2008 Porsche Boxster

2008 Porsche Boxster Pictures

MSRP:: $45,600 - $55,700
Invoice:: $38,760 - $48,415

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Overview:

Some sports-car aficionados claim that the Boxster corrects Porsche's decades-long "mistake," the 911. While enthusiasts will go back and forth on perfect engine placement for the perfect sports car, everyone agrees that the Porsche Boxster is one sweet ride.

Porsche revised the Boxster in 2005 and updated its engine for last year's model. The base Boxster arrives with a 2.7-liter flat six equipped with the Porsche VarioCam Plus setup to produce 245 horsepower. The optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission underwent an update last year with new hydraulics and electronics to provide improved responsiveness. To lose its extra 90 pounds and enjoy the perfectly placed gas, brake, and clutch pedals, you don't need to check any boxes to experience the standard five-speed manual transmission. 0-60 in the base model comes up in 5.8 seconds, with a 162-mph top speed. Estimated combined city/highway fuel economy is 25 mpg.

The optional Sports Package includes a six-speed manual transmission - standard in the performance Boxster S trim - and Porsche's Active Suspension system. This system allows the driver to select between Normal and Sport suspension settings. Sport mode alters the baseline damping force for considerably firmer shock response, enabling faster turn-in as well as better road-holding and traction. The Boxster's impeccable road-handling manners impress reviewers, who praise its balance - both front and rear ends stay where they're aimed. By placing the engine amidships - in front of the rear wheels and behind the passenger compartment - in a strong chassis with a light, responsive suspension and steering as well as powerful brakes, Porsche has defined sweetness in a two-seat sports car.

And this sweetness also shows up in the ergonomic layout of the cockpit. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, and without a transmission or engine up front there's a lot more leg space to play with those drilled aluminum pedals - short and tall statures are welcome here. Genuine leather is complimented by faux leather and aluminum trim. Reviewers are unable to agree as to the plastic bits, some finding them "cheap" looking and some finding them "expensive." Beyond all the expected electronic goodies - nav, sound, and trip computer systems - two of the most remarkable passenger features are outside the cabin.

The Boxster's convertible top involves a latch above the mirror and a console-mounted button - it takes 12 seconds to come down (according to one reviewer, that's an industry speed record), and according to Porsche you can do that at up to 30 mph. The really useful aspect, however, is that Porsche engineered the top so that it takes up none of the 4.6 cubic feet of aft trunk space when lowered. In addition, there is a front luggage compartment, which makes the Boxster suitable for carrying luggage for two on an extended road trip - a unique feature among today's sport roadsters.

Standard safety features include a head airbag system, frontal and side-impact airbags. Taller drivers will find more protection with Porsche's tall safety bars and high headrests. ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control (ASR), and electronic stability control (PSM) are all standard. (less) (more)

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History of the Porsche Boxster

[Edit] The Porsche Boxster is a two-seat, open top roadster that occupies the position of entry-level vehicle in the Porsche pantheon. When introduced in 1997, it was Porsche's first all-new vehicle in almost 20 years, and naturally generated a lot of excitement in the period between its announcement in 1993 and its appearance in showrooms four years later. It was also an essential car for Porsche, since the German automaker was striving to keep up with its competition. The popularity of the Mazda Miata reinvigorated the market segment for two-seater convertibles, and the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK made that segment viable and boosted the competitive stakes. The Boxster gave Porsche a chance to wade into those competitive waters.
For its first year, the Boxster came with a water-cooled 201-horsepower, 2.5-liter flat six-cylinder boxster-style engine (which indicates that the engine was installed horizontally). Also, as opposed to being a rear engine, such as in the 911, the Boxster's powerplant was classified as a mid-engine, since it was situated behind the driving compartment but ahead of the rear axle.
In its early years, a five-speed manual transmission was standard in the Boxster, while an five-speed Tiptronic transmission was optional. The Tiptronic was an automatic transmission with a gate that enabled the driver to shift manually, depending on driving conditions.
In 2000, the Boxster S, a higher-performance model, made its debut. Power was provided by a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter six-cylinder, which was linked to a new six-speed manual transmission. The standard, or base, Boxster also received a power boost for 2000, to a 217-horsepower, 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine.
Power was increased again in 2003, with the base Boxster getting a boost to 228 horsepower and the Boxster S seeing a bump up to 258 horsepower. A few minor changes were made to the exterior as well, although the roadster received a more extensive redesign in 2004.
For 2007, the engines for both the 2007 Boxster and Boxster S received VarioCam Plus, which continually adjusts valve timing for optimal performance. As a result, power for the base Boxster was boosted to 245, while the Boxster S's 3.4-liter six-cylinder pumped out an impressive 295 horsepower.

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question

2 posts. Created by jdwilliams86. Last post on Apr 28, 2008 at 10:59:03 AM

on board computer issue

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