Porsche Boxster Second Generation (2005-2011)

The second generation Porsche Boxster was presented in October 2004. With this new model, known as the 987-generation, Porsche refined the design language of the roadster, which now had an even more dynamic appearance.

Porsche Boxster Second Generation

The new front of the Boxster clearly showed the relationship with the 911 series but still featured the typical roadster face. A new headlight design, the silhouette with new, even more powerfully sweeping contours, larger wheels and a rear end with distinctive joint lines created a familiar look, but this was now given a clearer and more functional emphasis. The Boxster came with 17-inch wheels as standard, while the Boxster S featured 18-inch wheels.

The interior was completely newly designed and ergonomically optimised. Second generation of Porsche’s mid-engined roadster offered even more space through its pedals moved further to the front and the lower seating position. In all, the Boxster was available with no less than four “families” of seats: Standard seats with electrical backrest adjustment, all-electric seats with lumbar supports, leather sports seats with enhanced side support, as well as adaptive sports seats with individually adjustable side supports on the seat bottom and backrest.

Performance Upgrades

The increased power in the design was also continued under the lightweight body. The Boxster now delivered 176 kW (240 PS), while the Boxster S had a power output of 206 kW (280 PS). The enhanced chassis with a wider track and larger wheels permitted higher lateral acceleration.

The new Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) was optionally available. This made it possible to change the shock absorber characteristics at the push of a button, thus successfully managing the balancing act between sportily comfortable tuning and a very sporty set-up that was even suitable for race track outings. For very sporty drivers, Porsche also offered the Sport Chrono Package with modified engine maps and control strategies. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) was also available for the Boxster models for the first time.

The Boxster received further enhancements in October 2007. For example, the 2.7-litre engine was equipped with VarioCam Plus valve control with continuous adjustment of the intake timing (VarioCam) as well as variable valve lift switchover (Plus), and now delivered 180 kW (245 PS). In the Boxster S, dynamic propulsion was ensured by an output of 217 kW (295 PS).

In the following year, the Porsche dual-clutch PDK transmission replaced the previous Tiptronic S automatic transmission. The PDK combined the dynamic characteristics of a manual gearbox with the comfort of an automatic transmission. It shifted very quickly, allowed gear changes without any interruption in tractive force, and also offered the benefit of reduced fuel consumption. Up to the end of the production period, the engine outputs increased to 188 kW (255 PS) for the Boxster and 228 kW (310 PS) for the Boxster S.

Boxster’s Sister

Porsche also introduced a Coupe based on the open-topped, two-seater platform. The first Porsche Cayman made its world debut at the 2005 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. As a result of the enormous demand, in addition to Zuffenhausen, the Boxster and Cayman models were also built at Valmet Automotive factory in Finland. The third generation Porsche Boxster, the 981-generation, was presented in March 2012. A total of 79,039 units of the second generation Boxster were built.