Boxster / Boxster S (Type 986)

Inspired by models of yesteryear

In the 1980s, Porsche began developing an entry-level model to succeed the 944. In 1984, they prototyped the 984, a small, mid-engine, two-seater open-top car that used components from the 944. However, the serious financial crisis at Porsche caused by Black Monday in 1987 meant that the plan was scrapped.

Six years later, in 1993, Wendelin Wiedeking became CEO and, as part of his efforts to turn the company around, launched plans for a “Baby Porsche” to once again support the 911.

One of the key people in this effort was Harm Lagaar, who returned to Porsche as chief designer in 1989. Lagaar was trying to establish a new design identity, with the theme that “no matter what concept, all models must have a design that is recognizable as a Porsche.” Following Wiedeking’s instructions to create a “small open sports car like the Mazda MX-5 (Eunos Roadster),” Lagaar designed the Boxster Concept, a small two-seater mid-engine open car inspired by the classic 356-001 and 550 Spyder. It was unveiled at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show.

Shares parts with the next-generation 911

The Boxster Concept, which garnered a great response at the show, was immediately decided upon for mass production, but Wiedeking instructed that, from the perspective of production efficiency, many parts be shared with the next-generation 911, which was still under development. Furthermore, to comply with safety standards in each country and provide optimal interior space and luggage space, the body dimensions were to be made larger than the prototype, at 4,315 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, 1,290 mm in height, and 2,415 mm in wheelbase.

Grant Larson, who was in charge of design and styling under Lagai, managed to create a style that followed the concept image despite facing a number of unfavorable conditions, including a longer front overhang.

The Boxster, released in 1996, was based on the 996 model and featured a newly designed water-cooled flat-six DOHC unit mounted in the center of a highly torsionally rigid chassis. The front and rear strut suspension was designed for space efficiency, and the extensive use of aluminum alloy reduced weight. In addition, by optimizing the airflow in each section, the car achieved the same Cd value of 0.31 as the 996, reducing lift. Thanks to these various efforts, the Boxster combined the quick handling typical of a mid-engine car with good road holding.

Established its position as a younger brother supporting the 911

When it first debuted, it was only available with a 2.5-liter engine producing 204 PS, but its strategic pricing in Germany, roughly half the price of the 993 911 Cabriolet, made it such a huge hit that it turned Porsche’s financial situation around for the better. Especially after the 996 911 debuted in 1997, Porsche’s headquarters factory in Zuffenhausen was unable to keep up with production, and the company had to outsource production to Valmet Automotive in Finland.

Then, in 2000, the first facelift took place. In addition to the Boxster, which was upgraded to a 220 PS 2.7-liter unit with increased torque thanks to the adoption of a resonance intake system, a new high-performance version, the Boxster S, was also available, equipped with a 252 PS 3.2-liter unit, a newly designed 6-speed manual transmission, and the same large-diameter drilled disc brakes as the 911.

Furthermore, the 2003 model saw changes to the shape of the front and rear skirts, the addition of a glove box, and the adoption of the “VarioCam” variable intake valve timing system for the flat-six engine. By changing the management system to the Bosch Motronic ME7.8, both the 2.7-liter and 3.2-liter models saw an 8PS increase in power and a 2% improvement in fuel economy.

The first-generation Boxster was produced until 2005 and sold a total of 160,000 units. Along with the 996, it was a key player in Porsche’s V-shaped recovery, and established itself as a supporting younger brother to the 911, which had been a thorn in Porsche’s side for many years.

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