Porsche unveiled its new mid-engined, two-seater sports car in 1996. The first generation Porsche Boxster, known as the type 986, was manufactured from 1997 to 2004 (model years).

Porsche Boxster First Generation

Porsche unveiled a Boxster concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January 1993. After receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from the public, it was clear that the production car should be very similar to the concept.

The Boxster was designed at the same time with the fifth generation Porsche 911 (type 996), so the cars shared many components. For example, the front end of the Boxster was almost identical with the 911. For example, the sama bonnet, headlight units, front wings and doors were also used on the 911.

The Boxster featured a host of technical innovations. For the first time, it was equipped with alloy four-piston brake callipers in monobloc design derived from motorsport. In addition to the standard five-speed manual transmission, the Boxster was also available with the five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission.

The Boxster was powered by a new water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine. Four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, and variable intake timing by means of the patented VarioCam technology all underlined the high-tech characteristics. The 2.5-litre engine delivered 150 kW (204 PS). For the model year 2000, Boxster’s engine displacement was upgraded to 2.7-litre. Also the new Boxster S was presented, powered by a 3.2-litre engine.

Update in 2002

In June 2002, the first generation Boxster underwent a comprehensive model enhancement. In addition to design changes on the body, the main features of this model facelift included chassis optimisations, a convertible top with glass rear window and enhanced standard equipment.

The engines delivered more power thanks to the enhanced VarioCam camshaft control, while the fuel economy was improved. The Boxster delivered 168 kW (228 Ps) instead of 162 kW (220 PS). The Boxster S now had an output of 191 kW (260 PS) instead of 185 kW (252 PS).

For the last model year 2004, shortly before the 986 was replaced by the second generation Boxster (987), Porsche created the special-edition model 50 years of 550 Spyder. A total of 164,874 cars of the first generation Boxster were manufactured.

Images by Porsche