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Boxster Picture.

The Los Angeles Times reports, “The 2009 Porsche Boxster and 2009 Porsche Cayman have just had their world debuts at the L.A. Auto Show.” Both the drop-top Boxster and fixed-roof Cayman “come in either ‘normal’ or S versions. Starting at the bottom, the Boxster’s 2.9-liter flat-six engine spins to the tune of 255 horsepower and won’t leave the showroom without your writing a check for $46,600. Deplete the bank account by $56,700 and the Boxster S zooms into availability, with a 3.4-liter flat-six and 310 hp. The Cayman equivalents enjoy more power. The base model ($50,300) has 265 hp and the S ($60,200) sports 320.”

Bigger news comes from the new PDK transmission. Jalopnik writes, “The PDK double-clutch should provide a quick alternative for those unwilling or uninterested in doing the shifting themselves.” A seven-speed, it acts as an automatic but allows users to shift on their own if they choose – and shaves a fraction of a second off the car’s 0 to 60 time.

Autoblog comments, “Even as the industry swirls in turmoil, Porsche continues to offer hope to enthusiasts as they relentlessly increase performance without sacrificing efficiency.”

Motor Trend had the first opportunity to drive the car, in Boxster S form. They report, “A lot of 911 has trickled into the new Boxster and Cayman.” They comment, “based on our first-blush exposure, we can tell you the updated, beefier Boxster is faster, better handling, more sophisticated, and even more of a driver’s car than was its immediate predecessor. Another example of evolution, Porsche style.”

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