Porsche introduced the third generation of the Boxster lineup in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show, and besides the regular version, it also brought the Boxster S, which was the top performer of the family.
While the previous generations of the Boxster sported the 986 and the 987 codes for their models in Porsche’s inventory, the third iteration of this nameplate had the 981 designation. As unusual as it was, nobody complained since the car delivered more than anyone expected, especially in the S grade. It was no longer considered a “poor man’s Porsche,” and it lapped the famous Nurburgring race track faster than the famous Porsche 911 GT3 (993 generation). The technology it packed and its performance raised some questions if it didn’t breach into the 911 territory. And yet, it didn’t, even though it was very close to that. However, the automaker cleverly arranged the pricing policy so that the 981 was slightly cheaper than the base version of the 911. The new model was longer, wider, and sat lower than its predecessor, but it was also lighter. Rearview Mirror Wiring Harness
The 981 had a 40 mm (1.6 inches) wider track at the front than its predecessor, and the hood was slightly taller than before. The automaker included standard bi-Xenon headlights for the car, while the parking lights used LED technology. On the lower bumper, the automaker made room for two side scoops that housed the LED daytime running lights and flanked a center-mounted air intake. It didn’t differ too much from its lesser-powered sibling, the Boxster.
Thanks to the 60 mm (2.4 inches) longer wheelbase but still short overhangs, Porsche’s roadster was just 46 mm (1.8 inches) longer than its predecessor. To improve aerodynamics to a 0.30 drag coefficient, the automaker moved the windshield 100 mm (3.9 inches) forward and raked it more than on the 987.2 Boxster S. The automaker redesigned the multi-layered canvas roof, which could be retracted or raised in a mere nine seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph (30 mph). In the back, Porsche placed a flatter rear deck that sported the third brake light, while the LED taillights were completely new. They had a clear mid-section and flanked the retractable wing that could be manually or automatically deployed. Under the rear bumper, the car manufacturer kept the twin-exhaust system, like on the previous Boxster S models.
The fresh interior was on par in terms of the quality of the finish and the materials with the 911. It also boasted a new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment unit that featured a seven-inch touchscreen on the sloped center stack. This was available as an option, while the base stereo featured a Bose sound system. In front of the driver, Porsche installed the instrument cluster filled with three dials, where the tachometer took center stage. It was flanked by the speedometer on the left, while on the right was a 4.6-inch TFT display that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. The car’s high-bolstered seats were very supportive and kept their occupants in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers.
Porsche also upgraded the car’s engine. It was a 3.4-liter, direct fuel-injected powerplant placed behind the cabin. As a result, the Boxster S boasted an excellent weight distribution, which helped with the car’s behavior on the road. An electronically-controlled suspension, known as the PASM, kept the vehicle steady during high-speed cornering. Thanks to the 315 PS (311 hp) sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual, the car could spring from a dig to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in 5.1 seconds, while vehicles equipped with the seven-speed automatic (dual clutch) transmission could drop that figure in five seconds flat. Furthermore, the Chrono Package allowed the automatic gearbox to enter the launch control sequence and slashed 0.2 of a second from the acceleration time.
PORSCHE Boxster S (981) 3.4L 6MT RWD (315 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (981) 3.4L 7AT RWD (315 HP)
Porsche refreshed the second generation of the Boxster and unveiled it in 2008 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, revealing additional goodies that lured customers to it, even though times were difficult.
Launching a refreshed version of an existing car during the world financial crisis might not be the best idea, but Porsche knew that improvement was the only way to survive in a struggling market. As a result, in late 2008, it unveiled a revised, more powerful, and better-equipped Boxster on American soil in the sunny Californian environment. Even though it couldn’t hope for an impressive boost in sales, at least it could keep the assembly lines open and help the brand survive during those challenging times. In addition, for the European market, Porsche had to improve its vehicles to fit into the Euro 5 Emission standards rules, which became mandatory in September 2009.
Like most facelifts made, the 2009 Boxster received a new front fascia adorned with LED fog lamps mounted on the upper areas of the side scoops. The headlights above them were also refreshed and offered a clear-lenses look for a shaper appearance and also included the turn signals. On the lower bumper, in the middle, the German sports car manufacturer installed an air intake that cooled the radiators behind it. On its sides, the standard 18” light alloy wheels were wider than on the non-facelifted version, wearing 235/40 ZR tires up front and 265/40 tires out back, with an option for a set of 19” light alloy wheels.
Inside, the modifications continued with the introduction of Porsche’s CDR-30 sound unit, which was enhanced by a monochromatic display and a CD player that could also play MP3 files. A new Porsche Communication Management infotainment system featured a 6.5” touchscreen color on the center stack. As an option, customers could get an eleven-speaker Bose sound system.
But still, the most significant improvements were made under the car’s skin. The mid-engined car featured a flat-six naturally aspirated powerplant that produced 15 more ponies than on the pre-facelifted version. In addition, thanks to new technologies, it was also more fuel efficient. Porsche paired it with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) PDK transmission. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential that helped drivers keep the car under control during high-speed cornering. Thanks to these improvements, the car could rocket from a standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds. The suspension was also improved with the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system that continuously adjusted the dampers. Furthermore, the braking system was significantly improved. Its 318 mm (12.51”) front rotors and the rear 299 mm (11.77”) discs were provided extra stopping power thanks to the four-piston calipers on both axles. Furthermore, Porsche offered the Boxster S with a carbo-ceramic disc brake kit.
PORSCHE Boxster S (987) 3.4L 6MT RWD (310 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (987) 3.4L 6MT RWD (330 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (987) 3.4L 7AT RWD (310 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (987) 3.4L 7AT RWD (330 HP)
While many thought the Boxster would be short-lived, Porsche proved them wrong and introduced a second generation of this moniker at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, with sales starting in 2005.
The Boxster was already known as an excellent sportscar thanks to its engine placed in the middle and the advanced suspension, especially after the 2002 facelift. Then, in late 2004, the automaker surprised everyone when it launched the Boxster and the Boxster S 987 along with the 997 Porsche 911. The new roadster came with a new platform and new body panels that were not shared with its more notorious sibling, like its predecessor. Furthermore, the technology package was vastly improved and included six airbags, an electronically controlled suspension, and even a Chrono Package, carried over from the carmaker’s parts bin. In addition, the interior was vastly improved to provide more comfort. After all, Porsche marketed the 987 as a daily-driver sports car.
Up front, the car featured new oval-shaped headlights with clear lenses. The bumper was slightly longer than the previous generation, and the S version featured three air intakes in the lower area. On the other hand, the non-S version had only the side ones to cool the front rotors. Another significant update was the introduction of LED daytime running lights housed on the upper sides of the side scoops.
From its profile, the Boxster S 987 boasted a new look, with unique body panels not shared with the 911. Its front fenders housed clear turn signals placed in the same spot as on the 986 version. The Boxster S was riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, with an option for a 19-inch set. A keen eye for detail could spot the cross-drilled brakes. In addition, the red monobloc calipers were also unique to the more potent model, and a set of carbon-ceramic rotors was available at extra cost. Behind the doors, Porsche installed taller and lower mounted, triangular-shaped air intakes that fed the engine placed behind the cabin. Finally, at the back, both versions of the roadster came with a sloped rear deck and redesigned taillights with broad areas for the reversing lights and the blinkers. Porsche also kept the distinctive twin exhausts for the S.
Interior was well garnished with aluminum-like accents on the center console, dashboard, and door cards. The round vents looked more appropriate, and Porsche even installed a more conventional, oval-shaped instrument cluster in front of the driver. But still, it kept the binocular-style instrument panel with a center-mounted tachometer flanked on the left by the speedometer and on the right by a dial that included the fuel level and the coolant temperature gauges. In addition, a set of LCDs provided more information about the car’s status. On the center console, the automaker installed a 5.8-inch screen as an option. At the same time, base versions came fitted with a stereo CD.
Porsche enthusiasts have started to feel attracted to the Boxster, especially thanks to the improved drivetrain. The 987 also came fitted with upgraded engines. The 3.2-liter flat-six engine offered 280 PS (276 hp) on tap from its 3.2-liter displacement. Porsche equipped the Boxster S with a new six-speed manual as standard, with an option for a five-speed automatic (Tiptronic). Furthermore, a limited-slip differential was available.
PORSCHE Boxster S (987) 3.2L 5AT RWD (280 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (987) 3.2L 6MT RWD (280 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (987) 3.4L 5AT RWD (295 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (987) 3.4L 6MT RWD (295 HP)
The car that saved the Porsche brand in the mid-90s was the Boxster, and it deserved a facelift after six years on the market, so the automaker made it.
When the German sports car manufacturer was in deep financial trouble in the early ‘90s, it considered creating a new lineup that would be more affordable than the 911. At the same time, the 928/968 models, with front engine and transaxle gearbox, were expensive to build. On the other hand, the Boxster shared its headlights, front fenders, hood, and doors with the 911, so it was cheaper to produce. Moreover, the flat-six engine and other underpinnings also slashed manufacturing costs. As a result, even though it was considered the “poor man’s Porsche,” the Boxster (986) was a proper sports car. Furthermore, in 1999, the automaker introduced the Boxster S fitted with a more potent engine that dropped acceleration times from zero to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in under six seconds, while the speed passed the 150 mph (241 kph) mark. Thanks to its engine placed in the middle, the car had a better weight distribution, and the fact that it lacked two seats in the back (like the 911) wasn’t a problem since nobody could sit there anyway. In 2002, Porsche refreshed the Boxster lineup, and besides some aesthetical changes and interior upgrades, it also improved the drivetrains.
Up front, there was a new set of headlights that sported titanium-gray covers for the turn signals. Its bumper was also slightly restyled and featured a set of side scoops with two horizontal slats. They were not just for decoration but used to grab air and cool the front brakes. Unlike the lesser-powered Boxster, the S version featured a third air intake in the middle of the apron.
From its profile, the titanium-gray blinkers mounted on the front fenders looked better than the old-looking orange ones from the 1999 model year. In addition, a keen eye for detail could spot the cross-drilled front brakes, which were unique for the Boxster S. If that wasn’t noticeable, then the red monoblock brake calipers were even more striking. Behind the doors, the automaker installed body-colored air intakes that fed the engine. Out back, the automaker introduced new taillights, with wider clear lenses for the blinkers and the reversing lamps. As expected, the rear trunk housed the Boxster S badge on it, while behind it was a retractable spoiler that automatically raised at higher speeds. Finally, underneath the bumper, in the middle, the automaker installed a dual exhaust, unlike its non-S sibling, which featured an oval-shaped tip.
Inside, the driver could finally see what was going on behind the car with the retractable hood up since the 2002 model year came with a glass rear window instead of the plastic one fitted on the pre-facelifted version. Both front seats had high-bolstered areas to keep their occupants in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers. Unlike the Boxster, which featured black dials in the instrument cluster, the S version had those white. In addition, it had a speedometer marked to 180 mph (300 kph for Europe).
Behind the cabin, the 3.2-liter flat-six (boxer) engine had a new and improved engine management and injection system provided by Bosch. As a result, the 2002 Porsche Boxster S offered 258 PS (255 hp) on tap, eight more than the non-facelifted version. But, just like that one, it was fitted with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic (Tiptronic). In addition, the automaker revised the car’s suspension for improved cornering speed.
PORSCHE Boxster S (986) 3.2L 5AT (260 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (986) 3.2L 6MT (260 HP)
The Boxster was received with mixed feelings by customers when Porsche launched it in 1996, but three years later, it proved to be a successful model in the German sports car manufacturer lineup and received a more potent version: the S.
Porsche tried to get back on track with a car that could sell in higher numbers than the 911, and the Boxster was the solution. It was more affordable and a true daily-driver sportscar. Even though customers initially received the model with mixed feelings, these were quickly dismissed by the roadster's performance and qualities. It wasn't considered a "poor man's Porsche" anymore but a way to enter into the sports car segment at a lower price with similar performance. And yet, a few things needed to be changed to make the car a best-buy in the segment, and one of them was the drivetrain. While in 1996, the 204 PS (201 hp) was considered adequate but not enough, the 1999 3.2-liter powerplant proved to anyone that the Boxster could handle better than most of its competitors.
When Porsche's design team penned the 1996 Boxster, it took inspiration from the 1953 550 Spyder, albeit with a modern approach. For the 1999 S version, the automaker couldn't invest too much in refreshing the vehicle's overall look, so the front fascia remained the same. Furthermore, it didn't even install fog lamps since it considered that the roadster was a better match for sunny days.
With a profile shared with its non-S sibling, there were little details that made it look different than its stablemate. Still, the specific design of the wheels, which resembled those from the Porsche 911 Turbo, and the larger brakes were just a few signs that it was the more powerful brother of the Boxster family. Even the air intakes behind the doors were the same. However, the rear end was the one that gave more clues about the car's performance. Instead of a single, oval-shaped tip, the automaker installed a dual, center-mounted, dual exhaust. In addition, the Boxster nameplate was complemented by a stylized S letter behind it. Just like its non-S brother, the car featured two trunks: one in the front and one behind the mid-mounted engine.
The car's interior was more luxurious than on the regular Boxster. Its standard leather upholstery covered the high-bolstered bucket seats. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster fitted with three white dials and red needles. The one in the middle was for the tachometer and was marked up to 8,000 rpm, with the redline starting at 7,000 rpm. It was flanked by a speedometer marked up to 300 kph (180 mph for U.S. versions), unlike the regular Boxster that showed only 250 kph (150 mph). The center stack housed the same layout for the HVAC controls and the stereo, with an option for an infotainment system featuring satellite navigation.
Behind the cabin, Porsche installed a flat-six engine with a 3.2-liter displacement. It was 0.5-liter larger than the 2.7-liter version and provided 30 PS (29 hp) more than its sibling. In addition, the automaker paired it with a six-speed manual. As a result, 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) time dropped under six seconds, and the top speed reached 235 kph (146 mph).
PORSCHE Boxster S (986) 3.2L 5AT RWD (252 HP)
PORSCHE Boxster S (986) 3.2L 6MT RWD (252 HP)
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