Porsche Boxster S
Highlights:
191 kW (260 bhp) and even more torque
The six-cylinder horizontally-opposed power unit of the Boxster S develops maximum output of 191 kW (260 bhp) at 6200 rpm, maximum torque amounting to 310 Newton-metres (421 lb-ft) at 4600 rpm. Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h comes in 5.7 seconds and top speed is now 264 km/h (164 mph). Despite this increase in power and performance, fuel consumption is down by 2 per cent, mainly thanks to Porsche's new VarioCam technology adjusting the camshaft infinitely up to an angle of 40° and thus helping to further reduce charge cycle losses in the process.
Modified six-speed manual gearbox
The six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard in the Boxster S has been appropriately modified to reflect this increase in power and performance. To efficiently handle the higher torque, the single-plate dry clutch has been reinforced and exerts higher contact pressure in line with the new requirements. The individual transmission ratios, on the other hand, remain the same as before and it almost goes without saying that the Boxster S is available as an option with five-speed Tiptronic S transmission combining supreme comfort with sporting performance on the road.
Reduction of unsprung masses
17-inch light-alloy wheels newly developed last year especially for the Boxster and 18-inch light-alloy wheels introduced originally on the 911 Carrera significantly reduce unsprung masses and, as a result, ensure far more sensitive and precise suspension and shock absorption. The slim spokes bear testimony at very first sight to the consistent application of
lightweight design and technology, the 17-inch wheels fitted as standard on the Boxster S saving 2 kilos versus the former wheels. The 18-inch wheels available as special equipment on both the Boxster S and the Boxster reduce weight by an even more significant 10.8 kg or 23.8 lbs, equal to a weight reduction by 22.1 per cent.
Soft roof with glass window at the rear
The roof now moves down to the rear lid at a steeper angle, closely resembling the aluminium hardtop available as an option. This change in design is the result of a new, fourth roof bracket fitted above the rear window now made of glass. Replacing the plastic rear window on the former models since last year, the new glass rear window naturally comes complete with electric heating, improving not only visibility to the rear, but also motoring comfort in cold and wet weather. And to add some further good news, the glass window at the rear does not change the time required for electrically opening the soft roof, which remains a
record 12 seconds thanks to the new roof kinematics.
Porsche Boxster S:
Even More Powerful, Even More Dynamic
Showing great finesse and attention to detail, Porsche's designers and engineers last year lifted the Boxster to an even higher level, adding more power and carefully modifying the looks of this beautiful car.
Discreet refinement in design is to be admired on the Boxster S and Boxster through the two newly designed cooling air scoops on either side at the front, now curved further to the outside for an even more elegant and dynamic look. This gives the entire front end of the car a more pronounced and distinctive arrow shape, increasing ram pressure at speed and, together with the intake air grids also redesigned and finished in body colour, improving the flow of cooling air. The third air intake scoop in the middle remains the most striking feature at the front end of the Boxster S, as in the past. Greyish-white direction indicators in the rear light clusters, the newly styled twin exhaust tailpipes and, in particular, the two distinctive crossbars give the lowslung rear end a new
look full of power and muscle. Interacting with the slots somewhat higher up, the crossbars at the rear ensure even better exchange of the air heated up by the rear-end silencer. Like on the former models, the redesigned spoiler moves up automatically once the car reaches a road speed of 120 km/h, significantly reducing rear lift in the process. A further
advantage in this context is the improved flow of air to the rear spoiler provided by the modified roof now moving down more steeply to the rear lid and closely resembling the aluminium hardtop available as an option. This change in shape and design is ensured by a new, fourth roof bracket above the rear window now made of glass – and replacing the former plastic window in the soft roof, the new glass rear window naturally comes with electric heating. The overall result is better visibility to the rear and enhanced motoring comfort in cold and wet weather. And last but not least, the glass rear window does not change or extend the time required for opening the roof, which remains a record 12 seconds thanks
to the new roof closing kinematics.
An outstanding performer
In its performance, the Boxster S lives up to its good looks in every respect. Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h now comes in a mere 5.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than with the former model. The power providing this kind of performance on the road is delivered by the engine mounted directly behind the cockpit: With its six horizontally-opposed cylinders, the 3.2-litre power unit develops maximum output of 191 kW (260 bhp) at 6200 rpm, with maximum torque of 310 Newtonmetres (228 lb-ft) at 4600 rpm. The result is even better flexibility and a more muscular torque curve providing better acceleration and higher pulling
forces particularly at low engine speeds. Top speed on the road is now 264 km/h or 164 mph. With Porsche more power also means greater fuel economy, fuel consumption according to the EU standard dropping by approximately 2 per cent to 10.5 litres/100 kilometres (26.9 mpg Imp) (Tiptronic S: 11.1 ltr/100 kilometres or 25.4 mpg Imp). This increase in
power and performance combined with greater fuel economy and lower emissions is attributable in particular to VarioCam technology providing infinite adjustment of the camshafts up to an angle of 40° and, as a result, reducing charge cycle losses in the interest of enhanced efficiency.
Sporting comfort with either the six-speed manual gearbox or Tiptronic S
To make full use of the power and muscle offered by the 3.2-litre power unit, the Boxster S comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox ensuring outstanding performance on the road. Focusing on the transmission with utmost care, Porsche's development engineers
have harmonised the individual gear ratios to provide a perfect match of speeds and transmission increments, capitalising on engine torque at all times. In practice this means perfect harmony and smoothness when shifting up. The manual gearbox of the Boxster S has been reinforced to cope with the even higher level of engine torque, being modified and exerting higher contact pressure on the single-place dry clutch. The individual gear ratios remain the same as before, giving the car top performance at all speeds. As an option the Boxster S is available with Porsche's five-speed Tiptronic S transmission ensuring supreme comfort and sporting performance all in one. A significant feature of Tiptronic S is interim manual control while driving in the automatic mode: With the selector lever remaining in automatic, the driver is able to shift gears manually via paddles on the steering wheel.
Safe and fast in bends
Spontaneous, direct and precise steering ensures sports handling of the highest calibre, smooth and easy-to-control load change response in bends, a high standard of lateral acceleration as well as body roll, dive and squat reduced to a minimum in bends, when accelerating and applying the brakes. Special Porsche technology keeps stopping distances very short even under extreme conditions, the brakes retaining their full power and grip without fading.
The Boxster model series is fitted with Porsche's well-known four-piston aluminium fixed monobloc brake callipers and inner-vented brake discs both front and rear. Intelligently conceived air flow ensures a perfect thermal balance of the entire brake system, without any undue increase in heat. On the Boxster S the 17-inch light-alloy wheels fitted as standard
provide the space required for Porsche's extra-large Carrera brake discs, now measuring 318 millimetres (12.52”) in diameter and 28 millimetres (1.10”) in width on the front wheels.
At the rear brake disc diameter is 299 millimetres or 11.77”, and the discs are 24 millimetres or 0.94” thick. A further feature is that the brake discs are cross-drilled like on the 911, improving brake response in wet weather by efficiently removing any water between the disc and the brake pad.
Wheels developed consistently in line with lightweight technology
17-inch wheels newly developed last year and 18-inch wheels available as an option significantly reduce unsprung masses and thus provide even more precise, smoother and more harmonious suspension and shock absorption. Available as an option also on the 2.7-litre Boxster, both wheels are designed consistently for low weight visible at very first sight above all through the slim, slender spokes. The 17-inch wheels in 10-spoke design are 5.6 per cent or 2 kilos lighter than the former wheels, the 18-inch wheels already featured successfully with somewhat wider rims (0.5” wider at the front, 1.0” wider at the rear) on the 911 Carrera ensure an even greater reduction of weight: With only 5 spokes on each wheel, overall weight of the four wheels is down by 10.8 kg to a mere 38 kilos or 84 lbs. This is an improvement by 22.1 per cent, giving these cast wheels the same low weight as hollowspoke wheels.
Wide range of standard equipment
Over and above their even higher high level of power and performance on the road, the two Boxsters offer a wider range of standard features including, inter alia, the electric roof, electric window lifts, alcantara seat upholstery, thermal insulation glazing, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, central locking, the electronic immobiliser and, on the Boxster S, an alarm system with full surveillance of the interior. Since last year the standard features have also included a cupholder and remote control opening not only the car itself, but also the front and rear bootlids. Another feature added last year is the illuminated glove compartment with a capacity of five litres fitted beneath the passenger airbag. The glove compartment is lockable and is connected to the car's alarm system.
The most advanced Porsche Communication Management (PCM) available as an option in the Boxster S and Boxster offers the latest achievements in modern communication technology. PCM comprises a double tuner, a CD player, dynamic route navigation, a trip computer
and, as a further option, a GSM dual-band telephone. These individual components are connected with one another by the MOST (Media-Oriented System Transport) databus using lightwave technology transmitting data at a very high speed without the slightest loss of
quality.
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Porsche Boxster-S hi-res media pics