Since it redesigned the Boxster->ke570 for the 2013 model year, Porsche->ke1 has released a couple of cool versions of its compact roadster.->ke1418 The GTS arrived for 2015 with more power under its belt, while the Spyder came for 2016 as the most powerful Boxster ever built. Now, Stuttgart is rolling out a special-edition model that's not about unbelievable horsepower, improved lightness or race-bred underpinnings, but a unique exterior appearance Johnny Cash himself would have loved to be photographed with. Meet the Porsche Boxster Black Edition.

If you're familiar with the latest Boxsters crafted by Porsche's Exclusive division, then you already know what the Black Edition is all about. Special paint, optional headlamps and wheels and a handful of optional features added as standard. It might not sound like much given Boxster can be customized like never before, but the Black Edition sports that specific look you're not likely to find in a dealership. Keep reading to find out what makes it special.

Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche Boxster Black Edition.

Exterior

As the name suggests, the Boxster Black Edition's main feature is the deep-black color covering its exterior from bumper to bumper. Both the soft-top and the roll-over hoops are finished in black for a consistent look with the top up or down. Rounding off this exclusive exterior is a set of 20-inch, Carrera Classic wheels, and the bi-Xenon headlamps with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and blacked-out housings.

Although I'm not a fan of black Porsches, I must confess the Boxster Black Edition is as enticing as they get. The black paint fits the two-seat roadster like a glove and the chrome accents in the wheels provide that perfect combination of aggressiveness and elegance. It's not as menacing as the Dodge Charger->ke218 chasing Steve McQueen in "Bullitt", but it's not as sober as a sedan.->ke142 It's just perfect!

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

The blackened theme continues inside the cabin with a black, partial-leather interior, highlighted by an array of chrome and aluminum inserts. The Black Edition also gets a few added goodies on top of the usual standard equipment, including heated seats with Porsche-embossed headrests, two-zone climate control, a Sport Design steering wheel, and the Sound Package Plus option.

Convenience is further enhanced by Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module, mobile phone preparation module, Park Assist front and rear, auto dimming mirrors, rain sensor, and cruise control, features normally options on the regular Boxster.

As with all Boxsters, the Black Edition also comes with standard remote control roof operation, a 7-inch color touchscreen, auto stop/start, Sports mode, Porsche Stability Management (PSM), a three-year warranty, and three-year roadside assistance package.

Drivetrain

Although it comes with a bespoke exterior and a well-equipped cabin as standard, the Black Edition is an entry-level Boxster under the rear lid. Power comes from the standard Boxster's 2.7-liter flat-six, meaning it has 265 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque at its disposal. No need to be disappointed though, as the base Boxster needs 5.5 seconds or less to hit 60 mph, depending on the gearbox.

Buy it with a manual and you'll get there in 5.5 seconds on your way to a top speed of 164 mph. Upgrade to a PDK and the benchmark drops to 5.4 seconds (5.2 with the Sport+ package), while top speed decreases to 162 mph. Fuel economy is quite good for a sports car this fast, as the Boxster returns up to 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the PDK.

If more power is what you're gunning for, there's the Boxster S and the GTS with the larger, 3.4-liter engine with 315 and 330 horsepower, respectively, but these models can't be equipped with the Black Edition package.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

The Boxster Black Edition starts from $59,100 in the U.S., which translates into a $7,000 premium over the base model. Considering the amount of optional features included, the wheels, and the paint, it's quite a good deal for the buck.

Those living in the United Kingdom can purchase it from £46,164.

Competition

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

The gorgeous and nimble 4C->ke3773 has just been chopped into a Spider for the 2016 model year, allowing Alfa Romeo to join this small niche dominated by the Porsche Boxster. Offered with just one engine, the 4C Spider is powered by the Coupe's turbocharged, 1.75-liter, inline-four producing 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Although that's less than what the base Boxster can gather, the lighter 4C is significantly quicker from 0 to 60 mph, hitting the benchmark in as little as 4.1 seconds. Top speed is 160 mph.

Alfa Romeo has yet to launch a specific special-edition model to go against this blacked-out Boxster, but the 4C Spider is customizable in many ways. Once on the market, we should see a few limited editions roll into dealerships. Pricing for the 4C Spider should start from around $60,000 before options.

Read more about the Italian roadster in our review here.

Mercedes-Benz SLK350

Soon to be replaced by the SLC,->ke2744 the SLK->ke1683 has been around for way too long. Despite than, it's still an appealing summer ride sporting that classic, long hood design mostly seen on comfy grand tourers. It also doesn't return the same sporty and connected feeling behind the wheel, but it really depends on what you're looking for.

If power is what you need, the SLK350 has plenty of it. The 3.5-liter V-6 hiding under hood churns 302 horsepower, pushing the roadster from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. That's significantly slower than the 4C Spider, but about on par with the Boxster. More oomph comes with the SLK55 AMG, rated at 416 horses and capable of sprinting to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. While the AMG->ke8 is the more expensive roadster of the pack at $70,900, the SLK350 comes in cheaper at $57,650.

Find out more about the Mercedes-Benz SLK here.

Conclusion

In the big Boxster picture, which includes the awesome GTS and the purposed Spyder, the Black Edition is just a package appealing to drivers who like to dress as Batman at night. But that's the beauty of it actually: the possibility of having a bespoke Boxster delivered at the dealerships without going through the process of placing an order with Porsche Exclusive. Up until now, I've never considered buying a black Porsche (assuming I'd afford it some day), but this changed with the Boxster Black Edition.

I wonder if Darth Vader would trade in his Buick->ke17 Grand National for a Boxster...