Porsche boosts the Boxster

More power, speed and performance - but not too much

By PH Staff / Thursday, 19 October 2006 / Loading comments

Porsche Boxster S

Porsche has boosted the Boxster with more power from a bigger engine -- but it's not 911-threatening.

In the new model year starting 1 August, the Boxster and Boxster S will be given more power and torque, and the optional Tiptronic S transmission and the Sport Chrono Package get additional functions.

The 2.7 litre Boxster engine now develops an additional 5bhp, bringing the total to 245bhp. Torque has increased to 201lb-ft, available from 4,600 rpm. Average fuel consumption is 30.4mpg, an improvement of 1mpg. The Boxster hits 62mph in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 160mph; with the optional six-speed gearbox, 161mph can be achieved.

The Boxster S engine, which goes up in size from 3.2 to 3.4 litres, develops 295bhp at 6,250 rpm – 15 bhp more than its predecessor – and 251lb-ft of torque. The Boxster S sprints from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds – a tenth of a second quicker than the previous model. The top speed of this model has risen by 2 mph to 169mph. Its average fuel consumption is 26.6mpg.

Valve control

Both flat-six engines are now equipped with VarioCam Plus valve control, with variable valve timing (VarioCam) and changeover valve lift (Plus). Inlet camshaft timing is adjusted by a vane-type actuator with a range of 40 degrees. The valve lift changeover mechanism uses two-position bucket-type tappets on the inlet side, actuated by an electro-hydraulic valve. The bucket-type tappets consist of one tappet inside another; the two tappets can be locked together hydraulically by a pin.

This provides engines with strong pulling power, high peak output and low fuel consumption, according to Stuttgart.

The Boxster and Boxster S can be supplied with the revised Tiptronic S transmission, which has new hydraulics and electronics as well as variable shift programs. When combined with the Sport Chrono Package, up- and downshifts are made only at engine speeds above 3000rpm; downshifts for engine braking are subject to less delay and take place at higher engine speeds. In the manual-shift mode, up-shifts are not made automatically when the engine reaches its maximum rev limit.

On both Boxster models, access for servicing has been improved: the coolant and engine oil filler caps in the rear luggage area are now behind an easily accessible flap, so that better use can be made of the boot space. The Boxster and Boxster S will also be available with the 19-inch ‘Turbo’ forged alloy two-tone wheels that were developed exclusively for the new 911 Turbo. For Boxster models, they are offered as an option in sizes 8 J x 19 (front) and 9 ½ J x 19 (rear).

Both models can be fitted with the new Porsche Vehicle Tracking System as an option. A vehicle security system approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, Porsche VTS is the only system tested and approved by Porsche engineers at its Weissach research and development centre.