- Free-revving six-cylinder engines
- Balanced, agile chassis
- Outstanding ride/handling balance
- Precise, well-weighted steering has excellent feel
- Original 2.5-litre engine not that quick
- Intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing susceptible to failure
- High servicing and repair costs
Review: Porsche 986.I Boxster (1997-99)
Overview
Released in January 1997, the Porsche 986 Series I (986.I) Boxster was a two-door, soft-top convertible. Manufactured in Stuttgart, Germany, the rear-wheel drive Boxster was initially powered by a 2.5-litre, mid-mounted flat six-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed automatic (‘Tiptronic’) or five-speed manual transmission.
Engine
The 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed (or flat) six-cylinder engine featured a two-piece (vertically split) aluminium block, integrated dry-sump lubrication, water cooling, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, Porsche’s VarioCam variable intake valve timing system and operated at a compression ratio of 11.0:1.
Dimensions and body
The 986 Boxster was 4315 mm long, 1780 mm wide, 1290 mm tall and had a 2415 mm long wheelbase; models with manual transmissions had a kerb mass of 1250 kg. Furthermore, the Boxster’s power-operated soft-top roof could also open or close in 12 seconds.
Suspension
The Boxster had MacPherson strut front suspension with aluminium lower control arms, coil springs and a tubular stabiliser bar. Furthermore, the Boxster had MacPherson strut rear suspension that was mounted to an aluminium subframe which carried the aluminium transverse, diagonal and toe-control arms. The rear suspension also utilised a ‘Weissach axle’ toe-control concept whereby the toe control arms would effect slight toe-in on the outside wheel when cornering. Both the front and rear suspension had twin-tube gas absorbers.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 2.5-litre M96.20 petrol F6 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
150 kW at 6400 rpm | 260 Nm at 4750 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Porsche 986.I Boxster included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the Porsche 986.I Boxster included 16-inch alloy wheels, a two speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather trim, a power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power windows and mirrors, a wind deflector, an alarm and immobiliser.
Review: Porsche 986.II Boxster (1999-02)
Overview
Released in October 1999, the 986 Series II (986.II) Boxster introduced an expanded range, new engines and improved safety equipment. The 986.II Boxster range consisted of an unnamed, entry-level variant powered by a 2.7-litre flat six cylinder engine or the ‘S’ variant which had a 3.2-litre flat six cylinder engine. Inside, the 986.II Boxster was fitted with a new lining for the soft-top roof in order to reduce wind noise.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 2.7-litre M96.22 petrol F6 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
162 kW at 6400 rpm | 260 Nm at 4750 rpm |
| Boxster S | 3.2-litre M96.21 petrol F6 | 6sp man., 5sp auto |
185 kW at 6250 rpm | 305 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its 986.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the 986.II Boxster was improved, with front side airbags fitted as standard.
Features
Standard features were also extended to include remote central locking, while the Boxster S was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights.
From August 2001, cruise control was fitted as standard across the range.
Review: Porsche 986.III Boxster (2002-04)
Overview
Released in August 2002, the 986 Series III (986.III) Boxster introduced more powerful engines and a subtle facelift. Visually, the 986.III Boxster could be identified by its new bumpers, body-coloured side air intakes, clear indicator lenses (previously orange) and electrically-heated glass rear window (previously plastic). The introduction of variable valve timing also increased power and fuel efficiency relative to the 986.II Boxster.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 2.7-litre M96.23 petrol F6 | 5sp man. | 168 kW at 6300 rpm | 265 Nm at 4750 rpm |
| 5sp auto | 165 kW at 6300 rpm | 265 Nm at 4750 rpm | ||
| Boxster S | 3.2-litre M96.24 petrol F6 | 6sp man., 5sp auto |
191 kW at 6200 rpm | 310 Nm at 4600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its 986.II predecessor, safety equipment for the 986.III Boxster was extended to include front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features
Standard features for the 2.7-litre Boxster were extended to include front fog lights and heated mirrors. The Boxster S was further equipped with a motion-sensing alarm and could be identified by its painted brake calipers and twin exhaust outlets.
2004 Boxster Spyder 50th Anniversary
In March 2004, a Spyder 50th Anniversary model was released. Compared to the standard Boxster S, the Spyder 50th Anniversary edition was distinguished by its 5 kW peak power increase (196 kW at 6200 rpm), electronic stability control, traction control, 18-inch alloy wheels and lower and firmer suspension settings; manual models were also fitted with a short-shift gear lever.
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