The Porsche Boxster 2.5, 2.7 and 3.2 S history and model changes explained.

The key model changes. The Porsche Boxster can trace its roots from the Porsche 356 number 1 and the 550 Spyder, both key influences in its concept and design.

Retaining all the key elements of the original idea – mid-engine design, low centre of gravity and lightweight construction – the Boxster was first seen by the world as a concept car at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show.

Visually, the concept had very strong links to the iconic 550 Spyder (pictured)and, against no small competition, was the hit of the show. Shortly afterwards the Boxster went into development and, only three years later, the Boxster for the road was unveiled, clearly distinguishable from the established 911 but distinctively Porsche.

The first series of Porsche Boxster are known as the 986 series produced between modely years 1997 to 2004 inclusive.

1997 to 1999 Porsche Boxster 986 2.5.

The first Boxster (Type 986) was introduced with a 2.5 litre engine/ 204 bhp/ 0-62 mph in 6.9 secs/ 149 mph top speed/ 5-speed manual or tiptronic S.

The technical specification of the 2.5 never changed a great deal, the options and colour combinations ensured that few examples are ever the same.
A basic version would have Alcantara to the centers of the seats, 16” wheels and no air conditioning. Most owners chose some options, these included; leather seats, sports or series seats, heated seats, leather dash and doors, climate control, cruise control, on board computer, upgrade sound pack, wind stop, xenon lights, hard top, larger wheels, psm stability management, and a host of trim options.

Pictured left; Porsche Boxster 2.5, interior in Boxster red, optional sports seats & center console.

Furthermore, like all Porsche an owner could choose from a variety of ‘Exclusive Options’, such as walnut trim, carbon fibre trim, coloured instruments and much more. If the owner was prepared to pay, he could also order special colours (paint to sample) and special interior colours(leather to sample) in fact via the Exclusive studio Porsche would be able to build a car to most tastes and requirements however strange they may be!

1999 - 2002 Porsche Boxster 2.7 986

For 1999 the Boxster was upgraded with a 2.7 litre engine with 220 bhp. Visually unchanged this gave the car more performance; 0-62 mph in 6.6secs/ 155 mph top speed/ 5-speed manual/ or tiptronic S.

Pictured right;Porsche Boxster 2.7 from 1999 with 17” in Ocean Blue and below in artic silver.

1999 - 2002 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S Type 986.
The S was introduced for the 2000 model year and featured a 3.2 litre engine/252 bhp/0-62 mph in 5.9 secs/162 mph top speed and a new 6 speed manual gearbox or tiptronic S.
The Boxster S brought a much higher performance, along with the performance upgrades, a better hood, for most markets standard climate control, red painted brake calipers, twin exhaust pipe and standard 17” wheels.

Pictured below; Porsche Boxster 3.2S from 2001 in basalt black. Note the clear lens and red calipers.

2003 2004 Porsche Boxster 2.7. (facelift) type 986.

Known as a ‘facelift’ Boxster, the Boxster 2.7 was re launched and featured a revised engine now delivering 228hp, revised aerodynamics with subtle changes to the front and rear bumpers, the side vents and the rear spoiler. Also, a new roof with a heated glass rear screen.

Pictured below left; Black Boxster 2.7 from 2003 and right the 'facelift glass rear screen on a cocoa brown hood.

2003 - 2004 Porsche Boxster 3.2S. The 3.2S received similar upgrades to the 2.7, now with a 260 bhp motor 0-62 mph in 5.7 secs/ 164 mph top speed. Pictured below a 2003 Porsche Boxster 3.2S in artic silver with the satndard 17" alloys.

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