Porsche Boxster

The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engined two-seater roadster built by Porsche. The Boxster is Porsche's first road vehicle to be originally designed as a roadster since the 550 Spyder.

The first-generation Boxster was introduced in late 1996; it was powered by a 2.5 litre flat six-cylinder engine. The design was heavily influenced by the 1993 Boxster Concept. In 2000, the new Boxster S variant was introduced with a larger 3.2 litre motor, and the base model received a more powerful 2.7 litre engine. In 2003, styling and engine output was upgraded on both variants.

In 2005, Porsche unveiled the second generation of Boxster: the type 987. The 987 is more powerful than its predecessor and featured styling inspired by the Carrera GT. Engine output increased in 2007, when both Boxster models received the engines from their corresponding Porsche Cayman variants. In 2009, the Boxster models received several new cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, further increasing engine output and performance. The third generation Boxster was launched at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Production of the 986 began at the former Porsche 928 facility in Stuttgart, Germany in 1996. Valmet Automotive also manufactured Boxsters under contract to Porsche at a facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The Boxster was Porsche's biggest volume seller from its introduction in 1996 until the company introduced the Cayenne sport utility vehicle in 2003. As of September 2012, additional production of the 981 started at the former Karmann-factory in Osnabrück.

The Boxster's name is derived from the word "boxer", referring to the vehicle's horizontally opposed or "boxer" engine, and the word "roadster", referring to the vehicle's two-seat capacity and convertible top.

Porsche unveiled its 2008 Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S models at a private gathering down the street from the 2007 New York Auto Show. Largely inspired by the 2007 911 GT3 RS, just 250 examples of each model would be produced in brilliant orange and priced at $49,900 and $59,900 respectively.

Clad in the striking RS-special orange paint of the 911 GT3-RS with glossy black painted mirrors, alloy wheels, front and side air inlets, and model designation. The SportDesign package adds visual appeal, and includes aggressive front splitters, a revised rear two-stage spoiler that extends automatically at speed, and an integrated rear diffuser that Porsche says reduces aerodynamic lift. A sports exhaust system with a dual chromed exhaust tip is included, and is claimed to add a few more horsepower. Inside, a numbered 'Limited Edition' plaque is found on the glove box door, while the seat inserts, 911 GT3-spec steering wheel, and handbrake lever all receive Alcantara trim, a suede-like material used on performance Porsches like the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS. Orange roll-over hoops, door lever surrounds, shift knob, cup-holder cover trim and even the font on the gear shift pattern carrying bright orange that match the exterior color and offset the otherwise black interior. Only 250 each, Limited Edition Boxster and ‘S’ models hit showrooms on September 28, 2008. CNBC recently named the Limited Edition as one of its top 15 Most Desirable Porsches.

The Boxster has taken part in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner class. A Boxster Spec racing series based on the early 1997-1999 2.5-liter models is organized by National Auto Sport Association.

In the UK, Boxsters take part in the Porsche Championship series, in Spec or Production specification.

Some Boxster models manufactured between May 4, 2001 and February 21, 2005 have suffered engine failure due to a fault with the intermediate shaft connecting to the camshaft, which has resulted in a class action lawsuit against Porsche Cars North America. A settlement was agreed in March 2013, subject to court approval. Other types of engine failure experienced in the Boxster including cracked cylinders and Rear Main Seal failure are not addressed by this suit.

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