Photos Courtesy Porsche

Porsche 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.

Styling

In addition to the power increase, a revised chassis offers greater driving pleasure and at the same time enhanced active and passive safety. Larger wheels and a wider track clearly emphasize the further development of the body shape and symbolize the increase in performance of the two models. The new nose clearly shows the relationship with the 911 series but still features the characteristic Boxster appearance. The new lighting concept with the separation of main headlamps and front lamps with integrated fog lamps exemplifies this. The front facis follows suit with the 997, and the interior follows the Cayenne with the revised interior appointments.

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.

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.

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.

Boxster Coupe

The 2005 Boxster will also have a companion Coupe. Rumoured to be unveiled in late 2005, it will be the entry level Porsche. Stay tuned.