Porsche's popular mid-engine entry-level roadster is extensively reworked for 2005 with many changes that promise to make this second-generation model as memorable as the original when it was launched in 1996.
Codenamed 987, the 2005 Boxster will be built in both roadster and coupe guises in a move to boost Porsche sales beyond the record levels of the 2002 model. The roadster appears first, at the Detroit auto show next January; the coupe’s premiere comes at Frankfurt in September 2005.
Mirroring changes to the next 911 due in September, the Boxster’s exterior is subtly redesigned with oval headlights, separate turn indicators and new angular taillights. Bodywork is more muscular and 911 Turbo-style ducts are adopted up front to feed the front-mounted radiator. The engine is cooled by enlarged air ducts extending farther down the side of the body than on today’s model and dissected by four louvers to channel the air backward in a more efficient manner.
Other exterior changes include the door-handle pulls (vs. the current flap style) and a slightly wider rear spoiler to increase downforce at speeds above 75 mph.
Power for the revamped Boxster comes from two lightly reworked horizontally opposed engines—the existing 2.7-liter and 3.2-liter units each gaining around 10 hp and a considerable boost in low-end torque. An optional six-speed Tiptronic with steering wheel-mounted shift buttons will join a carryover six-speed manual. The double-clutch unit coming on the new 911 should be offered later on the Boxster, according to Porsche insiders.
The new Boxster rides on similar underpinnings to today’s eight-year-old model, but its MacPherson strut suspension hardware uses lighter components and a wider track for greater responsiveness and grip. The car also gets lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels—as seen on this prototype—to reduce unsprung weight.
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It would appear that the headlights have some kind of stickers around them to make them look like the current multi-element ones, similar to what had been showing up on 997 911 prototypes. Personally I kind of wish the Boxster would get to keep its headlights instead of going to round ones like the 997. They were first introduced on the Boxster and while people may want the 911 to look more traditional, the Boxster is a more progressive-looking model and I think the headlights were one of its hallmarks.
The performance increases and restyling are definitely nice evolutions but I still feel similar to what I was saying a few months ago about there not being enough to differentiate these new models in the pipeline from the current ones. Porsche has never been a company to do much other than evolve, but the only thing that is going to bring large numbers of people into showrooms is a significant change in product. As the article mentioned, 2002 was the best year for the Boxster and that wasn't even tied into product, as a slightly upgraded version came out for 2003 which sold less.
Oh, and I really like the idea of a Boxster coupe.