The Boxster ($47,600) uses a 255-hp 2.9-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder and six-speed manual transmission.   A seven-speed automated manual double-clutch gearbox (PDK, or Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) is available ($3,420).  

Standard features include power-reclining Alcantara-insert bucket seats, air conditioning, power top with heated glass rear window, power windows/locks/heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, interior air filter, AM/FM/CD stereo, cruise control, trip computer, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, leather-wrapped shifter, anti-theft immobilizer, universal garage door opener, automatic-off headlights, front and rear fog lights, active rear spoiler, and 17x7 front and 17x8.5-inch rear alloy wheels with P205/55ZR17 front and P235/50ZR17 rear tires.  

Porsche option lists are extensive.   Factory paint options range from $710 to $3,150 (paint to sample $4,315); wheels ($1,815) may be painted and equipped with Porsche crest centers; seat choices (up to $3,350) include sport seats, power adjustable, carbon-fiber race-style, heating ($500) and ventilation ($800); and there are multiple choices in steering wheels and full leather upholstery (to $3,935).  

Other options include bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights ($1,560); self-dimming mirror and rain-sensor ($690); park assist ($530); hard top ($2,345); windstop ($375); various painted and aluminum trim exterior upgrades; PASM active suspension management ($1,990); limited-slip differential ($950); Sport Chrono packages that allow for timing segments and making adjustments to car systems ($960-$1,320, plus $690 painted dial); sport exhaust ($2,500); sport tailpipe ($650); sport shifter ($765); automatic climate control ($550); heated steering wheel ($210); interior paint and seatbelt trims (to $1,580), Makassar wood, carbon fiber and Alcantara interior trim packages (to $2,150); painted instrument dials ($690); Porsche Communication Management with navigation ($3,110); Bluetooth ($695); Bose sound system ($990); auxiliary input jack and USB port ($95 or $440 with PCM); 6CD/DVD changer ($650) and XM radio ($750).   A SportDesign Package ($4990) consists of a new front apron, an additional spoiler lip, and a new automatically extending rear spoiler; Porsche notes that this package substantially reduces entry angle to gradients.   There is a lot of interplay among options availability and pricing so careful consideration must be applied when ordering your own car.  

The Boxster S ($58,000) gets a 310-hp 3.4-liter H6 engine and six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK.   Standard wheels are 8 and 9x18 alloys with P235/40ZR and P265/40ZR tires.   The S also gets the Sound Package Plus as standard.   Boxster S options are the same as the standard Boxster with one exception: Ceramic composite brakes ($8,150) with drilled, vented discs and yellow-painted calipers are offered on the S.  

The Boxster Spyder ($61,200) is a lightweight performance model with a manual soft top.   In addition to Boxster S equipment, it features carbon-fiber sport bucket seats, bi-xenon headlights, locking rear differential, and lightweight 19-inch wheels that carry P235/35ZR front and P265/35ZR rear tires.   What's not there is almost as important as what is.   In the name of weight savings, the radio, air conditioning, and cupholders have been deleted and the door pulls are nylon instead of aluminum.  

The Boxster Spyder can be optioned like a Boxster S.   The radio, cupholders, and power sport seats are all no-cost options, and automatic climate control costs $1,760.   For about $3000, buyers can save another 22 pounds by opting for a lithium-ion battery.   The ceramic composite brakes are available as well.  

Safety features on all models include front airbags, head-and-thorax side airbags, and roll bars behind the seats.   Electronic stability control (PSM), antilock brakes (ABS), brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution (ABD), tire-pressure monitor, traction control (ASR) and LED daytime running lights are also standard.