porsche releases info about new boxster
First Major Makeover in Model's Eight-Year History
ATLANTA, GA, Sept. 7, 2004 - Porsche today disclosed the first information available on its 2005 entry level sports car, the Boxster, and its higher performing stable mate, the Boxster S. For 2005, both models feature significant styling changes, more powerful engines, numerous handling enhancements, and greater active and passive safety. All are designed to offer even more driving pleasure from the mid-engine roadsters - the acknowledged leaders in their sports car segment. This all comes at value-driven prices that will make the new Boxster models even more competitive in their class.
Bolder Styling
These next generation Boxsters are more mature sports cars. This is characterized by bolder yet more refined exterior styling that is highlighted by larger front and side air intakes, new head and front lamp treatments, more aggressive doorsills, and larger side widows.
More Power
While the size of the Boxster's 2.7-liter and the Boxster S's 3.2-liter flat-six cylinder engines remain unchanged, both have significant horsepower increases. The Boxster jumps from 225 to 240 horsepower (SAE), while the Boxster S leaps from 258 to 280 horsepower (SAE) and is the most powerful engine yet offered in the Boxster model line. The result is a faster top track speed of 159 mph (256 km/h) for the Boxster and 166 mph (268 km/h) for the Boxster S. The Boxster accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.9 seconds while the Boxster S achieves it in 5.2 seconds.
These engines are mated to a revised five-speed manual transmission in the Boxster and a new six-speed manual gearbox in the Boxster S. Both models can still be equipped with the optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission system.
Better Handling
Benchmark superior handling on both previous Boxster models has been further enhanced with the addition of variable ratio power steering, improved chassis and body stiffness, wider wheel alignment, and larger wheels and tires. The Boxster and Boxster S now have standard 17-inch and 18-inch wheels and tires, respectively, but both can be fitted with optional 19-inch wheels and tires.
Enhanced Safety
The Boxster and Boxster S are the first roadsters in the world to help protect occupants against lateral impact through the use of dedicated head airbags. In combination with thorax airbags, which are concealed on the outer side of the seatbacks, the head airbags deploy from the side window rails in the doors, helping to provide a high level of head protection.
Active safety on the two Boxster models is increased by optimizing the braking system and by adding the Porsche Stability Management system (PSM) as standard equipment. PSM can stabilize the car in severe understeer and oversteer conditions by braking the appropriate wheel or wheels, and, if necessary, intervening through engine management.
Greater Value
The 2005 Boxster and Boxster S will be introduced to the United States on January 15, 2005 at a price of $43,800 US for the Boxster and $53,100 US for the Boxster S. With such features as PSM and larger wheels and tires now standard on both models, these prices are significantly less than those of their comparably equipped predecessors.
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Maybe the hardtop will be released at a later date?
