZ went down swinging. The 911 offered great brakes, instantaneous chassis response and a sweet power curve, while the Subaru was light on its feet, had a dynamite ride/handling mix and a terrific gearbox.

So what separated the Boxster S from the competition? There were a number of factors, including the ultra-flexible engine, stable rock-solid chassis and an inherent eagerness—a crispness no other car in the field could quite match. It also presented the absolute fewest downsides. In effect, the Boxster S put forth the most water-tight, consistent and compelling argument in favor of itself.

Logbook comments included “amazing agility,” “the 3.4-liter is wonderful” and “mid-engine perfection.”

One staffer summed up his Boxster S experience thusly: “In a perfect world, every car enthusiast would have a new Porsche Boxster S sitting in the garage.” That about says it all.

2013 Porsche Boxster S

Base Price: $61,850

Drivetrain: 3.4-liter, 315-hp, 266-lb-ft H6; RWD, six-speed manual

Curb Weight: 2,910 lb

0-60 mph: 4.8 sec (mfr)

Fuel Economy (EPA): 23 mpg

By Autoweek Staff