PORSCHE MODEL GUIDE

The Boxster and Boxster S

1997-2004: The 986
Also known as the 986, the Boxster was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. It was an immediate success and remains so to this day. The name Boxster is a hybrid of the words “boxer” (describing the engine layout) and “roadster.” Only Porsche could introduce a sports car with the word “box” in its name and have it be a huge success - a testimonial to the quality of this car. Consider that the Boxster, designed 10 years ago, is still the unanimous pick of car magazine editors in head-to-head runoffs with the likes of BMW Z3s and Z4s, even though the Z4 was designed just a few years ago. Without a doubt, Porsche got this one right.

The Boxster replaced the 968 when it came out in 1996, carrying nearly the same price tag (approximately $39,900). It was Porsche's first car developed in the new Porsche era and was the lifeline that got the company out of the sure trouble of the period. It was also the first of the new, water cooled, six cylinder engines that would follow for the next 10 years and on, in this case, mounted midship. The Boxster is said to have been styled in tribute to the early Porsche 550 racers. Although the Boxster is significantly larger and heavier than the super lightweight 550, one can see the resemblance, especially in the front and rear fender humps. Like other mid-engined cars, the Boxster is strictly a two-passenger car with the engine mounted directly behind the seats. This means top-side service access is a bit more challenging than a front- or rear-engine car. On the other hand, the Boxster is famous for its abundant storage space, sporting both front and rear trunks. With outstanding performance, style and pedigree, the Boxster was an immediate success.

From its introduction in the 1997 model year, the Boxster has followed typical Porsche model development, more evolution than revolution. The first engine used in the Boxster was a 2.5 liter six producing 201hp. Transmissions offered were the five speed manual or the Tiptronic automatic. Few changes were made to the Boxster between '97 and '99 but in 2000 the engine size increased to 2.7 liters and 217hp and the redline increased to 7200rpm. The car's interior was also upgraded this year by going to painted plastic switches and controls versus the previously unpainted versions.

2000 was also the year of introduction for the Boxster S, the high performance version of the standard Boxster. The S looked similar to the standard Boxster except for slight changes to the spoiler, the radiator inlets and the move to twin exhaust tips - and of course, the addition of an “S” on the trunk lid. The big change was in the powertrain and the brakes. The new Boxster S had a 3.2 liter engine with 250hp, a six speed manual and big red Brembo brakes. Overall, these upgrades made for a very nice performance enhancement to the car.

Both the Boxster and S received slight improvements thru the year 2003 but the big improvement was the move to a convertible top with a glass rear window in 2003. Previously, all Boxsters (both types) had a plastic rear window which would sometimes crease if not folded in properly. The glass window solved this issue. The 2003s also received a glove box for the first time and a slight increase in horsepower, 225hp for the Boxster and 258hp for the S.


2005-today: The 987
For model year 2005, Porsche updated both the Boxster and Boxster S, carrying the new internal designation of 987. Once again, evolution was the name of the game as the new Boxster retained the overall shape of the 986. Changed were the headlight assemblies, front air intakes, side air intakes and the taillights. The interior was also completely redesigned for a much improved look and feel. But, as always, the big story was enhanced power and performance. The base Boxster went from 225 hp to 240hp while the S went from 258 to 280hp. In 2007, power was once again increased, going to 245hp for the base model and 295hp for the S via a 3.4 liter engine (“S” only).

The Boxster and Boxster S have clearly made their mark in Porsche history: they’re fantastic cars that will continue to evolve and improve.