2008 Porsche Boxster

With its mid-engine roadster concept, the Porsche Boxster's roots stretch all the way back to the legendary 550 Spyder.

It is not about a big engine or about being overly complicated. The Boxster is about being a simple and nimble two-seat convertible.

Just behind the two seats sits a flat-six boxer engine, displacing 2.7 liters and generating 245 horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque.

The engine layout, along with its lightweight aluminum construction, allows the car to have an extraordinary low center of gravity for better handling.

A secondary benefit of having a mid-engine is two luggage compartments, one at the front and one at the back. Custom Porsche luggage is available for these spots.

The standard five-speed manual transmission recently had its throws shortened by 26 percent. A six-speed manual, with 15-percent shorter throws, is part of a sport package. A five-speed Tiptronic S with manumatic shifting is also optional.

Fuel economy is estimated at 23 miles per gallon in the city, 32 on the highway for the manual transmission, and 21 and 28, respectively, for the Tiptronic S.

Porsche engineers designed the Boxster's soft-top roof so that it complements the vehicle's style. It is similar in shape to the optional aluminum hard-top. In a mere 12 seconds, the roof can be lowered for open-air driving.

The soft-top is available in four colors: black, gray, brown and blue.

Ducts and directional spoilers play a key role in moving air around and through the Boxster, supplying cooling to the radiators as well as the brakes.

A spoiler extends out of the car's rear when speeds reach over 75 mph, ensuring down force and stability.

The Boxster's drag coefficient is remarkably low at just 0.29.