THE BOXSTER STORY
The name Boxster comes from a combination of the words "boxer" and "roadster". The engine in the Boxster is a flat-six horizontally opposed boxer engine.
It isn't often that Porsche puts out a totally new car. Therefore it was no surprise to find that lovers of the Porsche marque were anxiously and enthusiastically awaiting the arrival of the new Boxster.
The design study for this new mid-engine roadster caused a sensation at its' first public appearance in 1993 at the North American International Automobile Show.
Porsche wasn't even sure what engine this new concept car would have in time for the Detroit auto show. The Boxster concept car went to Detroit as a "push model".
The new Boxster reflected many of the design elements found on the mid-engine Porsche road and racecars of decades past including echoes of the 550 Spyder and the RS60. In the weeks and months following the first public showing of the concept cars Porsche dealers were inundated with no fewer than 10,000 orders.
Similar to the Boxster concept car, the Boxster was released in Europe in late 1996 and for the first time in the U.S. at the LA Auto Show in January 1997. Safety, space and cooling were reasons for many of the changes from the concept car to the production car.
The original Boxster was delivered to the U.S. market with a 2.5-liter, 6-cylinder water-cooled engine. This water-cooled, 4-valves-per cylinder, boxer engine produced a respectable 204hp.
From the introduction in 1997 to 2000, there were small changes in the Boxster.
986 BOXSTER CHANGES BY YEAR
1998: Rear body structural change included redesigned wheel wells and coil spring mounts, lower engine compartment bulkhead, rear wall crossmember and real axle mount reinforcements. An 18" wheel option was added. Side air bags were standard and a redesigned fuel tank and venting system, including a fuel tank differential pressure sensor was added.
1999: Small storage compartment between engine compartment lid and the convertible top, larger fuel tank and an optional Litronic headlight
2000: More changes in this year than any to date. The 2.7litre engine with 217hp was introduced and redline increased from 6700 to 7200.
Most important the Boxster S with a 3.2liter engine producing 250hp and increased valve size was introduced. The Boxster S was available with a 6-speed manual transmission based on the unit used in the 911 Carrera. 6th gear was configured to allow for maximum vehicle speed and the short 1st gear was designed to relieve the high load placed on the clutch during take off. The Boxster S also had an additional interior lining on the convertible top. This was added to help reduce wind and exterior noise. The main top bow was modified because of this change; a three-spoke steering wheel with a color Porsche Crest in the center was available only on the S.
Chassis and suspension was upgraded for increased performances. Upgrades included reworked suspension springs, tubular sway bars and shock absorbers for the different vehicle variants. The Boxster S received stronger real wheel bearing carriers with larger wheel bearings and longer control arms. Brakes on the Boxster S are recognizable by the red calipers and larger cross-drilled rotors.
Warm up catalytic converters, (4 total) for both engines were added. Both engines also featured a new intake manifold design with a DME controlled resonance flap.
2001: Intermediate shaft drive chain was converted to a tooth type chain; optional Porsche stability management (PSM) replaced the optional traction control system; dual cup holders; new LED interior orientation lights; On the regular Boxster an additional interior lining was added to the convertible top similar to the one on the 2000 Boxster S, also the three-spoke steering with a color Porsche Crest was put on the regular Boxster; front and rear trunks received power release buttons on the left doorsill. An upgraded audio system was made available as an option and another option was automatic rain sensing windshield wipers. The instrument cluster was equipped with a diagnosis and dedicated fault system.
2002: Non-return fuel supply system (reduces HC emissions.); mass airflow sensor, smaller, lighter fuel injectors with 4-hole spray disk; LSF oxygen sensors. The Boxster S 6 speed manual transmission was converted to a three bearing arrangement at the input shaft, front axle crossmember rear mounting points changed from one to two bolts per side; PSM system upgraded to include new solenoid valves. Seat belts were equipped with pyrotechnic seat belt reels combined with belt force limiters; florescent internal rear trunk release lever, optional upgraded sound system.
2003: Some of the many changes for both models were: Lockable glove box; altered rear air spoiler; side air intakes were made body color; center vents became smaller; front and real bumpers were changed; redesigned and lighter wheels were added In addition: A new tweaked exhaust; standard in-dash CD player; yellow/orange turn signals were replaced with grey/white ones; console between seats was revised and horizontal switches were added.
Both Boxster and Boxster S models were fitted with Bosch DME MD7.8. This provided a noticeable increase in power and torque with an improved exhaust note. The 2.7 engine was upgraded to produce 225hp; Boxster S engine was upgraded to produce 258hp; fuel consumption is reduced by approx 2%; fuel loop is non-return type; new style EV-6 fuel injectors are sequentially timed; bottom ends of cylinder liners were arched to help reduce power losses at higher engine rpms; gearing change on 4th and 5th gear in manual gearbox; redesigned VarioCam system was introduced; Tiptronic gearbox also revised to work with larger engines; front and rear spring were matched to the revised chassis dynamics. The convertible top now has a single-pane safety glass rear window with defroster.
2004: The main feature this year was the special edition Boxster S. Only 1,953 (to mark the year of the early 550 spyder) were produced each came with a "50 years of the 550 Spyder" badge. It was finished in GT silver metallic (a Carrera GT only color); the soft-top and interior was in cocoa. The Boxster S increased horsepower to 266bhp at 6,200prm.
2005: After a 8 year production run the Porsche Boxster received a major makeover. The Boxster was no longer designated at a 986. It was now designated as a 987. It becomes an almost totally new model. 80% of the components are new. It has become a larger car with a roomier cockpit and stiffer body. The stiffer chassis boasts a wider wheel alignment; bigger brakes, PSM is standard. External differences are reshaped headlights, bumpers and air intakes. The 2.7 engine now produces 240hp while the 3.2 Boxster S engine produces 280hp. The spare tire is removed.
2006: optional tire pressure monitoring system was the only major addition I could find.
2007: Base Model changes: Horsepower increased to 2.7Litre 245HP; Updated Tiptronic transmission with faster shifts; 19" wheels 2007 S model changes: 3.4Litre 295HP
2008: Changes for 2008 Boxster include optional leather sports bucket seat, improved navigational system, revised paint choices, and matte black replacing volcano gray as the color for the climate control's air vents.
The front bumpers now sport large circular shaped air intakes that also house the foglights, while the rear gets a revised diffuser integrated into the bumper. Other changes include new LED daytime running lights up front and new wheels borrowed from the larger 911.
All Boxsters, not just the S models, also get the option of seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission, replacing the Tiptronic S. As with the 911s, this trans will mean the two-pedal Cayman will be quicker to 60 and about as economical as the manual.
The Boxster S will have 3.4 liters and direct injection with 310 horsepower. The manual S models see a 10 percent fuel economy gain over their predecessors, while the PDK models are 15 percent better at the gas pump than the old port injection Tiptronic S cars.
The base Boxster will stick with port injection, but do have a capacity increase, from 2.7 to 2.9 liters. Power is up from 245 to 265 horsepower (Cayman) and 255 (Boxster). Again, PDK will be available. There will be a slight economy gain with the bigger engine, even with the manual transmission.
Both the base Boxster and S model are offered in Limited Edition trim as well. This option is basically a retro paint theme with orange paint covering the exterior and parts of the interior. The roll bar even has orange trim. Other minor changes include a modified front spoiler and a revised rear spoiler.
NOTE: I have tried to mention most year to year major changes. While not all the changes are noted, it is meant to be an accurate accounting of the history of the Boxster and Boxster S. Any major additions or corrections are appreciated. The information was gathered from numerous different books and manuals and articles.
Nita nb986@aol.com
Early Advertising from Automobile Magazine
My other car is... um... I forget.
Presenting the Boxster. Top back. Power down. Reality blurred. When firmly planted in the cockpit of a six-cylinder 200-horsepower, mid-engine Porsche roadster, the memory of the utilitarian vehicle parked in the garage is the first to go. Starting at $39,980. Contact us at 1-800-Porsche or http://www.porsche.com and readily agree: Porsche. There is no substitute. SM
Automobile Magazine, November 1997, Vol. 12 No. 8 (this issue includes a later variant of the above text)
Gas. Food. Lodging.
(Last two optional.)
Presenting the Boxster. In seconds, the top glides back and lets in the world. The 200 horsepower, mid-mounted flat six then leaves everything else behind. Including any primitive urges involving sustenance or shelter. Starting at $39,980. Contact us at 1-800-Porsche or http://www.porsche.com and understand the statement: Porsche. There is no substitute.SM
Automobile Magazine, December 1997, Vol. 12 No. 9.
1956 meets 2001.
Presenting the Boxster. It's classic, yet futuristic. It's a cross between a 550 Spyder and the space shuttle. It's the first mid-engine Porsche roadster in over 40 years. And it's in the Here and Now. Starting at $39,980. Contact us at 1-800-PORSCHE or http://www.porsche-usa.com and come to believe: Porsche. There is no substitute.SM
Automobile Magazine, December 1998, Vol. 13 No. 9.
Bring a map.
Presenting the Boxster. The top disappears in seconds. Thanks to the mid-mounted flat-six, so do you. But not to worry, you can always use the two trunks for survival gear. Starting at $39,980. Contact us at 1-800-Porsche or http://www.porsche.com and realize:
Porsche. There is no substitute.SM
Automobile Magazine, May 1999, Vol. 14 No. 2. (this issue includes a later variant of the above text)
The more kids you have, the more practical it becomes.
A top that glides elegantly back in seconds. A new, more powerful 2.7 mid-engine, flat six that pumps out 217 hp. And exactly two seats. The Boxster. If this isn't a perfectly engineered means of escape, what is?
Automobile Magazine, July 2000, Vol. 15 No. 4.
As much fun as you can have and still run for office someday.
You are wrapped in pure roadster styling. Senses alive. A mid-mounted engine singing with unbridled joy. And the committees that frown on such fun? They ride in boring cars, behind tinted glass. Veto them. The Boxster.
Automobile Magazine, December 2000, Vol. 15 No. 9.
And now, for your listening pleasure.
Road. Sky. The sweet music of a flat-six engine in surging crescendo. Maybe the world wasn't created just for your own personal enjoyment. But in the open cockpit of the 217 hp Boxster, it certainly feels that way.
Automobile Magazine, November 2001, Vol. 16 No. 8.