2005 Porsche Boxster Review

Specifications

New Roadster Delivers Revolutionary Changes

Porsche is in a perplexing situation as of late. While sales of the profitable new Cayenne sport utility are through the roof, its sports car numbers are off significantly this year, enough so to classify the legendary automaker as predominantly an SUV-maker.

Also strange is that the fact that the brands top-most 911 models are experiencing stronger sales than its entry-level Boxster and Boxster S. This trend may continue when the recent release of the 2005 model year 911, dubbed the 997 internally, starts to affect sales charts. The new model features major improvements inside and out, and should therefore spur sports car sales significantly.

Seeing a need to bolster Boxster sales as well, Porsche will introduce a completely upgraded entry model as well, featuring updated styling, a completely reworked interior, safety enhancements, suspension upgrades, and more power.

Unlike the styling changes made to the new 2005 911, new Boxster modifications are revolutionary in nature. The new design is stripped down to its purest Porsche forms, with a clean, uncluttered front fascia incorporating 911 Turbo-style twin-vents, plus new oval headlamps. The “L” shaped headlight clusters that debuted in the 1993 Boxster concept and then carried forward more or less the same through two generations of production Boxsters have been abandoned.

Endowing the Boxster with classic 911 styling cues could be seen as somewhat ironic, being that one of the major criticisms the German brand faced when it redesigned the 1997 911 (996) was that it looked too much like the less expensive Boxster. Now, similar criticisms may be heard with both models featuring oval headlamp clusters for 2005.

Like the new 911, the front turn signals are now set into the front bumper. The Boxsters rear design features new taillights, plus new rear fenders and fascia. Less apparent are more aggressive rocker panel aerodynamics, larger side air intakes and larger side windows.

Inside, Porsche answers the Boxsters main criticism by redesigning the interior. It now features more intuitive ergonomics, higher quality plastics and real aluminum trim. Four oval HVAC vents mirror the new headlamp shape, while a completely redesigned center stack has been designed to accept a navigation screen. Many of the controls appear similar to those first seen on the brands Cayenne SUV, and look to be similar in quality.

As previously mentioned, the new 2005 Boxsters will get more muscle under the rear decklid, which is always welcome among Porsches faithful. But how much more power will the automaker need to get Boxster owners trading up to the new model? It seems that the German automaker feels quite a bit is necessary, as the new base 2.7-liter Boxster will get 15 additional horsepower for a total of 240, which is getting very close to current Boxster S output. Of course, to make certain interested parties are faced with a strong enough reason to ante up the extra coin needed for an S, the top-line 3.2-liter Boxster gets an additional 22 horsepower for a total of 280.

The entry-level Boxster now can achieve a top-speed of 159 mph after sprinting from zero to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds. The S charges from standstill to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds, while topping out at an impressive 166 mph.

The base 2.7-liter engine will be joined with a reworked 5-speed manual gearbox while a new 6-speed manual will be mated to the 3.2-liter engine. Both Boxster and Boxster S will also be available with the optional 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission.

Handling should also improve, due to variable ratio power steering, a more rigid chassis and bodyshell, wider wheel alignment, plus larger wheels and tires. The Boxster now receives a standard 17-inch wheel and tire package, while the Boxster S gets standard 18-inch wheels and tires. Porsche offers optional 19-inch rims and rubber for either model.

Those wanting a new Boxster will have to come up with a bare minimum of $43,800, less discounts, while $52,100 will be needed to take home a Boxster S.

Revised versions of both 2005 Boxster trim levels will go on sale in Europe on November 27th, while North American bound cars are due to arrive for sale on January 15, 2005.