This is the new generation Porsche Boxster, and this time it does actually look a bit different than its predecessor.

It’s not just the looks, either. The car also gets an entirely new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis. What’s more, it has a longer wheelbase and a wider track. Crikey!

The 2013 version of Porsche’s open-top mid-engined sportscar featuring an aluminum body, which combined with other refinements including a new electro-mechanical power steering, not only gives the Boxster superior performance, it also makes it 15 percent more fuel efficient than the old one.

The new Boxster also has a busier design than the car it replaces. Major changes in the body include shorter front and rear overhangs, significantly forward-shifted windscreen, a flatter silhouette and expressive edges. The interior is completely new too, inspired by the cabin of the new 991, which itself is inspired by the great Carrera GT. It’s much nicer than the outgoing model.

Both Boxster and Boxster S derivatives will go on sale in summer 2012, boasting two revised versions of the famous flat-six engine. The 2.7 litre in the Boxster delivers 265 hp (195 kW), while the 3.4 liter unit in the Boxster S makes no less than 315 hp (232 kW). Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard, with the seven-speed dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option.

Performance-wise, the normal Boxster does 0- 62mph in 5.7 sec, while the S version does it in 5 seconds dead. Sport Chrono Package option is offered on the Boxster, featuring Dynamic Transmission Mounts for the first time, and so is the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear limited slip differential.

In terms of equipments and features, the standard car comes with Alcantara interior, 18” alloy wheels, Auto stop/start and Sports mode, remote control hood operation, audio CD with 7-inch colour touch-screen control, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty. The Boxster S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights, and of course the 3.4 liter engine.

What about the price then? Well, the Boxster remains within reason in that aspect, with a base price of £37,589 for the normal model ($49,500 in America) and £45,384 for the S ($60,900 in America).