On sale in the UK from 27 November 2004, the new Porsche Boxster offers increased power from its proven
2.7-litre and 3.2-litre flat-six engines in addition to a host of other developments introduced with the intention of keeping the mid-engined sports car at the top of its class.
The 2.7-litre six-cylinder engine now develops 176 kW (240 bhp), 8 kW (12 bhp) more than previously. The performance of the Boxster S, which will be launched simultaneously, has also been increased to 206 kW
(280 bhp) from 191 kW (260 bhp), while cubic capacity has remained unchanged at 3.2 litres. The Boxster needs only 6.2 seconds to sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph), while the S model achieves this in 5.5 seconds. Top speed is 159 mph (256 km/h) for the Boxster and 167 mph (268 km/h) for the Boxster S.
In addition to the power increase, a revised chassis offers greater driving pleasure and at the same time enhanced active and passive safety. Larger wheels and a wider track clearly emphasise the further development of the body shape and symbolise the increase in performance of the two models. The new nose clearly shows the relationship with the 911 series but still features the characteristic Boxster appearance. The new lighting concept with the separation of main headlamps and front lamps with integrated fog lamps exemplifies this.
When viewed from the side, the larger rear air vents, the bold door sills, the larger window glass area, and the newly-designed, larger diameter wheels are dominant. The 2.7-litre Boxster now has 17-inch diameter wheels as standard, while the Boxster S features 18-inch diameter wheels.
The new Boxster also features a revised five-speed manual transmission, with the S model benefiting from a new six-speed gearbox. The gearshift had been revised for both transmission variants so that shift travel is now considerably shorter. Both vehicles can be optionally equipped with the five-speed Tiptronic S transmission.
The Boxster is the first roadster in the world to offer passengers protection against lateral impact using head airbags. In combination with a thorax airbag, concealed on the outer side of the backrest, the airbag deploys from the side window rail of the door and provides a very high level of protection for the head.
The Porsche Boxster will be priced at £32,320 (inc. VAT) and the Porsche Boxster S at £38,720.
Editor’s Notes:
First launched in 1996, the Porsche Boxster can already be described as a modern classic alongside the iconic 911 coupe. The Boxster has opened up new and growing markets for the company in an extremely competitive marketplace.
To maintain its appeal over the eight years following its debut, Porsche has continually evolved the Boxster. Originally powered by a 2.5-litre version of the classic Porsche flat-six engine, the car gained extra power in 1999 with the installation of a 2.7-litre engine. At the same time, a higher performance 3.2-litre-engined Boxster S model was introduced.
Now, with the introduction of the latest generation Boxster, Porsche moves the roadster on another stage further. Still true to the original concept, the car has consistently outperformed its rivals in comparative road tests and in its latest form is set to move the benchmark for roadster standards on once more.
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