Modern Classic: Porsche Boxster
The first Porsche Boxster was launched in 1996 under the 986 internal model guise. Photos: Porsche
The two-door Porsche Boxster recently turned 25 and it’s hard to imagine the Porsche without this sub-brand.
In the same way that Mazda achieved rapid success with the simplicity of the MX-5 in 1989, so did Porsche with the Boxster for similar reasons. It was fun and simple!
The Boxster was conceived in 1991 when Porsche was running into trouble with an ageing 944 (soon to become the 968) and the 928 reaching its conclusion. Porsche needed a volume car that didn’t compromise its brand values.
The 986 Boxster was finalised as a collaboration between the 986 and 996 (the next 911 update) teams such that the bonnet, front wings, headlights, interior and engine architecture were shared between both models.
The 986 Boxster was finalised as a collaboration between the 986 and 996.
In 1993, the Boxster prototype had been introduced to the public with acclaim at the North American International Auto Show.
The Boxster hit roads in 1996 under the “986” internal model guise.
The first generation Boxster debuted with a water-cooled, flat-six engine, in a mid layout format, which gave it the perfect low centre of gravity and weight distribution. The first engine was 2.5 litres and this was upgraded to 2.7 litres in 2000. Boxster S with a 3.2-litre engine also arrived in 2000. The first generation went through a styling upgrade in 2003 and power also increased.
Such was the success of the Boxster, that it became Porsche’s top-selling vehicle, beaten only by the later Cayenne which came into existence in 2003, and by 2005 Porsche was ready for its second-generation Boxster.
The second generation Porsche Boxster ‘987’ was launched in 2005.
Debuting at the Paris Motor Show in 2004 and ready for public sales in 2005, the second generation “987” Boxster had the same 2.7-litre and 3.2-litre flat-six from the 2003 upgrades to the first generation. In 2007 the base engine scored upgrades with VarioCam Plus, whilst the sportier Boxster S engine grew out to 3.4 litres.
The base engine went up to 2.9 litres with a mid-cycle facelift in 2008, which also saw a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, as well as styling changes.
The second-generation Boxster also gave rise to its fixed-roof brother, the Cayman, in 2006. It shared the mid-engine platform and most other styling cues including headlights, tail lights, mid-engine layout and virtually everything ahead of the rear wheels.
The back had a tailgate that lifted open and a different rear profile. It got the Boxster’s facelift and enhancements in 2008.
The third generation (above) 981 Boxster was for sale from 2012 to 2016.
The third-gen “981” Boxster and Cayman arrived in 2012 and had a short run only to 2016. It gained a lot of the advancements of the new 911 (991), one of my favourite cars (see xx). It had a longer wheelbase, electric steering and an interior that was of the same quality as the new 911. The base engine went back to 2.7 litres and the “S” kept its 3.4-litre displacement, whilst an even sportier GTS was added.
And then we have today’s fourth generation, the “718”, which debuted in 2016. It’s more an evolution style-wise but the biggest change was the adaption of horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder turbo engines that gave out 2.0 litres and 2.5 litres of displacement. The larger engine was used for the S and GTS. In 2020 the six-cylinder returned in a de-tuned state from the 911 GT4 in the shape of GTS 4.0 as the halo model for the Boxster and Cayman. The current Boxster has received widespread acclaim, over the third generation 981, with better acceleration, steering, suspension and fuel economy.
Porsche launched a 25th anniversary Boxster that was special details.
To celebrate the Boxster’s 25th birthday Porsche released, in 2021, the “718 Boxster 25 edition”. Only 1250 were to be made and they are finished in GT Silver Metallic and two-tone, five-spoke alloy wheels. Neodyme copper was used on the front and side air intakes. Best of all, Grant Larsen who designed the Boxster concept is still behind the 25th anniversary special. How’s that for longevity and passion!
These days the Porsche Boxster isn’t Porsche’s best selling model. That’s now going to the electric Taycan that is duelling the Cayenne. The Boxster remains popular but tastes have changed from sports cars to SUVs and increasingly electric ones at that. But there will always be a place for those wanting simplicity and all the Porsche values in something more affordable and perhaps not as much as a statement as the 911.
The fifth-generation Boxster is likely to be electric or partial electric, according to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume. It’s not due to 2024 and a final decision has not been made on the direction. Blume still sees longevity in petrol engines in sports cars, but this will no doubt quickly change by 2024 as Germany (and the world embrace zero emission sports cars).
Long live the Boxster!
