Image credits: © Porsche.

2004 Porsche Boxster news, pictures, and information

The Porsche Boxster is a pure expression of a unique engineering philosophy.

A philosophy driven by a tradition of originality and the quest for optimum performance.

Take a powerful six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine and mount it low within the body of the car with a mid-engine layout. What you end up with is a natural agility while creating generous front and rear cargo space.
In historical terms, the essence of the Boxster can be found in the earliest examples of the Porsche roadster: the original 356/1 from 1948 and the legendary 550 Spyder. More than fifty years later, that concept has evolved into its most refined and accomplished form.

A car rooted in pure engineering principles. Filled with pure emotion.

Source - Porsche

The Porsche Boxster is a direct descendent of the original Porsche roadster. Offering a driving experience that is steeped in tradition, yet utterly distinctive and unique.

Turn the key, and the engine comes to life with the familiar flat-six sound.

Perfectly positioned between the cockpit and rear axle, the engine develops 225 hp (SAE) from a displacement of 2.7 liters. Maximum torque of 192 lb-ft is available at 4,700 rpm. Equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, the Boxster combines an eager throttle with optimized cylinder charging to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 6.4 seconds. Maximum speed is a remarkable 157 mph (253 km/h).
The suspension is identical to that on the Boxster S, but with a slightly smoother setup. Lightweight materials are used throughout the chassis to help maximize stability and improve response. Straight-line performance is smooth and consistent, as is high-speed mid-corner handling.

The brakes are equipped with four-piston monobloc aluminum fixed calipers offering powerful performance while minimizing unsprung weight.

Above all, however, the most important feature is the car’s singular perfection on the road. This exceptional versatility makes it the ideal choice for everything from long-distance touring to demanding track day use.

Source - Porsche

Today’s Boxster S is the most powerful roadster that Porsche has ever created.

As you press the throttle, the 3.2-liter engine sends the rev counter racing round the dial. By the time it reaches 6,200 rpm, there’s a full 258 hp at your disposal. Maximum torque of 229 lb-ft provides eager acceleration from 4,600 rpm. From a standing start, you reach 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in a breathtaking 5.7 seconds. Under the right track conditions, you can continue your run to a top speed of 164 mph (264 km/h).

This exceptional performance is achieved using a water-cooled flat six and a range of innovative technologies, such as four-valve heads, VarioCam variable valve timing, and a powerful engine management system. Immediate benefits include dynamic power delivery and throttle response.
The McPherson-strut suspension has been specially adapted to the specific performance of today’s Boxster S.

The braking system consists of four-piston monobloc aluminum fixed calipers with a distinctive red paint finish. These are combined with four internally vented and cross-drilled discs to deliver rapid and effortless response. A special ventilation system helps eliminate fading, particularly under heavy use.

Source - Porsche

The Porsche Boxster was introduced near the close of 1996 and is one of the companies smallest and least expensive vehicles offered for sale. Though this may be true, the mid-engined roadster is still a Porsche with superior performance, power, and styling. Internally, the Boxster is known as the 986/987, a naming scheme that Porsche has used since its existence. The name 'Boxster' is a combination of 'roadster' and 'boxer'. Boxer represents its horizontally-opposed engine which has its pistons moving in a boxing-like motion. The roadster represents the vehicles convertible top.

The styling is credited to Harm Lagaay and borrows heavily on the Porsche Spyder and Speedster. Immediately, the Boxster was popular and became Porsche's biggest volume seller. It would retain this title until 2003 when the newly introduced Cayenne SUV took away the title. From its introduction, magazines, journalists, and enthusiasts have been awarding the car with distinguished titles and accomplishments. It has been award Car & Drivers 'One of the 10 Best Cars of 1997', Automobile's 'Automobile of the Year', Business Week 'One of the Best New Products of 1997' and more.

When introduced, the Boxster was powered by a 2.5 liter flat six-cylinder engine that produced just over 200 horsepower. In 2000 the engine was upgraded to a 2.7 liter unit that raised horsepower by about 25. An 'S' variant also became available which added the 3.2 liter 250 horsepower engine. Porsche continued to improve the Boxster and by 2004 was offered a 240 horsepower engine as standard. The 'S' was producing an astonishing 280 horsepower.

The first version, the 986 was produced from 1996 through 2004. The upgraded engine brought about the 987 which began life in 2004. It was debuted to the public at the 2004 Paris Motor Show where it shared the stage with the new 911 997. Visually, there was little change for the 987 to the 986. The headlights of the 987 are more true to the Porsche designs of the past. The side intake vents became larger.

In 2007 Porsche again improved the base engine, now up to 245 horsepower which is the same as the newly introduced and highly anticipated Cayman. The 'S' version is nearly at 300 horsepower, again, equivalent to the 'S' version of the Cayman.

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