Porsche Boxster. Sporting spirit of the legend
The Porsche Boxster is a roadster with a longitudinally mounted boxer engine, which has been produced by Porsche (Germany) since 1996.
In 2008, the Boxster was named the most reliable car among 4-5 years old and 8-9 years old passenger cars (according to Auto Bild). The video game Porsche Challenge is dedicated to the Boxster. The name ‘Boxster’ comes from two English words: boxer (boxer engine) and roadster (a type of 2-door 2-seater body).
For 25 years, the car has been produced in a single body version: a soft-top roadster. A rigid removable top was offered only as an option. The design of the car was inspired by the successful 550 Spyder racing car from the 1950s, which featured an open top, which ensured lower weight. The modern 2020/2021 Boxster has the 718 index in its name to honor of famous Porsche 718 race car, produced from 1957 to 1962.
The first generation
It was produced from 1996 to 2004. The first Boxster was the successor to the Porsche 944. And about 30% of its parts were borrowed from the 911. It was equipped with a 2.5 liter 6-cylinder boxer engine generating 204 hp. In 2000, the manufacturer introduced the Boxster S with a 3.2-liter engine producing 252 hp. Its modification with a removable hardtop was named the Speedster.
The second generation
It was produced from 2004 to 2012, and was restyled twice, in 2007 and 2009. The second Boxster had new more powerful engines, upgraded chassis, new body and interior design. The wider body featured larger wheel arches and air intakes, as well as the headlights and bumpers of a slightly changed shape. In addition, the new car turned out to be one of the safest in its class. Production models were equipped with side airbags to protect the head. Soon a new model appeared, the Porsche Cayman, which in many respects structurally repeated the Boxster, but had a coupe body and was positioned as a separate model. In 2007, the models started being equipped with an advance Tiptronic transmission. In 2009, another restyling brought several new engines and a dual-clutch gearbox.
The third generation
It was produced from 2012 to 2016. The third Boxster had a new exterior, while its design, engine and gearbox were borrowed from the 911. The exterior of the car was more aggressive, while the body became significantly more rigid. According to the manufacturer, the new Porsche Boxster became more fuel-efficient, consuming 15% less fuel compared to the previous one. The basic model was equipped with a 2.7 liter engine generating 265 hp with a manual transmission, while the S model had a 3.5-liter engine.
The fourth generation
It has been produced from 2016 to the present (as of 2021). The fourth Boxster was named the Boxster 718 in honor of the famous Porsche 718 race car, produced from 1957 to 1962, and, like the new model, had a 4-cylinder engine. In addition to an improved steering response, the new Boxster also provides better traveling comfort.
The engine is located within the base: only the transmission is extended into the rear overhang. Previously, the power train had three struts, but now it has four. The Sport Chrono package includes active engine mounts. The springs are 10% stiffer, and the rear anti-roll bar is 20% stiffer. The diameter of the shock absorbers is increased, and the base passive struts comprise springs that reduce the trim during acceleration. The cars with electronically controlled PASM shock absorbers are equipped with 10 mm lowering springs. The third suspension option, the PASM Sport, is designed for those who love track days. The ground clearance is even less, and the adjustments are more stable.
There are 2, 2.5 and 4 liter engines, as well as a 6-speed manual transmission and 7-speed semi-automatic transmission. The car is rear-wheel drive. The 2.5 DSG modification with a 2.5-liter turbo petrol engine producing 365 hp accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The standard 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster is powered by a 2.0-liter engine. The torque has increased by more than a third, to 380 Nm. And now the engine can generate 300 hp. If you turn on the Sport+ mode and press both pedals at the start, the revs rise to a fantastic value of 6,200 rpm.
