The Boxster, launched in 1996, was something of a renaissance for Porsche. Here was an affordable sports convertible that provided the perfect balance of driving pleasure and everyday practicality. Developed alongside the 996-series 911, with which it shared its entire front end, the Boxster was powered by Porsche’s new six-cylinder water-cooled engine, also destined for the new 911. So successful was the overall package that buyers and the press demanded more power and, for the 2000 model year, Porsche obliged by increasing the Boxster’s engine capacity from 2.5 to 2.7 litres and introducing a new variant, the Boxster S with a 3.2-litre engine and uprated running gear.
Since its introduction, the Boxster has been highly praised in the motoring press. Often compared with the more powerful ?and more expensive ? 911, it has proved to be a consistent performer in group tests. This is due not only to its impressive speed and fine handling but also to its excellent value for money, particularly when compared with other Porsche models.
In 2005, Porsche replaced the first-generation Boxster with the new 987-series range. While evolved from the original car in typical Porsche fashion, the new Boxster had a completely new body and interior together with more powerful engines and improvements to transmissions, running gear and safety equipment.
In Porsche Boxster Story author Paul Frere traces the development history of the Boxster, from the original concept car, unveiled at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show, through the evolution of the first-generation 986-series cars, to the latest 987-series. He provides a technical description of the body structure, engine, transmission and running gear as they evolved over the years, together with a summary of press reaction at each stage of development. Finally, he covers the Cayman S coupe, itself based on the Boxster and filling the gap between the Boxster and the 911 in terms of price and performance.
Paul Frere is an engineer, journalist and former top-flight racing driver, enjoying a close and long-standing relationship with the Porsche company. His best-selling and highly revered Porsche 911 Story is now in its eighth edition.
