The third generation of Porsche's two-seat roadster is making its official live debut today at the Geneva Motor Show. Although the car was revealed online over a month ago, Porsche is using this year's show as the official launching pad for one of their most important models. Compared to the model it replaces, the new Boxster has a much cleaner, more streamlined design. It also looks more powerful and muscular, truly looking the part of an ideal two-seat mid-engined roadster.

In fact, some have even argued that the Boxster (and the upcoming redesigned Cayman) may even be a better alternative for some buyers to the 911, which costs nearly double. Power will come from a choice of either a standard 2.7-liter flat-six with 265hp or the 3.4-liter flat six with 315hp in the Boxster S. Both engines can be mated to either a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed PDK. The standard Boxster will hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds while the S will do the job in 4.7 seconds. Pricing starts at a very reasonable $49,500 for the base model and $60,900 for the S.

Although it's no 911, the latter starts at $82,100 and can easily exceed the $100k marker once the options pile up. For some, the Boxster is a perfectly acceptable alternative for nearly half the price.