Porsche Boxster S Anniversary Edition
Philosophy
From the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio to the Carrera Panamericana, there was one car which dominated world racing throughout much of the 1950s. The first ever Porsche designed specifically for the racetrack. That car was the 550 Spyder.
When development began on the ‘Type 550’, there was one simple aim in mind: to win races. The means to that end was an open-top two-seater offering speed, agility and intelligent design around a lightweight, mid-mounted engine. This simple concept was so effective that it gave rise to one of the most impressive track records in motor racing history. It was also one of the most important developments in the evolution of the Porsche marque. Since that time, every new Porsche has carried something of the spirit of the 550 Spyder.
In the current Porsche Boxster, this unmistakable genealogy is perhaps more striking than ever. Each individual element supports an integrated whole with one overriding purpose: the experience and enjoyment of pure Porsche performance. Inside and out, the similarities are remarkable, from the sweeping curves at the front and rear to the fundamental layout within. Like its legendary predecessor, the Porsche Boxster is a lightweight two-seater with a powerful mid-mounted engine. In contrast to the austerity of the 550 Spyder, it’s also remarkably practical in everyday road use.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this classic Porsche roadster, we’ve taken the current flagship Boxster – the Boxster S – and created a state-of-the-art tribute to the first racing Porsche:
The 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition
Engine
Fifty years ago, Porsche engineers combined a 110-horsepower, mid-mounted engine with a lightweight streamlined chassis. The result was the 550 Spyder. That same combination of concentrated power and natural agility can be found in today’s Porsche Boxster. Like the Type 550 before it, the Boxster is designed for optimum power-to-weight performance. In the standard Boxster S, the mid-mounted ‘flat-six’ delivers a maximum of 260 bhp. With its free-revving response and generous delivery it is, quite literally, the heart of the Boxster experience.
As a tribute to the racing pedigree of the Porsche roadster, we’ve developed a number of modifications which are unique to the 50th Anniversary Edition: The 3.2-litre engine now offers 196 kW (266 bhp) at 6,200 rpm, enabling a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mph). Maximum torque is equally prodigious, reaching 310 Nm at 4,600 rpm
Another important development can be found on the six-speed manual gearbox, which now has a 15% shorter throwcompared with the standard Boxster S linkage. Further assisted by a shorter lever, each gearshift is now faster and more precise.
If you prefer, you can specify your Porsche with the optional Tiptronic S transmission. This intelligent system combines fully automatic operation with the option of race-style gearshifts and a manual override function via twin wheel-mounted controls. Another important characteristic is the distinctive aural accompaniment from the polished stainless steel tailpipe. Neatly enclosed within the rear apron moulding, this attractive feature adds a key visual highlight to the stylish exterior of the car.
Chassis
While the purity of the Porsche roadster has changed little in 50 years, we’ve made enormous advances in the field of chassis engineering.
Today’s Boxster S, for example, features a specially optimised McPherson-based suspension design. To reflect the racing heritage of the 550 Spyder, the 50th Anniversary Edition rides 10 mm lower than the standard Boxster S.
The stiffened sports suspension provides even greater road holding and enables faster cornering speeds. For added peace of mind, the car is equipped with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) as standard. Equally reassuring are the powerful brakes, which are easily a match for the car’s eager throttle response. The large cross-drilled discs are gripped by four-piston fixed calipers featuring a robust monobloc aluminium construction and cool aluminium paint finish. Each disc and caliper is clearly visible through the larger-diameter 18-inch Carrera alloy wheels. Other visual highlights include a Seal Grey paint finish on the spokes of each wheel as well as matching wheel centres with full-colour Porsche Crest, or if you prefer, the spokes can be finished in silver as a no-cost option.
All four wheels are fitted with 5-mm spacers, creating a more dominant stance on the road.
Together, these modifications constitute a very distinctive tribute to the purity and character of the classic Porsche roadster
Exterior
When the Boxster concept was originally unveiled, we were returning full circle to the legendary 550 Spyder. The essential characteristic of this common genetic thread is the two-seater, mid-engined configuration. Externally, the similarities are subtly reflected in the timeless, race-inspired design.
On the 50th Anniversary Edition, we’ve chosen a silver exterior as a clear visual link to the racing 550. The colour selected – GT Silver Metallic – was originally developed for another mid-engined, race-derived Porsche: the new Carrera GT.
Another feature unique to the 50th Anniversary Edition is the silver-painted grille on the rear apron openings to the right and left-hand side of the tailpipe. This subtle detail emulates the original 550 Spyder with its enclosed and compact tail section. On the boot lid above, the distinctive ‘Boxster S’ logo has a polished, chrome-plated finish.
The harmonious exterior is further enhanced by the standard wind deflector and colour-keyed roll-over bars. Other standard features include Litronic headlights featuring dynamic range control and integrated headlamp cleaning.
The resulting exterior is both an elegant homage to the 550 Spyder and a powerful demonstration of contemporary Porsche design.
The exterior paintwork is elegantly contrasted with a Cocoa Brown fabric hood. Another tasteful reference to classic 50s style, this warming tone was specially developed for the 50th Anniversary Edition. If you prefer, the standard Cocoa Brown can be exchanged for an optional black fabric instead. Whichever colour you choose, the hood is equipped with a heated glass rear screen and requires just 12 seconds to open or close.
Interior
With the 50th Anniversary Edition, we’ve returned to our roots while incorporating the latest technological advances. As a reminder of the interior of the 550 Spyder, the front centre console featured on the standard Boxster S makes way for a special limited-edition plaque. Each one of the 1,953 examples of this unique commemorative model is individually numbered in this way.
With the exception of the black door entry guards with polished ‘Boxster S’ logo, the interior is dominated by two distinct tones: Cocoa Brown and GT Silver Metallic. Not only is this combination unique to this model, it provides a perfect matching complement to the exterior paint finish and hood.
Much of the interior is expertly finished in rich, luxurious leather. This exclusive material provides a further reminder of the car’s classic racing origins. The Cocoa Brown interior extends to the velour carpets and matching floor mats with ‘Porsche’ logo.
The 50th Anniversary Edition includes automatic air conditioning, the Porsche CDR-23 CD radio and the Porsche Sound Package as standard.
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Porsche Boxster S Anniversary hi-res media pics