Porsche 986 (Boxster)

The name "Boxster" comes from a combination of the words "boxer" and "roadster". The engine in the Boxster is a flat-six boxer engine.

The prototype of the Porsche 986 Boxster was first shown at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. It was an instant hit. People immediately started putting money down at their Porsche dealer. It was released in Europe in late 1996, and arrived in the U.S. at the L.A. Auto Show on January 4th, 1997.

Porsche's first all-new model in nineteen years, and it didn't disappoint. Indeed, along with the 993 launched a couple of years before, these two critically acclaimed models went about re-kindling the great German manufacturer. The Boxster was the foundation for an all-new 911(996) as well as the Cayenne and Carrera GT supercar.

Three main types have been manufactured since the first cars went into production in late 1996. Initially only available with a 2.5-litre, 204bhp engine until 1999, the 2000 model year Boxster's featured a larger 2.7-litre, 220bhp motor. At the same time, a hot 252bhp, 3.2-litre Boxster S was launched, both the 2.7 and S remaining fundamentally unchanged until the arrival of subtly re-worked versions with 228 and 260bhp for the 2004 model year.

The Boxster concept goes back to the early nineties when Porsche began developing a mid-engined, two-seat roadster to replace the ageing and increasingly unpopular front-engined 2+2's that had been in production in one form or another since 1975. The production Boxster got a brand new fully galvanised steel chassis with a mid-engined, rear wheel drive set up, independent MacPherson struts, coil sprung suspension and lightweight alloy lower control arms. Anti-roll bars were fitted front and rear along with ventilated disc brakes and ABS. Engine-wise, speculation abounded during the Boxster's two-and-a-half year development about exactly what type of motor Porsche would use. But what they eventually settled for was a horizontally opposed, all aluminium six cylinder water-cooled engine of 2.5-litres. There would also be twin overhead camshafts with chain-driven hydraulic lifters and four-valve cylinder heads using Porsche's advanced variable valve timing system known as Variocam.

Displacement was 2480cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 85.5mm x 72mm, the compression ratio of 11.0:1 and Bosch DME engine management with sequential fuel injection helping output up to a respectable 204bhp at 6000rpm. A five-speed manual gearbox was fitted as standard although an all-new Tiptronic S option allowed drivers the choice of either fully automatic gearchanges or shifting via rocker panels mounted on the steering wheel. Performance was pretty impressive rather than outrageous, zero to sixty taking 6.6 seconds whilst a top speed of 149mph was also possible.

Evoking memories of those little sports racing Porsche's from the fifties, the Boxster also pioneered many of the features today seen in one shape or another on the 996, Cayenne and Carrera GT. 21st century Porsche through and through were those glass-covered "fried-egg" headlights and dual radiator cooling nostrils located either side of a super clean front valance. Little adorned the sides, the most prominent feature having been those somewhat unimaginative engine cooling scoops carved out from just behind each door. The electrically-operated hood could be raised or lowered in just twelve seconds and, when down, was almost completely absent from view. The Boxster's tail was equally well detailed, distinctively styled light clusters being crafted into bulbous rear wings, another extremely well executed valance this time housing a centrally exiting exhaust outlet pipe. Indeed, the only slightly questionable feature, from an aesthetic point of view, was a speed sensitive spoiler that rose vertically at speeds above 75mph, lowering again below 50mph. For the cabin, Porsche discarded most of the over-stylised trim from 1993's concept and opted instead for a more functional and elegant cockpit than the impractical and flashy show car. Nevertheless, some retro styling was combined with modern ergonomics, the strictly two-seater cabin featuring a number of chromium tipped components, heavily stylised door trim and a curvaceous dash. Standard trim included electric windows, mirrors and seats, although leather seats were optional along with a leather-covered dash and instrument binnacle these items being finished in plastic as standard. But to add a little more luxury, Boxster owners could always specify any number of options to enhance their vehicle, air conditioning with full climate control, fully electrically adjustable seats and a hard top with heated rear window all being desirable additions. Outside, metallic paint to almost any shade could be ordered along with seventeen and eighteen-inch Turbo Design wheels, the Sport suspension upgrade seeing ride height drop 10mm and firmer springs, shocks and stabilisers fitted.

The Boxster was always going to be a huge commercial success for Porsche thanks to its good looks, competitive price and spirited performance. It was universally praised by road testers around the globe whose only legitimate suggestions were for more power, so good was the chassis. Left-hand drive EU cars were ready for delivery not long after the LA show whilst right-hand drive and North American-bound examples began production early in 1997. Construction of these 2.5-litre versions continued until August 1999 when it was superseded after three years in production by a larger displacement 2.7-litre model that initially came with 220bhp.

The Boxster and the 996 have different bore and stroke because a different crank is used. The engine casing of the 996 in the area of the crank has been beefed up considerably to accommodate significantly increased torque and horsepower. Also, they use a totally different intake and exhaust systems. Although based on the same basic engine design, the 986 and 996 engines are significantly different from each other. The 986 transmissions would not hold up to the power and torque generated by the 996 engine, nor would the 986's rear suspension pieces. You cannot bore the 986 engine block. The LOKASIL liner prevents it.

986 Porsche particulars

Production:

1997-99 Boxster 2.5 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated, Water Cooled Flat 6 Displacement: 2480 cc 151 cu. in. Redline: 6700 rpm Compression Ratio: 11 : 1 Valve Configuration: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC.
Bore: 85.5 mm Stroke: 72.0 mm.

2000-02 Boxster 2.7 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated, Water Cooled, Flat 6 Cylinder Displacement: 2687 cc 164 cu. in. Power: 220 hp @ 6400 rpm 164 kW @ 6400 rpm Torque: 192 lb. ft. @ 4750 rpm 261 Nm @ 4750 rpm Redline: 7200 rpm Horsepower per Liter: 81.9 hp/L Compression Ratio: 11.0 : 1 Valve Configuration: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC.
Bore: 85.5 mm Stroke: 78.0 mm

2000-02 Boxster S 3.2 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated, Water Cooled, Flat 6 Cylinder Displacement: 3179 cc 194 cu. in. Power: 252 hp @ 6250 rpm 188 kW @ 6250 rpm Torque: 225 lb. ft. @ 4500 rpm 305 Nm @ 4500 rpm Redline: 7200 rpm Horsepower per Liter: 79.3 hp/L Compression Ratio: 11.0 : 1 Valve Configuration: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC.
Bore: 93.0 mm Stroke: 78.0 mm.

2003-04 Boxster S 3.2 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated, Water Cooled, Flat 6 Cylinder Displacement: 3179 cc 194 cu. in. Power: 260 hp 194 kW Torque: 228 lb. ft. 309 kW Horsepower per Liter: 81.8 hp/L Valve Configuration: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC

2005 the 987 Boxster is launched based on the new 997 (2005) 911.ot