2002 Porsche Boxster

The first-generation Porsche Boxster (the Type 986) was introduced in late 1996. The two-seater roadster had a mid-engine design and was built across four generations. Its design was heavily influenced by the 1993 Boxster Concept, and this was Porsche's first road car to be originally designed as a roadster since the 550 Spyder in the fifties. Grant Larson designed the Boxster sourcing inspiration from the 356 Cabriolet, Speedster, and 550 Spyder. A consultation with Toyota led to Porsche sharing parts among models, resulting in lower costs and ultimately helping Porsche regain its financial footing.

The Boxster name was derived from the word boxer, referring to the vehicle's flat or 'boxer' engine configuration, and the word 'roadster', referring to the vehicle's two-seat capacity and convertible top. Power was initially sourced from a 2.5-liter version of the flat-six with just over 200 horsepower. This would later be increased to 2.7-liters and 228 horsepower by the close of the 986's run. The 'S' version made its debut in 2000 and had a 3.2-liter six, initially rated at 249 horsepower and ultimately offering 260 horsepower before the arrival of the 987 Boxster in 2005. By 2002 the S model produced 250 horsepower.

All Porsche 986 and 987 Boxsters were powered by a water-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. This was the company's first water-cooled non-front engine. The 911 had used a rear-engine while the Boxster had a mid-engine layout. It allowed for a low center of gravity, excellent handling, and near-perfect weight distribution. When it was first introduced, the engine suffered from a number of shortcomings, often having cracked or slipped cylinder liners. This was quickly resolved with a minor redesign and better control of the casting process in late 1999. Another issue was with the cooling and oil systems, which sometimes mixed fluids.

The Boxster was given a minor facelift in 2002. This included a glove box added to the interior, an updated steering wheel, and a new electro-mechanical hood and trunk release mechanism (with an electronic emergency release in the fuse box panel). A smaller glass window replaced the previous plastic rear window. In the front, the headlight's amber indicators were replaced with clear indicators. The rear light cluster received translucent grey turn signals in place of the amber ones. The side marker lights on the front wings were replaced from amber to clear, except on American market cars where they remained amber. New wheel designs became available and the bumpers changed slightly. A reworked exhaust pipe and air intake were installed.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019