Porsche Boxster

Debut: 1996
Maker: Porsche
Predecessor: 968

Remember the "good old days" of Porsche in the early and mid 80's ? In then, its sales reached record-high at over 50,000 per year spread over the trio - the straight four 944, the flat six 911 and the Vee eight 928. 3 cars were adequately priced at different levels, aimed at different customers and have different characters. Particularly the 944 series, which evolved from 924 and won the heart of many young drivers by its superior handling and affordable price. However, since then the Japanese car makers started attack on the middle price coupe sector and the 944 continued losing its market.

Porsche faced the darkest days in the early 90's. Not only sales dropped to below 15,000, 2 of the trio, 924/944/968 series and 928 died in 1994 after several years of slow sale. Ridiculously, the only survivor is the 911 series which was launched as early as 1963. Although in the recent couple of years, 911 became a great hit due to an unexplainable fashion, apparently it would be a risk to continue rely solely on it. Therefore the Porsche management decided to build another model which is smaller, lighter and less costly alongside with the 911. That is the Boxster, code name 986.

In nowadays, developing a sports car with the perfect ability as Porsche used to require is a costly project. Since the competitors from other giant car makers can base their Boxster-rivals on mass-produced sedan platforms (e.g., Mercedes SLK and BMW M Roadster), Boxster should also find ways to cut cost. Here Porsche adopt a very radical idea - simply replace the old 911 with a new one which could share as much as a third of the components used in the 986 ! I am not dare to say this will be good to the legendary 911, but at least in Boxster side it is a good news. It makes Boxster only a little bit pricier than the 968 but the whole car is a lot more desirable, because the Boxster is a mid engine pure sports car with a beautiful soft top and a flat 6 engine.

It is the first all new model in 20 years (since the 928 in 1978). As every Porsche is supposed to serve for at least a decade, the engineers applied radical layout - Mid-mounted 24 valves flat six (now finally becomes water-cooled) with variable valve timing. Such specification will not limit the evolution in the foreseeable future. However, the small engine capacity (2.5 litres) and less-impressive specific output (82 hp / litre) plus the mere 5 speed manual box means that "This is only the beginning !" and preserves room for improvement in the future. Therefore the Boxster is not much faster than Mercedes SLK and will be definitely slower than the BMW M Roadster. It tops 139 mph and finish 0-60mph in 6.5 sec, which release the pressure on the new 911.

Nevertheless, as many real drivers know, handling is the more-appropriate criterior to judge a sports car. In this respect, Boxster's superior balance, steering accuracy, steering feel, grip, brakes and the aid from the highly flexible engine make it to be one of the best handling sports car ever made. No matter drive it fiercely or drive it with ease, you can always experience high level of pleasure and fun. Any SLK and M Roadster will feel shame to compare with it.

If you ask me whether Lotus Elise or Boxster has the best handling in roadster, I'll tell you it is the Elise. Nevertheless, Elise is a raw machine with an uninspiring engine, while Porsche refine in anywhere and its flat six is willing, smooth and sings beautiful songs. The Boxster is a perfect all-round sports car.

How all-round ? Look at the stylish cabin, excellent driving position, perfect painting and build quality, the fast-operating electric hood and the traditional Porsche exterior styling (or simply "911 look") and you will agree that it is a perfect car with no short.

986 Boxster S

Here comes an engine the Boxster deserves - a 3.2-litre unit pumping up from the original 2.5-litre, with 252 hp and 225 lbft. But is it really enough ?

The 911 Carrera pumps out a full 300hp from just 200c.c. in-excess of the Boxster. Both units feature VVT, electronic throttle and 2-stage variable length induction manifold, so why the 911 has a specific output of 87hp/litre while the newer Boxster engine achieves just 79hp/litre ? Remember just 3 months ago the 911GT3 broke the 100hp/litre barrier.

For marketing reasons, of course. By deliberately detuned the 911’s flat six, losing a little bit displacement and more efficiency, the 3.2-litre Boxster S has the power exactly in midway between the base Boxster and the 911 Carrera. On one hand this should satisfy those complaining the Boxster as slower than many competitors, on the other hand the flagship 911 can remains earning superior profit without worrying internal competition. For you reference, the 911 Carrera reaches 60mph in 4.6sec and then 100mph in 10.5sec; the Boxster S does this in 5.7 sec and 14.2sec respectively. Whether this justify the extra 50% cost depends on your point of view.

We can imagine that Porsche can easily make a 285hp Boxster without needing increase the engine capacity if it feels necessary. However, we must accept the fact that Boxster S has "only" 252 horsepower. Even with "just" 252hp, Boxster at least matches its nearest competitors, namely Honda S2000 and Lotus Elise 111S. Although Autocar magazine measured a disappointing 0-60mph of 6.0 sec, which is less believable than Porsche’s traditional honest claims, the 0-100mph time of 14.2sec edges out the S2000’s 14.3sec and Elise’s 14.8sec. And undoubtedly, the superior torque delivery of the 3.2-litre boxer engine is not comparable by Honda’s 2.0 VTEC and Elise’s 1.8 VVC.

With extra power and torque, the long sleeping potential of the chassis could be fully exploited. The Boxster now has sufficient power to oversteer the rear tyres so that it is more adjustable in corner. The basic steering tendency remains to be mild understeer most of the time. The wonderful steering feel remains unchanged. Porsche is so confident that it made no modification other than slightly revising the rear suspension geometry and installing firmer springs / dampers to cope with the extra 45kg kerb weight as well as the increased cornering speed. Oh yes, it also adopted 911’s brakes and 6-speed gearbox, the former indicating that the Boxster S stops even faster than his elder brother.

The styling of Boxster S differs very little from the base Boxster - there is a third air intake at the middle of the nose to draw air to the third radiator, hence drag coefficient is raised from 0.31 to 0.32. At the back, twin-pipe exhaust replaces the single pipe, still locates at the middle of the rear. The cabin now is surrounded by high quality plastic, some painted in aluminium colour. Standard equipment level has been upgraded.

986 Boxster 2.7

Does the Boxster 2.7 has enough bite to defend its title from Honda S2000 ? Wait a moment. I don’t think the S2000 has beaten the original Boxster, especially is that it has far better steering feel, but still there are many people asking Porsche to give its entry level car more power, and perhaps the arrival of S2000 has exerted a healthy pressure to the engineers in Weissach, pushing them to make even better machines.

Of course not. Porsche has planned and tested the 2.7-litre version of its flat-six since long ago. According to its tradition, you won’t expect a huge power jump for the new version, but Porsche will give you just enough. The displacement of 2687c.c. was made by means of lengthening the stroke to the same 78mm as the Boxster S. Therefore they share the same connecting rods. Besides, two-stage variable intake manifolds is added to improve mid range torque. Electronic throttle is adopted.

Instead of 204hp and 181 lbft, the enlarged engine pumps out 220 hp and 192 lbft (upated: this rise again to 228hp in year 2002, thanks to the adoption of a new Variocam). Not big numbers, but in reality the difference is more than that. From 4,000rpm to 7,000rpm, the increase of punch is more noticeable, as seen by the 0-100mph of 15.5 sec. That is far quicker than the old car’s 18.0 sec and not far behind Boxster S’s 14.2 sec. What a pity it still drive through a 5-speed manual from the old car, without Boxster S’s 6-speeder to choose from.

Nevertheless, the 5-speed unit is as delight to be shifted as ever. The superb chassis is still there, covering with the same pretty enclosure (that said, nothing’s changed other than the engine). The additional punch gives the driver more opportunity to enjoy the at-the-limit balance and communication of the wonderful chassis.

The bottom line is, Porsche has cured the only weak link in the Boxster. Without raising the price (considering equipment level is upped.), the new Boxster 2.7 should settle the embarrassment facing by the old Boxster since the arrival of Honda S2000.

2002 power upgrade

In 2002, both boxer engines received a new version of Variocam. You might remember, the outgoing Variocam adjusted cam phasing by means of timing chain. This limited its range of adjustment to 25 degrees, and the adjustment was implemented in 3 stages. The new Variocam system used a hydraulic actuator at the end of the intake camshaft to vary cam phasing infinitely for a range of 40 degrees. As a result, both the 2.7 and 3.2 engine had their output lifted by 8hp, resulting in 228hp and 260hp respectively.

987 Boxster and Boxster S

After serving for 8 long years, Porsche Boxster finally received a major makeover. Codenamed 987, the new Boxster is not exactly a complete redesign, as you can already guess from the photos. Although 80% of the components are new, all the hard points and basic layout remains unchanged. Externally, the most obvious change is the reshaped headlamps, bumpers and air intakes. Otherwise it remains loyal to the 986 design. Disappointingly, the over-long front and rear overhangs are carried over from the old car, making the Boxster looking less modern than rivals.

The new Boxster is about the same size as before, but a boost of 20mm in width is a welcomed news, because it allows wider tracks to improve handling. On the other hand, chassis rigidity is up by 9% due to reinforced floorpan and stronger spot welding. Thanks to careful weight control (among which is the introduction of aluminum boot lid and magnesium frame for hood cover), the Boxster gains just 20kg. This already includes the new variable-ratio power steering and PASM adaptive damping, both come from the new 911, a car it shares 30% components. Outside, drag coefficient is lowered from 0.31 to 0.29, along with increased downforce (thanks to a rear spoiler that raises slightly higher). These changes are not big, but every aspect of the car has been polished and improved.

More important, the new Boxster gets more power to fight against BMW Z4 3.0 and Mercedes SLK350 etc. By smoothening air filter, intake manifolds and reducing exhaust backpressure, now both the Boxster and Boxster S get considerable power increase, even though without altering engine capacity. Output of the standard 2.7-litre boxer engine is increased from 228hp to 240hp, while the 3.2-litre engine for Boxster S is up from 260hp to 280hp.

Nevertheless, the Boxster is still slower and less punchy than its biggest rival Mercedes SLK350. Autocar found it needs 6.1 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph and 15.1 seconds to 100 mph. The SLK takes just 5.5 sec and 13.1 sec respectively. That's not in the same league at all. Although the Boxster is almost 100kg lighter than the Mercedes, its smaller engine capacity and 5-speed-only gearbox account for the difference.

Naturally, Boxster S is much faster - it takes 5.2 seconds to 60 mph and tops 167 mph. The 280hp boxer is an engine it deserves, so is the new, slicker-shifting 6-speed gearbox from the 997. However, being 20% more expensive than the 2.7 Boxster, it competes in the league of Chevrolet Corvette instead. Tick a few necessary options and the must-have PCCB ceramic brakes, it is already in the price range of Mercedes SLK55 AMG. The fact is, Porsche Boxster never returns very good "Bang for the Buck".

However, if you pursue engineering excellence and the ultimate driving fun, there is still no replacement for the Boxster, especially Boxster S. The perfect balance of its mid-engined chassis, the low weight, the intimate steering, the sharp turn-in, the massive grip, the beautifully weighted controls, the confidence-inspiring braking, the sweet gearchange, the turbine-smooth flat-6, the lovely voice of the boxer… all point to the most engaging driving experience any money can buy - not even 997 or F430. Behind that is a compliant ride that only Mercedes' roadster can match. This car is simultaneously your everyday car and your funniest toy.

Compare with the old Boxster, 987 improves in every aspect - speed, handling, braking and damping. The changes might be small, but the accumulative effect is apparent.

Any weaknesses? there are a few. As in the new 911, its variable ratio steering feels somewhat numb at the straight-ahead, a price it paid to enhance cruising refinement. It takes 30° to overcome the numbness, and gets better the more you turn the wheel. Luckily this does not affect the entertaining way it attacks corners.

Another weakness is the dull-looking new dashboard and center console. Although we applause for the improved built and material quality, it deserves a more stylish design to match its rivals.

But on the top of the wish list remains to be a more powerful engine. Porsche always afraid a more powerful Boxster could hurt the sales of its more profitable 911. But the Boxster chassis is actually better than the 911 and it deserves more power. Driven by Walter Rohl, the Boxster S lapped Nurburgring at 8min 18sec, or 9 second quicker than the old car. Is it fast enough? the answer is certainly negative to many Porsche fans. We hope Porsche could consider transplanting the 3.6 or even 3.8 engine of the 911 to create a super Boxster, especially in the presence of Mercedes SLK55 AMG.

2006 power upgrade

Porsche Boxster is getting the more powerful engines from Cayman. The company has announced that the base Boxster 2.7 will be upgraded to 245hp and 201lbft (up from 240hp and 199lbft) like the recently introduced base Cayman, while Boxster S will have its 280hp / 236lbft 3.2-litre engine replaced by Cayman S' 295hp / 251lbft 3.4-litre unit. Both engines are benefited by 911's VarioCam Plus system, i.e., with the addition of 2-step variable valve lift.

The Boxster 2.7 is now capable of 160mph and 0-60 in 5.8 sec, while figures for Boxster S are 169mph and 5.1 sec.

2009 Boxster update

Having read my report on the Cayman update, you can go through this article quickly. Basically, the new Boxster shares nearly all the mechanical changes found in its sister car, such as the availability of PDK twin-clutch gearbox, limited slip differential, an upgraded satellite navigation system and more powerful engines. What about the facelift ? You can spot the minor differences from these pictures.

The base Boxster is now powered by a larger 2.9-liter boxer, while Boxster S gets a new 3.4-liter engine with direct injection and shorter stroke. However, Porsche continues its policy to position the Boxster below Cayman, so the engine management systems in both Boxsters are deliberately remapped to limit their top end output. The 2.9 engine here produces 255 hp at 6400 rpm, versus 265 hp at 7200 rpm on Cayman. The 3.4 engine generates 310 hp at 6400 rpm instead of 320 hp at 7200 rpm. Their maximum torque are also slightly lower than that of the Caymans. Still, performance is slightly improved over the old car. A Boxster S with PDK gearbox can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5 seconds flat, or 4.9 seconds with optional Sport Plus package which provides launch control. At the same time, fuel consumption is dropped by around 3 mpg.

Sure, many cars are faster yet cost less money, but I suppose there are still no one else in the roadster field can provide the same combination of handling, ride, usability and build quality as the entry-level Porsche.

Boxster Spyder

This is actually a better driver's car than the GT3...

Striped out open-top sports car is not a new idea to Porsche. In the 1950s, it created 356 Speedster and 550 Spyder. However, that breed was not properly followed as 911 started dominating the scene. Each generation 911 got heavier, more powerful, better equipped and as a result more expensive. Lightweight Porsches became limited to the high-end 911 RS or GT3. The only exception was 968CS (Clubsport), which brought lightweight fun back to the entry-level model and thrilled thousands of loyal owners.

When Boxster was launched in 1996, it was considered to be a baby Porsche fulfilling the role left by 968. Yet to the disappointment of us, it has never been giving a lightweight and hardcore treatment like 986CS. What a pity, because there is definitely space for such a Boxster to live. It would certainly deliver the same sharp handling as 911 GT3, ultimately not as quick as its bigger brother but should be way cheaper. It would appeal to different kind of customers, especially those who would otherwise purchase Lotus Exige or other track specials. Perhaps God has listened to our prayers, Porsche has finally produced this car – Boxster Spyder.

Boxster Spyder is a lightweight version of Boxster S. It isn't much more powerful than the latter – just 10 extra horsepower at the top end, thanks to adopting the Cayman S-spec engine. You won't call a 320hp engine as weak, but the chassis can definitely take more. Nevertheless, the highlight here is the lightweight treatment and chassis modifications. Some 80 kg has been removed thanks to various efforts, for example, a lightweight manually operated soft top, lightweight bucket seats, aluminum doors (they come straight from 911 GT3 and Turbo), aluminum rear deck, a fixed rear spoiler and smaller side windows. It also gets rid of air conditioning, audio system, door handles (replaced by fabric pulls), door pockets and cup holders. The 19-inch alloy wheels are lighter than the standard 18-inch items. Even the oil tank is smaller. The result is a kerb weight of 1275 kg. When was the last time you heard a 300-horsepower-plus production car weighing less than 1300 kg ?

Specifying PDK gearbox will add 25 kg but, with its quicker shift and exclusive launch control, 0-60 mph can be shortened from 4.9 to 4.6 seconds. However, the 6-speed manual brings more engagement and higher satisfaction with its short and slick gearchange. It is more in line with the character of this car.

The lightweight fabric roof is not only smaller but more fragile. It is not designed to withstand airflow exceeding 124 mph, so for high-speed run you will need to leave it open. As a result, top speed is reduced slightly to 166 mph.

Thanks to its double-dome rear deck, the Spyder looks like a mini-Carrera GT. On the road, it also handles and rides like so. The lightweight, together with stiffer suspensions, fixed rate dampers (no PASM here), standard-fit LSD and 25 mm lower center of gravity (thanks to 20mm drop of ride height, lighter roof and engine lid) translate to sharper handling. Steering response and feel, body control and grip are all raised to higher level. With better balance and a more benign character at the limit, the Boxster Spyder is actually a better driver's car than the GT3, although it lacks the firepower of the latter. At the same time, its ride quality remains very good, thanks to the reduced unsprung weight.

Good news is, the Spyder is not a limited edition like 911 Sport Classic, but a permanent production model sitting alongside Boxster and Boxster S. It commands a price about 10 percent higher than Boxster S, which is comfortably below the level of 911. That said, Porsche expects only 10 percent of all Boxster sales will go to the Spyder, as its Spartan interior and roof are not everybody can live with.

Specifications

General remarks

Layout

Chassis

Body

Length / width / height

Wheelbase

Engine

Capacity

Valve gears

Induction

Other engine features

Max power

Max torque

Transmission

Suspension layout

Suspension features

Tires

Kerb weight

Top speed

0-60 mph (sec)

0-100 mph (sec)

986 Boxster 2.5 (1996)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4318 / 1778 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

2480 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT
(3-stage Variocam)

204 hp

181 lbft

5-speed manual

All struts

F: 205/55ZR16
R: 225/50ZR16

1242 kg

149 mph (c)

6.5*

18.0*

986 Boxster 2.7 (1999)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4318 / 1778 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

2687 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT
(3-stage Variocam)

VIM

220 hp

192 lbft

5-speed manual

All struts

F: 205/55ZR16
R: 225/50ZR16

1250 kg

155 mph (c)

6.4*

15.5*

986 Boxster S 3.2 (1999)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4318 / 1778 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

3179 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT
(3-stage Variocam)

VIM

252 hp

225 lbft

6-speed manual

All struts

F: 205/50ZR17
R: 255/40ZR17

1295 kg

161 mph (c)

6.0* / 5.5** / 5.2***

14.2* / 13.7** / 13.6***

General remarks

Layout

Chassis

Body

Length / width / height

Wheelbase

Engine

Capacity

Valve gears

Induction

Other engine features

Max power

Max torque

Transmission

Suspension layout

Suspension features

Tires

Kerb weight

Top speed

0-60 mph (sec)

0-100 mph (sec)

986 Boxster 2.7 (2002)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4318 / 1778 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

2687 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT
(continuous Variocam)

VIM

228 hp

192 lbft

5-speed manual

All struts

F: 205/55ZR16
R: 225/50ZR16

1275 kg

157 mph (c)

6.3*

15.2*

986 Boxster S 3.2 (2002)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4318 / 1778 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

3179 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT
(continuous Variocam)

VIM

260 hp

225 lbft

6-speed manual

All struts

F: 205/50ZR17
R: 255/40ZR17

1320 kg

164 mph (c)

5.4*****

15.2*****

987 Boxster 2.7 (2005)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4329 / 1801 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

2687 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT
(continuous Variocam)

VIM

240 hp

199 lbft

5-speed manual

All struts

F: 205/55ZR17
R: 235/50ZR17

1295 kg

159 mph (c)

6.1*

14.1*

General remarks

Layout

Chassis

Body

Length / width / height

Wheelbase

Engine

Capacity

Valve gears

Induction

Other engine features

Max power

Max torque

Transmission

Suspension layout

Suspension features

Tires

Kerb weight

Top speed

0-60 mph (sec)

0-100 mph (sec)

987 Boxster S 3.2 (2005)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4329 / 1801 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

3179 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT
(continuous Variocam)

VIM

280 hp

236 lbft

6-speed manual

All struts

F: 235/40ZR18
R: 265/40ZR18

1345 kg

167 mph (c)

5.0** / 5.4****

12.2** / 13.1****

987 Boxster 2.7 (2006)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4329 / 1801 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

2687 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT+VVL
(Variocam Plus)

VIM

245 hp

201 lbft

5-speed manual

All struts

F: 205/55ZR17
R: 235/50ZR17

1305 kg

160 mph (c)

5.9 (c)

14.2 (c)

987 Boxster S 3.4 (2006)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4329 / 1801 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

3387 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT+VVL
(Variocam Plus)

VIM

295 hp

251 lbft

6-speed manual

All struts

F: 235/40ZR18
R: 265/40ZR18

1355 kg

169 mph (c)

5.2 (c) / 4.9***

11.8 (c) / 11.5***

General remarks

Layout

Chassis

Body

Length / width / height

Wheelbase

Engine

Capacity

Valve gears

Induction

Other engine features

Max power

Max torque

Transmission

Suspension layout

Suspension features

Tires

Kerb weight

Top speed

0-60 mph (sec)

0-100 mph (sec)

987 Boxster 2.9 (2009)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4329 / 1801 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

2893 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT+VVL
(Variocam Plus)

VIM

255 hp / 6400 rpm

214 lbft / 4400-6000 rpm

6-speed manual

All struts

F: 205/55ZR17
R: 235/50ZR17

1335 kg

163 mph (c)

5.7 (c)

13.6 (c)

987 Boxster S 3.4 (2009)

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4329 / 1801 / 1295 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

3436 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT+VVL
(Variocam Plus)

VIM

310 hp / 6400 rpm

265 lbft / 4400-5500 rpm

7-speed twin-clutch (or 6M)

All struts

F: 235/40ZR18
R: 265/40ZR18

1380 kg (6M: 1355 kg)

169 mph (c)

5.0 (c) / 4.3***

11.4 (c) / 10.7***

987 Boxster Spyder

Mid-engined, RWD

Steel monocoque

Mainly steel

4342 / 1801 / 1274 mm

2415 mm

Flat-6

3436 cc

DOHC 24 valves, VVT+VVL
(Variocam Plus)

VIM

320 hp / 7200 rpm

273 lbft / 4750 rpm

6-speed manual (or 7-sp PDK)

All struts

F: 235/35ZR19
R: 265/35ZR19

1275 kg (PDK: 1300 kg)

166 mph (c)

4.9 (c)

Performance tested by: *Autocar, ***R&T, ***C&D, ****Automobile, *****MT