AL Boraq Automobiles, dealers of Porsche cars in Qatar, launched their all revamped Porsche Boxster and Boxster-S in Qatar at a programme on Saturday. The Porsche dealers claimed that the car commands 41 percent of the market share in this segment.

The new Boxster open-top two-seater was launched globally in Geneva in March. Chairman and CEO of Porsche Centre Doha Salman Jassem al Darwish, Regional Sales Manager of Porsche David Smith and Brand Manager of Porsche Ahed Dawood were present at the launch. Both variants of the Porsche Boxster have a new, lightweight body and a completely redesigned chassis. The new Boxster has lower weight, longer wheelbase, a wider track and larger wheels which enhance the midengine sports car’s driving dynamics.

Speaking on the occasion, Darwish said that the vehicle’s mid-engine concept is the basis for its outstanding agility. “It’s fun to drive this car. The new Boxster ticks all the boxes for what a sports car should be — lighter, more fuel-efficient, faster and more agile — everything that Porsche Intelligent Performance stands for and I am sure our discerning customers will agree to that.” He also added that the 60-mm longer wheelbase ensured greater stability at high speeds while the wider track on both axles enhanced driving stability and agility in bends. “The driving dynamics were enhanced from a balanced weight distribution of 46 (front) to 54 percent (rear) and a lowered centre of gravity,” he said. For his part, David Smith said that the new generation Boxster represented a quantum leap in Porsche’s development of mid-engine vehicles.

“It combines a breath-taking design with day-to-day usability. After the positive feedback following its unveiling at the Geneva motor show, we look forward to introducing the two-seater in our region. This new roadster stands for pure driving pleasure through the principles of Porsche Intelligent Performance,” he said. He added that the car’s superior performance is backed by up to 15 percent more fuel efficiency.

“Depending on the model, they get less than eight litres of fuel per 100-km.” he said. Both the Boxster and Boxster-S models are powered by flat-six boxer engines with direct petrol injection, enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management, auto start-stop function as well as electro-mechanical power steering. The basic retail price for the new Porsche Boxster in Qatar is QR195,800. The Boxster-S starts at QR215,900.