Porsche(R) Reveals Details About the New Boxster

[Butta]

First Major Makeover in Model's Eight-Year History

ATLANTA, Sept. 7 -- Porsche today disclosed the first information available on its 2005 entry level sports car, the Boxster, and its higher performing stable mate, the Boxster S. For 2005, both models feature significant styling changes, more powerful engines, numerous handling enhancements, and greater active and passive safety. All are designed to offer even more driving pleasure from the mid-engine roadsters - the acknowledged leaders in their sports car segment. This all comes at value-driven prices that will make the new Boxster models even more competitive in their class.


Bolder Styling

These next generation Boxsters are more mature sports cars. This is characterized by bolder yet more refined exterior styling that is highlighted by larger front and side air intakes, new head and front lamp treatments, more aggressive doorsills, and larger side widows.

More Power

While the size of the Boxster's 2.7-liter and the Boxster S's 3.2-liter flat-six cylinder engines remain unchanged, both have significant horsepower increases. The Boxster jumps from 225 to 240 horsepower (SAE), while the Boxster S leaps from 258 to 280 horsepower (SAE) and is the most powerful engine yet offered in the Boxster model line. The result is a faster top track speed of 159 mph (256 km/h) for the Boxster and 166 mph (268 km/h) for the Boxster S. The Boxster accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.9 seconds while the Boxster S achieves it in 5.2 seconds.

These engines are mated to a revised five-speed manual transmission in the Boxster and a new six-speed manual gearbox in the Boxster S. Both models can still be equipped with the optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission system.

Better Handling

Benchmark superior handling on both previous Boxster models has been further enhanced with the addition of variable ratio power steering, improved chassis and body stiffness, wider wheel alignment, and larger wheels and tires. The Boxster and Boxster S now have standard 17-inch and 18-inch wheels and tires, respectively, but both can be fitted with optional 19-inch wheels and tires.

Enhanced Safety

The Boxster and Boxster S are the first roadsters in the world to help protect occupants against lateral impact through the use of dedicated head airbags. In combination with thorax airbags, which are concealed on the outer

side of the seatbacks, the head airbags deploy from the side window rails in the doors, helping to provide a high level of head protection.

Active safety on the two Boxster models is increased by optimizing the braking system and by adding the Porsche Stability Management system (PSM) as standard equipment. PSM can stabilize the car in severe understeer and oversteer conditions by braking the appropriate wheel or wheels, and, if necessary, intervening through engine management.

Greater Value

The 2005 Boxster and Boxster S will be introduced to the United States on January 15, 2005 at a price of $43,800 US for the Boxster and $53,100 US for the Boxster S. With such features as PSM and larger wheels and tires now standard on both models, these prices are significantly less than those of their comparably equipped predecessors.

Full Article Here

[Trendkiller]

Meh, Boxster's are for girls.

[mbukukanyau]

Originally posted by Butta@Sep 7 2004, 06:01 PM

Full Article Here

Comparing prices, Corvette gives you 911 performances for Boxter price. The Z06 humbles a Lamborghini Murcielago In some aspects yet its still costs Less than a Boxter. I would not buy a Boxter for that much money. There is so much to choose from, even a Lexus SC is within reach @ $53 K.
There is no rationale to spending money on a boxter.

[heat_fan1]

I like it, a lot. It's a nice evolution over the current model. The interior is worlds ahead of the current model, however. Overall, a very nice car. It'll be interesting to see how this car, in either model, compares with the new, and heavily enhance, SLK350 and SLK55. The SLK350 will start about $3000 more than the Boxster plus options. The SLK55 price has yet to be announced, but since the SLK32 was about $55,000, I wouldn't expect must more, putting it probably about $3000 ahead of the Boxster S. However, with 362 hp, the SLK55 will outrun the Boxster S by a long shot. The big question will be how much the SLK's handling was enhanced.

Almost seems like the Z4 3.0 is being left behind, even though it costs about $3000 less than the Boxster. Of course it will likely get a hp upgrade when the new 3.0-liter is put in with it's mid-life facelift. The compact luxury-roadster category is hot!!

[Darc Requiem]

Mbukukanyau, I couldn't have stated it better myself. The Boxster is a complete waste of cash IMO. I know others will disagree but.....thats just how I feel. Too much money for too little performance.

Darc Requiem

[Buick61]

Boxters never appealed to me. I don't know why you just wouldn't get a Corvette unless you needed that Porsche crest all up on the car to feel important.

And is the S model really worth that much of a premium over the base one? Porsche is the most profitable car company for a reason. Loyalists and Social climbers will pay nearly anything Porsche asks.

And the interiors in them are very dark and very '90s. Looks like they gave it a much needed update.

[T-Keith]

Looks like a minor front end refresh to me.

[heat_fan1]

Originally posted by mbukukanyau@Sep 7 2004, 06:47 PM
Comparing prices, Corvette gives you 911 performances for Boxter price. The Z06 humbles a Lamborghini Murcielago In some aspects yet its still costs Less than a Boxter. I would not buy a Boxter for that much money. There is so much to choose from, even a Lexus SC is within reach @ $53 K.
There is no rationale to spending money on a boxter.

Yeah, the Vette is right there and definitely outperforms it, and every other compact roadster. But the Vette still doesn't quite offer the luxury of the German roadsters.

Oh, the Lexus starts at $62,000. And anyone cross-shopping a Boxster and a SC430 does not deserve a Boxster. The Lexus doesn't have an ounce of sport in it.

[paul8488]

Originally posted by mbukukanyau@Sep 7 2004, 06:47 PM
There is no rationale to spending money on a boxter.

ah, but when did buying a sports car become a rational decision?!? you're right... for your buck, vette gives you the most bang. but at a certain point there's more to it than horsepower. i don't really care much about porsches, but can recognize the attraction. same reason ford sold a few thunderbirds a few years ago. wasn't a spectacular car... but there was an emotional attachement for some (even if it was just to the name). porsche doen't have value going for it, but has many other important attributes.

that said you could tell me that's a pic of the current boxter and i couldn't argue. vette changes from generation to generation may not be HUGE, but i think most people would be able to recognize a difference. the boxter? not so much.

[atomicshark]

I think the new boxter actually looks really nice. If I had the cash right now, I would most likely still buy a Vette and save a few bucks.

[crazywop112]

I see Boxer's getting horrible quarter mile times at the track. V6 camaros are faster. I have no respect for a $45,000 dollar car that is slow.

[mbukukanyau]

Originally posted by heat_fan1@Sep 7 2004, 06:53 PM
I like it, a lot. It's a nice evolution over the current model. The interior is worlds ahead of the current model, however. Overall, a very nice car. It'll be interesting to see how this car, in either model, compares with the new, and heavily enhance, SLK350 and SLK55. The SLK350 will start about $3000 more than the Boxster plus options. The SLK55 price has yet to be announced, but since the SLK32 was about $55,000, I wouldn't expect must more, putting it probably about $3000 ahead of the Boxster S. However, with 362 hp, the SLK55 will outrun the Boxster S by a long shot. The big question will be how much the SLK's handling was enhanced.

Almost seems like the Z4 3.0 is being left behind, even though it costs about $3000 less than the Boxster. Of course it will likely get a hp upgrade when the new 3.0-liter is put in with it's mid-life facelift. The compact luxury-roadster category is hot!!

How about a solstice. If GM gives it the 2.2 Ecotec Turbo likes Saab…., it should run after the Germans at a discount. Hopefully UAW does not drop the ball and slap em sheet metals haphazardly.
Perhaps Saab should use a Kappa to build its own Turbo Version of the Solstice! Great Idea I think just occurred to me.





Pontiac needs a Non AC Delco Navigation. Probable Panasonic or Bose who supply Cadillac might be of help.

Again with a car like Solstice coming, why would I waste $$$ on a Boxter?

[jaorobot]

I am a big fan of the boxter, but its a different kind of car than the vette to me..

i wouldnt want it to tear up the track, even though its got good speed, its just a fun, driving around with the top down car.. very classy looking and very fun looking..

[mbukukanyau]

Originally posted by heat_fan1+Sep 7 2004, 06:59 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (heat_fan1 @ Sep 7 2004, 06:59 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-mbukukanyau@Sep 7 2004, 06:47 PM
Comparing prices, Corvette gives you 911 performances for Boxter price.* The Z06 humbles a Lamborghini Murcielago In some aspects* yet its still costs Less than a Boxter. I would not buy* a Boxter for that much money. There is so much to choose from, even a Lexus SC is within reach @ $53 K.
There is no rationale to spending money on a boxter.

Yeah, the Vette is right there and definitely outperforms it, and every other compact roadster. But the Vette still doesn't quite offer the luxury of the German roadsters.

Oh, the Lexus starts at $62,000. And anyone cross-shopping a Boxster and a SC430 does not deserve a Boxster. The Lexus doesn't have an ounce of sport in it. [/b][/quote]
Tell you what; the overriding factor with these roadsters is not ‘performance’ but prestige. The Performance in them (SC and Boxter) is meant to strike terror at the hearts of accord and Camry Mazda 6 ‘sports sedan’ and Souped up Civics DRIVERS on the evening commute.

As for corvette, there are no debates, you drive slowly, and everyone gets the point. You are not kidding anyone here about performance; you are a fire breathing Dragon, ready to kill things only found in Zip codes starting with 900…..
For Less! That is as American as you can Get......

the Vette is a good deal, almost with Money back guarantee

[paul8488]

a little off topic...

but DAMN that two-tone solstice interior looks incredible! great pics mbukukanyau! simple is good in this case... i bet it was tempting for GM to go over-the-top, but i'm glad they had some restraint. damn that car can't get here fast enough!