2007 Porsche Boxster

The design of a Porsche always speaks in a universal language: People everywhere love to drive. But something about a Boxster speaks with a voice like that of a Siren. It calls to you, and resistance seems futile. What its aerodynamically chiseled exterior promises is too enticing. What its aesthetically intelligent interior conveys is too compelling. If driving is your passion, there is no substitute for the sheer inspiration of the Boxster.

Concept
The design concept that was shown at Detroit was a direct expression of the original mid-engine Porsche roadster, the legendary 550 Spyder. In the mid-1950s, the Porsche 550 practically rewrote the rules of high performance, becoming one of the most successful racing cars of its time.




The Boxster shares this boldly intelligent approach to sports car design. Within an open-top, twoseater layout sits a mid-mounted, flat-six boxer engine, its low center of gravity helping to instill driving confidence through the corners.

Philosophy
There is no shortage of intellectual exchange taking place at the Porsche design studios in Weissach, Germany. Every alternation proposed must be rationalized, held up to the ideal that form must follow function.



Aerodynamics
Porsche, it's not simply a matter of styling shapes that shear the least resistant path through air. Wind is an important ally in our incessant effort to elevate performance. As well as an essential element of the Boxster's character.

Every line, every curve and every carefully chiseled detail play a vital role in shaping, shifting and refining the flow of air. Charge into the wind, and the Boxster's prominent front air ducts pass generous amounts of cool air to the engine's radiators. Then, directional spoilers channel it to the next assignment: brake cooling.

Large intakes on the rear quarter panels feed even more cooling air to the flat-six engine. The air that flows over the car arcs down the sloping rear deck, applying downforce to a rear spoiler that extends at speeds above 75 mph for crisp handling and high-speed stability. Less visible, but no less important, is a smooth underbody design that keeps air gliding beneath the car, creating a 'ground effects' stream that reduces lift and drag while simultaneously venting stagnant air around the gearbox.

So where does this synergy of new thinking and original Porsche essence lead? To improved braking and steering. Únflinching straightline performance. A low 0.29 drag coefficient (Boxster) and a top track speed of 169 mph (Boxster S). All of which proves that, when engineered properly, form not only follows function, but intensifies it as well.

Performance
Both Boxster models are powered by new, more potent six-cylinder 'boxer' engines with four-valve cylinder heads. That smooth scream you hear each time you prod the throttle is the spirited response of an engine designed to breathe deeply. Call it lung capacity—the Boxster engine is designed to push large volumes of air into and out of the engine quickly and efficiently, with each cycle producing an emphatic power stroke. A Porsche-optimized exhaust system also enhances the car's breathing and, ultimately, its performance.

The latest Motronic ME 7.8 engine management system uses a host of sophisticated technologies first proven on the Porsche 911 Turbo to optimize induction, valve timing, ignition and fuel injection. The result: a maximum of 295 hp on the Boxster S and 245 hp on the standard Boxster model.

The newly designed two-stage resonance intake manifold helps ensure high levels of torque, even at lower speeds. A partition wall running along the length of the twin-branch distribution pipe makes the 6-cylinder engine behave like two 3-cylinder engines running in parallel in the low-rev range for improved torque at lower speeds. The distribution pipe flap opens at higher engine speeds for improved breathing. As a result, maximum torque output is now 201 lb.-ft. on the Boxster and 251 lb.-ft. on the Boxster S, with generous amounts in reserve—and readily accessible— across a broad rpm range.

Both engine variants are built with lightweight aluminum alloys that strengthen key components while shaving performance-numbing weight. The crankshaft is forged, and runs in seven main bearings. On the Boxster, the bearing bridge is made entirely of aluminum. The higher engine temperatures on the Boxster S require another approach: an ingenious mix of aluminum and cast iron. An additional benefit? The reduction in engine noise.

That throttle you've been blipping? It's electronic—every prodding is digitally tied to an uprated Motronic ME 7.8 engine management system for a throttle response that is instantaneous.

Air Intake Systemp
Porsche engineers love a long, flat torque curve. To help them achieve that aim, both Boxster models feature a newly designed intake system. The twin plenum chambers are connected via parallel pipes, one of which houses a valve. The engine management system uses this valve to alter the internal geometry and match this frequency to the current valve speed for improved cylinder charging.

The results are higher torque at low rpm, a flatter torque curve and more power at high rpm. The system pleases Porsche engineers in another important way: It's lighter than earlier models. And the induction sound it creates is rich and full—the perfect counterpart to its exhaust note.

Tiptronic S
Over a decade ago, Porsche pioneered Tiptronic, and suddenly there was a versatile alternative to the either/or choice that sports car buyers faced in selecting a type of transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Tiptronic option combined the ease of an automatic with the engagement of manual gearshifts.

The latest version of this important innovation is called Tiptronic S, and it's optional on both Boxster models. The transmission has been updated for this year with new hydraulics and electronics. This enables the five-speed Tiptronic S transmission to have revised gearshift action: For manual control, simply slot the gear selector into the manual gate and use the gearshift controls on the steering wheel. The system responds immediately to your input with virtually no interruption in the drive. Gearshifts are performed in approximately 0.2 seconds—comparable with the action on a manual gearbox.

Shift to automatic, and you can still change gear by hand using the rocker controls on the wheel. This race-derived method is particularly useful when performing an overtaking maneuver. If there is no manual input for a period of eight seconds, the system reverts back to automatic mode. The drive position and gear selection are displayed on the instrument cluster, using the same pattern found on the gear-selector gate.

In automatic mode, Tiptronic S can choose from five gearshift patterns ranging from 'Economy' to 'Sport.' Depending on driving style and the topography of the road, Tiptronic S selects one of the five patterns and applies the optimum sequence of gearshift points. Within a short space of time, you'll develop a feel for the system and learn to influence gearshifts using the throttle alone.

The benefits of Tiptronic S are particularly apparent when exploring the car's performance. Even in automatic, the rapid gearshift action enables optimum speed and agility. Other useful functions include a warm-up program, automatic selection of the Sport gearshift pattern during highperformance use, gearshift suppression during cornering maneuvers, automatic downshifts during heavy braking, an incline sensor for better uphill acceleration and downhill engine braking, and automatic upshifts when traction is threatened during braking in wet conditions.

Five-Speed Manual
Is there anything that feels as right as executing a gear change in a Porsche Boxster? It's a feeling engineered in the Boxster to jumpstart your pulse rate each time your right hand makes its move. Rapid gearshifts on both models are achieved with a short-throw mechanism offering a 26% (five-speed) and 15% (six-speed) reduction in gear-lever travel from that of previous models.

The 2.7-liter Boxster is equipped with a lightweight five-speed manual gearbox that balances ratios to match the car's specific engine characteristics. As an alternative, the optional Sport package uses a high-performance, six-speed manual gearbox with the Porsche Active Suspension Management. The Boxster S comes standard with this revised six-speed unit.

Dry Sump Lubricator
Oil flow that's free of cavitation is critical to a high-performance engine. Cavitation occurs when the splash of oil against moving parts, such as crankshaft journals, creates a foaming effect. The Boxster engine uses a dedicated oil scavenge pump to extract oil from each bank of cylinders, then sends it to a defoaming chamber before sending it back to the oil sump.

From there, the oil is pumped to the lubrication points and begins the cycle once more. Originally developed for racing use, this proprietary Porsche technology ensures consistent lubrication, even under more extreme highspeed cornering.

Boxster models also feature an electronic oil-level indicator in the cockpit. The new display is now so precise that a conventional dipstick is no longer required.

Passive Safety
Beneath the Boxster's taut skin lie layers of race-inspired engineering, designed to absorb the energy of a collision and protect the occupants with computer-calculated precision.

The front of the car is bolstered by a labyrinth of transverse and longitudinal support beams. Three separate load-bearing levels help channel impact forces around the passenger cell. For added safety, the fuel tank and fuel lines are also positioned outside of the deformation area.

The vehicle's rigid shell structure is reinforced by stiff body panels forged from two-sided galvanized steel.

The doors, an area particularly exposed to impact forces, are reinforced with advanced alloys such as Boron steel—so strong, it can only be shaped when it is in a molten state.

In the unlikely event of a rollover, supplemental safety bars made of high-tensile stainless steel combine with robust steel tubes fitting into the windshield frame to offer a level of protection so effective, it even satisfies the more stringent requirements demanded of coupes.

For easy accessibility and greater comfort, the upper seat-belt anchor points are mounted on the supplemental safety bars. Both three-point belts have integrated force limiters and pretensioners.

Lighting System
The optional Bi-Xenon lighting system gives the Boxster vision at night that's as purposeful as the car itself. In low-beam mode, the system offers wider, brighter and more consistent illumination than that of conventional headlamps. Xenon's brilliant blue-white light is virtually identical to the wavelength of daylight, which offers a greater depth of color and helps reduce eye strain.

To emit a consistent beam of light and prevent the dazzling of oncoming traffic, the system is designed with integrated headlamp cleaning and dynamic headlamp leveling that automatically adjusts the beams to compensate for changes in vehicle attitude during acceleration or braking.

Braking System
The lively horsepower of both the Boxster and Boxster S engines is countered by braking power that is still more than equal to the task. In fact, braking power is several times greater than the power output of the engine.

Both Boxster models use fourpiston, monobloc, aluminum fixed calipers at the front and rear. Stronger, lighter and more compact, the four-piston aluminum monoblocs give the Boxster an easy and immediate pedal response, assisted by a new vacuum brake booster. The calipers on the Boxster have a black anodized finish, while those on the Boxster S are painted red.

Cross-drilled, internally vented brake discs on both Boxster models offer optimum cooling and excellent wet-weather performance. Air from the front of the car is channeled to every part of each brake assembly, helping lower brake temperatures even further for higher levels of fade-resistant performance and durability.

Anti-theft Protection
An intelligent alarm system that couples exterior monitoring with radar-based interior surveillance protects your Boxster against break-in or theft. The alarm is enabled whenever the doors are locked using the Boxster's key remote. The interior radar does not engage if the convertible top is lowered.

An electronic immobilizer is also used to protect the car from theft. Remove the key from the ignition, and the immobilizer automatically engages until you reinsert the key. Lose your key? It can be canceled like a credit card so that no one else can use it.

To ensure easy access to the cockpit in the event of an accident, all of the locks are automatically released if any of the airbags are deployed.

Airbags
Sophisticated airbag safety comes standard on both Boxster models. Two full-size Advanced Airbags in front offer optimum upper-body protection, even with the top down. A weight sensor in the passenger seat automatically switches this airbag off when the seat is unoccupied or fitted with a child seat.

Augmenting the full-size airbags is a Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP) system with dual side airbags. Designed for the unique requirements of open-air driving, they extend the normal shoulder protection to the head and chest areas. All six airbags are deployed using an organic-based propellant that makes them lighter, more compact and easier to recycle.

Convertible Top
The Boxster's convertible top is perfectly matched to the car's exterior design. Similar in shape to the optional aluminum hardtop, it requires a scant 12 seconds to open or close. Better yet, it can be operated on the move at speeds of approximately 30 mph.

The convertible top's heated glass window is extremely wear-resistant. It also offers consistent visibility in all weather conditions. The top itself is made from a tough, colorfast fabric, which is specially protected against ultraviolet light.

A zig-zag folding action protects the interior roof lining when the top is stowed away. The interior is lined with a stylish and practical sound-insulating fabric that reduces interior noise.

The entire Cabriolet top structure is extremely lightweight, enhancing the Boxster's agility. Four distinct colors are available to complement the exterior: Black, Stone Grey, Cocoa Brown and Metropol Blue.

An optional hardtop is styled to match the Boxster's elegant lines. The shell is made from a robust aluminum, resulting in a total weight of just 51 lbs. (23 kg).

Riveted construction ensures a greater dimensional stability than that of conventional welding techniques, while a heated rear glass window offers optimum visibility in all weather conditions.

Interior
In the Boxster, the interface between car and driver, so central to the satisfaction derived from driving a Porsche, has been further developed. As always, the instruments and controls are designed to facilitate fluent communication with the driver.

But it is the seat design, coupled with the steering wheel, where you will immediately sense the refinement of the newest generation of Boxster. The seats offer excellent lateral support as well as a wide range of adjustment options. Cockpit space has been significantly improved by extending the fore/aft travel. The raceinspired pedals are now closer to the front bulkhead, enabling easy access for taller drivers. To match this additional legroom, the steering wheel design features height and reach adjustment.

Seats
The standard seats in both Boxster models are upholstered in Leather. Special features include thorax airbags in each seat backrest, enhanced lateral support, and a spring system that is specially adapted to the revised Boxster chassis. High side bolsters provide optimum support without any sense of restriction. The backrest angle is electrically controlled, while the fore/aft position and seat height are manually adjustable.

An optional feature allows full electric adjustment of fore/aft position, height, backrest angle, squab angle and lumbar support. A memory function stores your seat and lumbar support settings, along with exterior mirror positions. Two sets of preferences can be stored and selected using buttons on the door. A further set of preferences can be stored in each of the two key remotes. When either of the remotes is used to open the doors, the corresponding settings are automatically selected.

The optional Leather Sports Seats are more firmly upholstered than the standard Boxster seats. Higher side bolsters on the backrest and squab provide additional lateral support. The fore/aft position and height are mechanically adjustable, while the backrest is electronically controlled for ease of use.

Another seating option offers a full range of power adjustment to the Sports Seats: fore/aft position, height, backrest angle, seat angle and lumbar support. The pneumatically adjustable side bolsters on the backrest and squab provide precision support during high-performance driving, as well as comfortable longdistance cruising. A memory function stores all seat settings (except for the side bolsters) as well as exterior mirror positions.

Bose System
Both the Boxster and the Boxster S can be equipped with the ultimate audio experience—an optional Bose® Surround Sound System developed jointly by Porsche and Bose engineers.

A system of 11 loudspeakers—including an active subwoofer with an additional 100 watts of power—provides a panoramic soundstage for both seat positions. Driver and passenger enjoy balanced stereo with lifelike sound reproduction.

With Bose Surround Sound, you'll hear music as you've never heard it before. Bass notes are deeper and more resonant. Midrange tones are full and rich. The highs are crisp and bright. It's truly as if you were sitting front and center at a live concert performance.

The Bose System's electronics include a seven-channel MOSTbased digital amplifier, featuring 5 x 25-watt linear amps and a single 100-watt switching unit. AudioPilot® noise compensation technology monitors road speed and ambient noise in the cockpit, making automatic adjustments on the fly to maintain a clearer and more consistent sound with no need for manual adjustment.

Active equalization matches all sound output to the unique acoustics of the Boxster interior. The realistic sound extends across the entire frequency spectrum and can be enjoyed equally by both driver and passenger. The Bose System's dynamic loudness technology actively compensates for the reduced sensitivity of the human ear at lower frequencies by enhancing low-volume sounds that go unnoticed with other systems.

At the front and rear of the Boxster interior, the Bose Surround Sound System uses independent channels to generate a push-button panorama of space and sound. The extraordinary sense of depth is created by patented Bose Signal Processing (BSP). Centerpoint® technology can even split stereo recordings into five separate channels.

Source - Porsche