History of the Porsche Boxster
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Porsche Boxster is proof that adversity can breed success. Born of the most troubled period in modern Porsche history, the Porsche Boxster was an instant hit with the press and public alike upon its introduction as a 1997 model.

That was no surprise. The Porsche Boxster here was not only the first clean-sheet-design Porsche in 20 years (since the Porsche 928), it was a two-seat roadster with looks and road manners recalling the legendary mid-1950s 550 Spyder. Not only that, the engine was a brand-new water-cooled horizontally opposed ("boxer"), six-cylinder, plunked right behind the cockpit. ("Boxer" plus "roadster" equals "Boxster.")

All this for an initial base price of around $40,000, the most affordable Porsche in years. How could it miss?

Yet success was by no means assured. When it debuted during 1996, the Porsche Boxster was viewed by some as just another "retro roadster" like the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK, both recently launched replies to the popular, less-expensive Mazda Miata, then in its seventh season.

The Z3, SLK, and Miata were classic front-engine/rear-drive open sports cars, and thus arguably less "interesting" than the Porsche. But they appealed nonetheless, suggesting the Boxster's success stemmed as much from high style and low price, not to mention the Porsche badge, as any engineering or performance distinctions.

The Porsche Boxster was part of a second-thoughts product plan hatched in the early 1990s after cancellation of the Type 989 luxury-sedan project. Porsche's sales and cash reserves were fast falling toward zero after more than a decade of price escalation from an ever-stronger German mark, plus waning interest in cars that seemed to change too little for too long.

Survival demanded new models that cut costs through greater component sharing, which is why the 989 was intended to parent a new-generation Porsche 911. But Porsche concluded that another high-priced low-volume car wasn't the answer. What it really needed was a low-cost sports car that could sell profitably and in far greater numbers than the 911.

No one understood this better than Wendelin Wiedeking, who took over as Porsche chairman and CEO in late 1992. Though a materials engineer by training and experience, Wiedeking knew his way around factories and balance sheets.

As he told Georg Kacher for the August 1993 issue of Britain's CAR magazine: "We must cultivate the 911 because it is the backbone of our business. At the same time, we must develop an entry-level car priced below [$40,000]. This segment is six times bigger than the one the 911 competes in. As soon as the new baseline Porsche is in the showroom, I guarantee you that our production will double to over 30,000 vehicles a year."

The prototype of the Porsche 986 Boxster was first shown at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. It was an instant hit. People immediately started putting money down at their Porsche dealers to acquire the car. It was released in Europe in late 1996, and for the first time in the U.S. at the L.A. Auto Show on January 4th, 1997.


This brochure shows the prototype vehicle. Thanks to Steven Agnew at Barrier Motors in Bellevue, WA for this copy of the brochure.




Additional images of the Boxster prototype can be found in the Photo Albums Section


His prediction proved conservative. Just four years after the Boxster's debut, Porsche volume had almost quadrupled to nearly 56,000 units.

Wiedeking took charge as work was starting on the Boxster, designated Type 986, and a related new 911, the eventual 996-series. Though he endorsed the heavy parts sharing involved, he knew Porsche could never build a $40,000 car. As AutoWeek later observed, "Porsche never suffered from a lack of great cars. It was the process of building those cars that nearly killed [them]."

Accordingly, Wiedeking called in a group of retired Toyota executives to teach Porsche about "lean" manufacturing, "constant improvement" and other strategies that had made Toyota a world automotive superpower. It was a brave act in a tradition-bound company ruled by proud engineers, but Wiedeking knew Porsche must modernize or else.

The Germans were shocked and humbled when the Japanese faulted most everything from initial planning to final assembly. When the dust settled, payroll was cut from nearly 9,000 to 6,800, parts inventory slashed by 82 percent, and the Zuffenhausen plant completely reorganized. Another outcome was Porsche's first tear-down shop, where competitive cars could be taken apart and analyzed.

Meantime, Wiedeking ordered "simultaneous engineering" for the Boxster and the 996. That meant designers, engineers, manufacturing experts, supplier representatives, and others working as a team on all aspects of the programs, not just their pieces of it. No more botched communications, no more blame games.

The Boxster was thus "the first Porsche developed with a priority on efficient assembly," as AutoWeek noted. "The car is full of pre-assembled modules including the front and rear suspensions, [where many] components are the same, front and rear, reducing tooling and production costs." And because of its do-or-die importance, the Boxster came together in record time for Porsche, moving from drawing board to assembly line in three-and-a-half years, versus the usual seven or more. As they say, having a gun to your head tends to improve one's concentration.

In a late-1996 assessment for AutoWeek, efficiency guru James P. Womack, author of The Machine That Changed the World, termed the Boxster a "bet-the-company miracle car. Porsche wouldn't be around if they hadn't stared into the abyss and then eaten a lot of crow...They've [got it] in the range where core buyers can afford it. To make any money on the car, the old Porsche would have had to sell it for $80,000."

Base prices for 1997 were half that. This, after all, was a new Porsche from a "New Porsche." Things were looking up.

You can read more about the development history of the Boxster in these two books:

Porsche Boxster Story by Paul Frere

Porsche Boxster by Clauspeter Becker

Year to Year Model Changes

1997 to 2000
Porsche introduced the Boxster to American show rooms as a 1997 model at a base cost of under $40,000. Although slightly different in design from the Detroit show car prototype, the new car did not disappoint the many enthusiasts who plunked down deposits even before the car went into full production. The 1997 model had a 2.5-litre water-cooled, aluminum block engine rated at 201 horsepower. This newly designed engine, designated the M96, had overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, and was teamed with a 5-speed manual or an optional Tiptronic 5-speed tranny. Braking was by way of disc brakes at all four corners, with anti-lock braking control standard.

The following two model years (1998-1999) saw very few changes. Side airbags were standard equipment in 1998, and 18-inch wheels were optional, necessitating minor changes to rear suspension components. Upgraded Litronic headlights became an option in 1999 along with minor improvements to passenger storage compartments. Porsche increased engine displacement for the 2000 model year Boxster to 2.7 liters, bumping output to 220 horsepower. Suspension upgrades and a drive-by-wire throttle system were notable upgrades and complemented the engine change. The real story in 2000, however, was the introduction of the Boxster S with its potent 3.2 liter 250 HP engine, six-speed manual transmission, larger brakes with red calipers, twin exhaust tailpipes, a multi-padded convertible top lining, a three-spoke steering wheel with colored crest, and larger 17-inch wheels - all as standard equipment. The Tiptronic tranny remained an option for both models.

2001 to 2004
The 2001 and 2002 Boxster models offered buyers the three-spoke steering wheel, electronic front and rear trunk releases and a newly designed seat belt system as standard equipment. All Boxsters now featured the padded convertible top which first appeared on the 2000 S models. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) was optional as was an upgraded audio system. 18-inch Turbo-look alloy wheels became an option in 2002. And for those of us who had complained about having to forego morning coffee or afternoon Big Gulps while driving their Boxster with the top down, 2002 was a godsend- Porsche finally heard our prayers and installed in-dash cup holders. In terms of Boxster evolution and development, 2003 was a red-letter year. Porsche tweaked the engines on both cars- the base model came in at 225 HP while the S increased to a very potent 258. Both saw redesigned interior features, completely revised wheels and bumpers, and a big item for many – a glass rear window with defroster to replace the earlier plastic window.

The 2004 model year Boxsters remained largely unchanged from 2003. The big news for 2004 was the first Boxster special edition, which celebrated the introduction of the 550, Porsche’s legendary mid-engine racecar that appeared in race trim at LeMans in 1953. Porsche’s commemorative Boxster model was called the 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition. Only 1,953 of these cars were built- making them imminently collectible. As is their tradition with limited edition cars, Porsche fully loaded the 550 50th Edition. GT Silver Metallic paint, special Cocoa full leather interior, a Cocoa convertible top, 18-inch Carrera wheels with gray spokes and colored center crests, silver brake calipers, heated seats, sports suspension, wheel spacers, a 3.2-litre engine tweaked to 260 HP, and many other goodies were all part of the package.

2005 to 2008
Although similar in appearance to its predecessors, the 2005 Boxster was a completely new design. Keeping with tradition, Porsche marked the change by assigning this second generation series a new model code: 987 versus the number 986 that had become an alternative name for the 1997-2004 cars. The 2005 Boxster was larger and faster than its predecessors with a roomier interior and a stiffer body. These 987 cars can easily be differentiated from their 986 cousins by their wider track, reshaped headlights, new bumper and roll bar designs, larger and redesigned side air intakes, and new 17-inch Boxster II wheels. 18-inch wheels were standard on the S cars, with nineteens optional. And speaking of wheels, Porsche replaced the front trunk mounted spare tire with an emergency tire repair kit. Weight saving aluminum front and rear trunk lids were standard as was a rear spoiler that extended at speeds above 75 MPH. The 2.7-litre engine in the standard model now produced 240 HP, and the 3.2-liter in the S model Boxster was up to 280 HP, both managed by the advanced Motronic ME 7.8 engine management system. Optional on both cars were Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the very cool Sports Chrono package. Also optional on the non-S Boxster was a six-speed manual transmission, which was standard equipment on the S model.

How do you improve on an “almost” perfect car? Tough to do, so Porsche kept the 2006 Boxster and Boxster S virtually the same as the 2005 models. Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and an improved NAV system were about the only additional items from the 2005. If they are within your budget, give serious consideration to a 2005 or 2006 Boxster or Boxster S- they’re terrific cars.

Porsche increased the 2007 model Boxster’s output to 245 HP for the standard model and 295 HP for the S model. A faster shifting Tiptronic transmission increased performance if you ordered the optional Sports Chrono package. Access to the engine changed in the model year. Porsche improved the Boxster’s rear trunk room by moving the oil and coolant caps inside the body. And for those who lamented the loss of the spare tire in 2005, Porsche saw fit to eliminate the venerable dipstick and replace it with electronic monitoring of oil levels.

2008 to 2011
Two Limited Edition Boxsters returned in 2008: a Limited Edition Boxster clad in the GT3 RS Orange with black trim and a RS 60 Spyder Limited Edition Boxster. The Limited Edition GT3 RS Orange Boxster cars were available in both standard and S models, and featured black wheels, black side mirrors, black vent covers, a black top, and black Boxster script on the rear trunk lid. The special Boxster RS 60 Spyder Limited Edition model, built to honor the 1960 Sebring 12 Hour winning RS 718, was available in S model trim only. Only 1,960 of these cars were made, and all came with more horsepower (303 HP), PASM standard, Sport Design front bumper, 19-inch Sport Design wheels and wheel spacers. Buyers could order their RS 60 edition with either a Carrera Red interior and top or in a more subtle shade of grey. Both limited edition models are very distinctive cars, with stunning looks and special appeal.

Visual changes as well as technological advancements characterize the 2009 model year. Front bumpers on these cars have larger air intakes that house new LED running lights, while the rear bumper has a revised diffuser integrated into the bumper. The 2009 Boxster S models have a new design 3.4-liter engine with direct fuel injection (DFI) - upping horsepower to 310. The standard Boxster also has the new design engine, it continues with port injection, but engine capacity increased from 2.7-litres to 2.9-liters, bumping the car from 245 to 255 horsepower. Thanks to ingenious fuel management technology, both cars have improved gas mileage ratings over their predecessors. The Tiptronic transmission is no longer available as an option, replaced by the highly touted Porsche seven-speed PDK double clutch transmission. Drivers now have the option of using the automatic mode on the console or by using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. PDK makes driving in traffic incredibly easy, and by all reports from those who opted for it; it is very quick on the highway or track. An optional media player connection is available, a nice plus for many.

For 2010, Porsche seemed to be content with the previous models as few changes were made for either the Boxster or Boxster S 2010 models. When you get as good as these models have become, it’s difficult to make huge improvements. Base prices for these two models start at $47,600 and $58,000 respectively.

The really big Boxster news came at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December 2009. Making their debut were the 2011 Boxster Spyders, and did they ever make an impression to most everyone. Porsche stepped up their game considerably with these new Boxsters. Featuring less weight and a very cool new look were the overriding qualities of these cars. While the not included air conditioning and radio were among the weight saving items that all add up to approximately 175 pounds, the most extreme new feature is a single layer, manually operated fabric top. The rear trunk lid “humps” give this Boxster an entirely new profile, and it’s exciting for many. New design lightweight 19-inch wheels, aluminum doors, lightweight sport bucket seats, and instead of the standard interior door openers, you will find fabric door pulls instead. With the permanent trunk spoiler, a horsepower boost to 320, and lower suspension, it all adds up to one of the coolest Boxsters ever. It is not a limited edition, but just an addition to the existing line up of Boxster, Boxster S, and now, Boxster Spyder. Base price for a Boxster Spyder is $61,200. Do not fret over the loss of the air conditioning and radio. If you don’t mind having the extra weight, these can be added back in at the factory.

Third generation: Boxster (981) 2012 to 2016
The third-generation Boxster was announced on 13 March 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show with sales starting early summer 2012. The new Boxster reflects the new design language from the 911 (991) and 918, and features new and revised engine and transmission specifications. Together with a new body, the type 981 Boxster features a new chassis; 40 per cent more torsionally rigid, the front track is 40 mm (2 in) wider, the rear 18 mm (1 in) wider and the wheelbase extended by 60 mm (2 in), but with a small weight reduction of up to 35 kg (77 lb) compared to the previous type 987 Boxster.

The standard Boxster is fitted with a new 2.7-litre flat-6 engine, and the Boxster S is fitted with the existing 3.4-litre engine but with revised performance. Both engines are equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 7-speed reworked PDK. Both manual and automatic models are available with several technical options including Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and a Sport Chrono Package that includes active transmission mounts, and makes the PDK-equipped model even faster. Porsche claims that the new generation Boxster provides fuel savings of 15% over the outgoing model.

The range was expanded in March 2014 with the addition of the GTS derivative, with slightly altered front and rear bumpers and an additional 11 kW (15 PS; 15 bhp) from the 3.4-litre engine. 206 kW (280 PS; 276 bhp) The second generation Cayman was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The production 981 was released as a 2014 model in the spring of 2013. The new car was available in both the standard trim with a 2.7 L engine, and in the S trim with a 3.4 L engine. Both versions are available with either a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch 7-speed PDK transmission.

The 981 features upgrades including a new body, a longer wheelbase, a wider front track, and a redesigned interior that matches the firm's contemporary 911 models.

The new model gained acclaim in the motoring press as one of the best handling sports cars at any price, due to its-mid engine layout and driving dynamics. The Cayman S benefits from the same engine and running gear as Porsche's latest 3.4 L version of the 911.

Fourth generation : 718 Boxster, 2017 to present

With the new 982-generation, the marketing designation of the Boxster was changed to Porsche 718, a nod to Porsche's racing heritage that won the Targa Florio race in 1959 and 1960. Because the 718 Boxster has lost two cylinders, going from a naturally aspirated flat-6 engine to a turbocharged flat-4 engine, the name is meant to evoke a racing series that was won by a light car that outmaneuvered the cars with more powerful engines.

The timeline of the 718 release started in 2016, with first model availability scheduled for June . The 718 base featured two new horizontally-opposed flat-4 turbocharged engines at 2.0L and 2.5L displacement with increased torque and horsepower with lower fuel consumption. The S model turbocharger utilizes Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) technology. Later, In October 2017 the GTS models were announced with their 2.5l engines upgraded to produce 361 bhp (269 kW). The Boxster could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.1 seconds.

The exterior of the 718 Boxster is very similar to the third generation, in fact more of an evolution than a redesign. The most notable changes are to the rear of the car, which now has a long black-trim bar across the rear connecting the two taillights. The headlights and bumper are also heavily reworked. On the sides, the mirrors have been redesigned, taking hue from the SportDesign mirrors on the GT3.

The interior remains very similar to the 981 Boxster and the 991.2 generation of the Porsche 911. The main change is the new PCM 4.0 infotainment system, which replaces the PCM 3.1. The steering wheel comes with a mode selector switch that includes a selection of Sports and Sports Plus driving modes, resulting in snappier throttle response at the cost of fuel efficiency. Overall, the most prominent design features of the 981 Boxster remain, including large air induction ports on the side, and the prominent horizontal aluminum piece used for adding oil and coolant in the trunk.

Despite the loss of two cylinders, the 718 Boxster are mechanically superior to the 981 model. Acceleration is faster, and steering is improved.

How to Buy a Boxster

Our former PCA Boxster Advocate, Bob Purgason, has written an excellent article
on How to Buy a Boxster published in Panorama Magazine in April of 2009.
You can read the article here.

If you are looking to buy a good, reasonably priced Boxster with lots of features, the 2003 and 2004 years would be good choices, particularly this well equipped 2004 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition.
Photo Credit - Leonard Turner

2004 Porsche Boxster S 50 Years Anniversary Edition
From GotBroken.com

The Porsche Boxster is styled after the 550 Spyder, with similar bodylines, mid-engine roadster configuration, low weight, excellent agility, and a high level of driving pleasure. Porsche is now celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder by launching a powerful Boxster S special edition bearing the name “50 Years of the 550 Spyder”. The new commemorative Boxster S further reflects this classic Porsche model with performance enhancements and additional styling cues not previously available on Boxster models.

Additional images can be found in the Photo Albums Section

2008 RS60 Spyder

Porsche is presenting a new version of the mid-engined Boxster roadster at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy on December 5-16, 2007. In its distinctive design, features and philosophy, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder echoes the classic motorsport era of the 1960s, and in particular the success of Porsche sports cars during that period.

Additional images can be found in the Photo Albums Section

2008 Limited Edition Boxsters

Atlanta, August 9, 2007 — Porsche’s all-new orange 2008 Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S will soon be stirring excitement around the country with a stylish design and competitive pricing starting at $49,900 USD and $59,900 USD, respectively. With the first Limited Edition being displayed at a special sneak preview at the NY Auto Show this past spring where it received a rave reception, the 500 eagerly anticipated Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S models will go on sale in dealerships on September 28, 2007 throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Additional images can be found in the Photo Albums Section

2008 Boxster S Design Edition 2

Additional images can be found in the Photo Albums Section

2011 Boxster Spyder

Porsche's newest entry will be the lightest in its line-up.
Weighing in at just 2,811 lbs., the new 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche available – from a company known for lightweight, proficient sports cars. This new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the sports car – agile, powerful, open and efficient. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2, 2009.

Additional images can be found in the Photo Albums Section

2016 Boxster Spyder

Porsche revealed the latest Spyder model in April 2015 at the New York Auto Show.

The styling of the car is similar to the previous generation Spyder, continuing the twin hump rear deck and manually operated canvas top. It also shares some styling with the Cayman GT4, using the same front and rear fascia.

The engine is also shared with the Cayman GT4, a 3.8l flat-6, making this the largest capacity and most powerful engine used in a Boxster with 276 kilowatts (370 bhp). It is also the lightest current Porsche, weighing 1,315 kilograms (2,899 lb). This was achieved through the use of aluminum doors and rear lid, the manually operated roof and unique light weight 20 inch wheels. The air conditioning and audio system are also removed, although can be added as no cost options. Braking is via larger brakes than used on the Boxster S, being 340mm front and 330mm rear units taken from the 911 Carrera S.

The only gearbox available is a 6 speed manual. The Spyder has a base price of US$82,100

2016 Boxster GTS

Real life is played out in the open air. It’s where legendary rock concerts have been staged. It’s where legendary races have been won. Legendary driving sensations are the emotions that the Boxster evokes.

It lets us feel the wind against our skin – and enjoy pleasure in every corner. Can sensations like these be further heightened? Could driving possibly get any more intense? The answer from our engineers has three letters: GTS. Three letters that we adopted for the first time in 1963 with the 904 GTS, a sports car equipped with a mid-mounted engine. Three letters that have since become an emblem for racetrack performance and incredible sportiness on everyday drives. So it’s only logical that they would eventually adorn another mid-engined sports car, this time the Boxster. Their promise is delivered without compromise: increased horsepower, a much more exquisite specification and even greater driving pleasure. Making the experience of driving a roadster even more emphatic and direct.

The result is the new Boxster GTS. A design classic with an acute desire for freedom. A mid-engined sports car that truly strikes a chord. A roadster for the ultimate driving experience.