Car and Driver 2013 981 Boxster S PDK test numbers, 0-60 in 4.2 and 1/4 mile in 12.7@111 - Comparison to manual

Car and Driver finally was able to test the 2013 Boxster S with the PDK dual clutch transmission. Unsurprisingly, it is quicker than the manual version although the two are not too far off from one another. Also unfortunately both cars were not tested on the same day but one can still get an idea. The PDK car is 2/10's faster to 60 than the 2013 Boxster S manual and maintains that 2/10's lead through the 1/4 mile with a 12.7@111 versus 12.9@111 that they hit with the manual.


Car and Driver states the following regarding the PDK:

"For this test, we scrutinized the bestselling version of the Boxster S, which means the model equipped with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, a.k.a. the $3200 dual-clutch PDK automatic. It’s the quickest production 2013 Boxster money can buy, turning in a 4.2-second sprint to 60, 0.2 quicker than the manual car—quicker, even, than the base 911 with its fancy seven-speed manual. It comes by its quickness a couple of ways: Our car had the optional $2370 Sport Chrono Package and launch-control setup, which simply storms away more quickly—it’s like side-stepping the clutch in a manual car at 5000–6000 rpm—and more consistently. Then there are the PDK’s hyper-quick, Don-Knotts-on-Red-Bull shifts themselves."

So it's quicker, we knew that, but what is also interesting is the curb weight figure. The PDK weighs 3139 pounds whereas Car and Driver measured the manual at 3070. So, a penalty of 69 pounds for the PDK. The quick shifting makes up for the difference in weight.

The Boxster is getting pretty quick and when equipped with the PDK just about on par with a E92 M3. This bodes well for the Cayman which should easily be capable of mid 12's in Cayman S PDK form.