Stuttgart. This autumn, Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will supplement the Boxster with a more powerful version and thereby expand its involvement in the roadster segment with a further model. The new Boxster S - the 'S' stands for 'more powerful', 'faster' and 'sportier' in German - accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62 mph) in 5.9 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Sprints from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) take exactly 10.3 seconds in the highest gear, and the top speed is 260 kilometres per hour (162 mph).
The horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine known from the basic Boxster version has a displacement of 3.2 litres in the S-model. This higher displacement not only significantly increases the engine's power by 35 kW (48 HP) to 185 kW (252 HP) at 6,250 rpm but also greatly increases its torque output from 245 to 305 Nm (181 to 225 ftlb.) at 4,500 rpm. Around 85% of the maximum torque is already available at 2,000 rpm. Engine management is performed by the Motronic ME 7.2 with electronic accelerator (E-gas), a system which has already proven its worth in the 911 Carrera 4.
Additional gear-changing option
A 6-speed manual transmission with sporty shifting characteristics was developed to make
full use of the performance range offered by the new 3.2 litre engine. The result is
harmonious gearing combined with ideal utilisation of the engine torque, as well as
perfect transitions during upshifting. The Boxster S is also available with the 5-speed
Tiptronic S on request. Its transmission ratios have been matched to the higher
performance.
The Boxster S also excites with its superior vehicle dynamics. This is ensured not only by the balanced mid-engine concept. The sporty tuning of the chassis and suspension, typically Porsche, also earns high marks for cornering stability. The chassis and suspension have been completely redesigned, and the spring/vibration damper system has been stiffened to suit the higher performance.
Comprehensive standard equipment
The performance increase is accompanied by an impressive upgrade package, which is
expressed mainly in the passenger compartment. This package includes, among other things,
plastic parts with black soft finish, aluminium look for various equipment details,
silver-grey dials in the round instruments, and seat covers of high-quality Alcantara.
Furthermore, the new convertible top headliner of cloth offers greater comfort -
especially when it comes to wind noises at high speeds. The standard equipment has also
been expanded by comparison with the basic model. It includes, in particular, an alarm
system with passenger compartment monitoring function, a radio remote control with
electrical rear lid release, a sporty three-spoke leather-covered steering wheel, and the
'POSIP' (Porsche Side Impact Protection) side airbag system for convertibles.