As we are used by now, Porsche’s model follow a certain order, being restyled and updated every few years. And of course the Boxster is no exception. In 2008 Porsche will unveil a new Boxster with subtle styling changes and incremental boosts in power. It will come to compete with models like BMW Z4 and Audi TT.

2008 Porsche Boxster

Specifications
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  • Model: 2008 Porsche Boxster
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The second generation Porsche was launched in 2004 and become available for model year 2005. The very face of the car with its new headlight design, the silhouette of the Boxster with its new, even more muscular line contours, the larger wheels, as well as the rear end with its new, even more striking joints and seams all look familiar and well-acquainted, but are nevertheless even clearer, firmer and more functional in style than before.

Comparing to 2005 Boxster, the new model will feature an updated front fascia and LED headlamps and also redesigned, and much rounder, air intakes. Also there will be new ear bumper and completely new LED taillights. These changes are also expected to appear in the next Cayman coupe.

As you already know in the 2007 Cayenne Porsche unveiled a new technology called Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) which is supposed to lower the fuel consumption of individual models by over eight percent (NEDC). In real driving conditions, savings of up to 15 percent are possible. The same DFI technology will be used on its entry-level roadster and coupe.

According to Porsche the DFI will increase the power on the new Boxster with 13%, so if will be to believe that, the 2008 Porsche will be powered by a Flat-6 engine delivering around 270 hp. This will help the new Boxster to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and have a top speed of 165 mph.

The 2008 Boxster will feature new and larger wheels combined with 18-inch tyres, weight reduction on the various components as well as enhanced torsional and flexural stiffness give the Boxster even more sporting driving behaviour and larger safety reserves, with driving comfort remaining unchanged.

The 2008 Porsche Boxster will be launched at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

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History

The Boxster, internally known as the 986 (the first generation) and 987 (the second generation) is a mid-engined roadster built by Porsche starting 1996.

First generation: 1996–2004 (986)

The first generation of the Boxster whose visual appearance was heavily inspired by the Porsche Spyder and Speedster as well as the 550 Spyder. The Boxster was released ahead of the release of its big brother, the 996 model 911. Through consultation with Toyota, Porsche greatly decreased the cost of manufacture, and introduced large scale sharing of components between its models.

Powering the Porsche Boxster is a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine rated at 201 horsepower. It is mid-mounted, right behind the two seats. There is quite a shock if you try to find the engine. You open the rear deck and find a trunk. Open the front and find another trunk. Total trunk capacity by the way is 9.1 cubic feet, which isn’t bad for a car of this type.

The engine drives the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. In operation, the engine has a metallic whine to it that is almost like the old air-cooled Porsche engines. However, this engine is water-cooled. It has variable camshaft control and there is a rev limiter at 6,500 rpm that we discovered one time when we accelerated to pass a truck.

The model received a minor facelift in 2003. The plastic rear window was replaced by a glass window. Porsche installed a different exhaust pipe and modified air intake. In addition, the often disliked orange "fried egg" front indicators were replaced with clear glass indicators, and the rear light cluster was also changed from red to clear.

Second generation: 2004 - present (987)

The second generation of the Boxster (internally known as the 987) made its debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show alongside the new 911 (997). The car became available for model year 2005.

The second-generation Boxster range comes in a truly dynamic outfit in terms of both looks and technical features. In their design, the upgraded models follow Porsche’s usual process of steady and consistent evolution. Without being required or seeing any need to radically change the design and looks of the car, Porsche’s designers have further refined the already very well-balanced and harmonious design language of the existing model.

The new power and strength in the design of the Porsche Boxster continues appropriately within the lightweight bodyshell of this outstanding mid-engined roadster: Maximum output of the 2.7-litre Boxster is now 240 bhp. Performance on the road has improved accordingly, the Boxster now requiring a mere 6.2 seconds for the standard sprint from 0 – 60 mph and achieving a top speed of 159 mph.

The second-generation Porsche Boxster comes with even more self-assertion, more power and more performance. While only carefully re-modelled in its contours, Porsche’s mid-engined sports car is significantly wider on the road. Larger wheels and a wider track accen¬tuate the further enhanced design of the body.

At the same time these improvements symbolise the increase in power, the 2.7-litre six-cylinder in the Boxster now developing maximum output of 240 bhp. The Boxster now accelerates to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 159 mph, but is more fuel-efficient all the same, averaging 9.6 litres premium plus (29.4 mpg Imp) in the EU combined cycle. And it almost goes with-out saying that the Boxster outperforms the EU 4 and LEV II emission standards.

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Competitors



BMW Z4 Roadster

Heading its extensive list of updates and improvements are all-new, more powerful engines; 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions across the board; more powerful brakes, standard 17-in. wheels and tires now on both models, and a more advanced Dynamic Stability Control system. Along with all this driving-oriented progress, design and materials refinements inside and out enhance both esthetics and function.

Most vehicle manufacturers’ 6-cylinder engines are in the V-6 format, whose compactness is advantageous for small or midsize cars with front-wheel drive. By contrast, BMW’s inline 6-cylinder engines are brilliant for their smoothness and sound, and BMW customers as well as professional auto critics have come to treasure them for these attributes. BMW has retained this inline format while developing it toward reduced weight, more compact dimensions - and even more brilliant performance, smoothness and sound. An increase in fuel efficiency and even tighter control of emissions were also set as goals for the new engine.

The result of this quest is a new generation of 6-cylinder engines, called N52. Compared to its predecessor, the M54 engine family, the N52 achieves notable progress on all fronts (N52 3.0-liter of 3.0si models vs. previous M54 3.0-liter): greater power, 255 hp vs. 225 hp – a very impressive 85 hp/liter and greater torque, 220 lb-ft. vs. 214, and even stronger torque delivery across the broad range of engine speeds.

Audi TT Roadster

Sheer sportiness, a genuine driving experience plus high power reserves – cue the new TT Roadster from Audi. The open-top sports car retains the distinctive lines of its tremendously successful predecessor, but instils them with even greater emotion, performance and dynamism.

Audi offers a choice of two engines for its new TT Roadster. The 3.2-litre V6 power unit generates 184 kW (250 bhp) and is coupled to the quattro drive system as standard. The 2.0 TFSI engine, which blends turbocharging with petrol direct injection technology, delivers 147 kW (200 bhp) to the front wheels. Both model variants can be ordered with the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual shift.

The chassis of the new Roadster is also built for impressive sporty performance. Its highlight is Audi magnetic ride, the optional suspension damping technology that allows drivers to choose between an uncompromisingly dynamic ride or more comfort-orientated characteristics.

In the case of the new TT Roadster, Audi has respectfully and attentively developed and nurtured this genetic code. Unlike the Coupé, where the geometrical shapes merge dynamically with one another, the design of the open-top sports car comes across as strongly geometrical, as on its predecessor – the tail end and hood are clearly distinct entities.