2005 Porsche Boxster: First Look

By Feann Torr

German automaker Porsche has unveiled its spiffy new 2005 Boxster, giving its entry level convertible sportscar a much-need facelift.

To be launched on the 27th of November 2004, the new Boxster can only improve Porsche's image, not only bringing with it an awesome new look that is closer to the new 911, but also offering even greater active and passive safety with a few automotive firsts.

Of course, the horizontally opposed or 'boxer' 6-cylinder engines that form the heart of most Porsches have also been tweaked, giving the two models more grunt.

The 2.7-litre 6-cylinder engine that powers the entry-level Boxster now makes 176kW of power or 240hp, which is some 8kW (12hp) more than the outgoing model.

The more aggressive Boxster S, which will be launched simultaneously assures Porsche, has also had some TLC from the Porsche whitecoats, and as a result power has been increased from 191kW (260hp) to 206kW (280hp), while the engine's displacement has not been changed, remaining at 3.2-litres.

Thanks to this increase in power, the standard Boxster will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds while the Boxster S manages this in a very impressive 5.5 seconds.

The basic model tops out at 256km/h, while the beefier S variant can reach 268 km/h.

Apart from the fettled engines, new shorter-throw transmissions have also been added, and power is transmitted by a revised 5-speed manual transmission in the Boxster, while the S model benefits from a new box with six ratios.

Both vehicles can optionally be equipped with a five-speed Tiptronic S transmission.

In terms of the Boxster's new look, Porsche has outdone itself in this respect. While the headlights are not carbon copies of the 911's circular lamps, they are closer to their bigger brother's than the dated 'teardrop' items seen in the superceded Boxster.

The rest of the front end has been 'de-uglified' according to one staff member, and though I'm not going to go that far, it is certainly a more aesthetically pleasing visage, with two prominent air dams below the headlights giving the nose section less of a duckbilled appearance than its precursor.

While the front end has seen the most work, larger wheels and a wider wheel alignment will ensure grip levels are increased and also help to emphasise the cars attractive profile.

According to Porsche "they symbolise the increase in performance of the two models" with 17-inch wheels for the Boxster and lovely 18-inchers for the Boxster S.

Other visual changes include the larger air vents located aft of the doors, which help the more powerful 6-cylinder engines breathe easier, supplying them with ample oxygen.

At the rear, the brake light cluster has been altered slightly, though only die-hard Porsche fans will distinguish new models from old.

Another area that Porsche has concentrated on with its incredibly desirable new convertible sports car is safety, with what is believed to be a world first in the form of lateral impact head airbags. "My Volvo's got 'em" you may say, but the world first stems from the fact that the Porsche Boxster is a roadster, becoming the first rag top to offer head-cushioning side airbags.

In combination with a thorax airbag, which is concealed on the outer side of the backrest, the airbag "shoots out from the side window rail of the door and provides a very high level of protection for the head" in Porsche speak. Forget deploying, this baby shoots!

While no official date has been given for the Australian Boxster launch (expect 2nd-3rd quarter 2005), it will arrive in European showrooms on November 27th 2004, and the 15th of January 2005 in the States.

Porsche's new 911 (click here for the full report) was quite a revelation when information first surfaced, and now the new Boxster range is repeating this, with a vibrant new look that will age much more appreciably than the superceded model, and is arguably one of the sexiest roadsters to emerge from Germany.

The bold new Boxster look also brings the entry-lever Porker closer to the rest of the range, adhering to the Porsche design DNA with more gusto, plus the added engine performance and fatter rubber is another boon that will please fans of the German sports car no end, potentially making it one the most balanced drives on the planet.

Pricing:

Europe:
Boxster €37,000
Boxster S €44,100

America:
Boxster $43,800
Boxster S $53,100