Porsche Boxster Model Years and History

The biggest changes for 2016 are the addition of two new special editions, the Black edition and the Spyder. The Black Edition starts out as a base Boxster, but adds various popular equipment to the car to make it a little less bare bones. The Spyder occupies the other end of the spectrum with a bigger engine making more power than even the Boxster GTS.

The 2015 Boxster returns mostly unchanged from the previous model year. A rearview camera that includes electronic parking sensors is newly optional, as are 911-style 20-inch wheels.

After a major redesign for 2013, the Boxster and Boxster S enter into 2014 relatively unchanged. A new trim, the Boxster GTS has been added to the lineup, displacing the S version as the top rung on the Boxster ladder. The GTS gets more power and unique exterior styling touches. It also comes standard with plenty of kit that is only optional on the S version.

For 2013, the Boxster gets significant redesign. The new Boxster is lighter, faster, better-handling and more efficient than its predecessor.

For 2012, the Boxster returns largely unchanged, save for the addition of a new Black Edition trim level. The Black Edition, available on S models, features a special all-black exterior and interior color scheme, and includes a number of additional standard features over the regular S model. Only 987 examples will be built.

While most of the Porsche Boxster lineup carries over to 2011 unchanged, the Boxster Spyder is new, a model that aims for weight savings and go-lean track prowess above all else. The Porsche Boxster Spyder--most easily identified by its two humps just behind the two seating positions--is a new variant of the Boxster focused for the track. It shaves off precious pounds by offering a removable canvas top instead of the standard Boxster's convenient power soft top. Air conditioning is optional on the Spyder, and a CD sound system is optional at no cost. A number of interior trim changes have also been made. The Spyder comes only in Boxster S form, with the 320-hp, 3.4L engine. As such, it can reach 60 mph in as little as 4.6 seconds, according to Porsche, and it actually gets slightly better fuel economy, at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Following a complete redesign in 2009, the Porsche Boxster returns unchanged for 2010.

The 2009 model year for the Boxster is seen as the second generation of the 987-series platform that Porsche introduced in 2005. The base Boxster now features a 2.9L direct-injection flat-6 engine that makes 255 horsepower, up 10 horses from 2008. The Boxster S trim now utilizes a 3.4L direct-injection flat-6 engine producing 310 horsepower, up 15 horses from 2008. New exterior refinements include halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators, as well as new LED body lights that taper to the outside and are integrated into the restyled bodywork. The rod-shaped side lights are accented by the rectangular fog lamps, now standard. Along with a new wheel design, the front bumper utilizes wider side air intakes while the rear bumper is more curvaceous. The wheels are half-inch wider on the Boxster S trim in order to accommodate the larger braking system, which is now fitted on the front axle. The base Boxster and Boxster S feature the latest generation of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), now offering two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. This combination improves brake response significantly and shortens stopping distances. In conjunction with 18- and 19-inch wheels, the new trims are also available with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle. The biggest news is the availability of Porsche's double-clutch gearbox, which provides better fuel economy and quicker acceleration than the 6-speed manual transmission. Two wet clutches are used in radial arrangement, controlled hydraulically, and use oil for both cooling and lubrication. It replaces the former Tiptronic S torque-converter automatic-transmission and offers seven forward gears. It is an ideal combination of a torque converter-equipped automatic-transmission and the manual gearshift functionality of a sequential racing gearbox. For 2009, only 50 limited-edition Boxster S Design Edition 2 cars, a follow-up to the all-black design Edition 1, will be available in North America. Available only in white, this Boxster comes with a freer-flowing exhaust, 19-inch wheels, a black and gray interior with white gauges, light gray stripes on the front fascia, hood and side, taillights in monochrome red and a dashboard plaque detailing its production number.

A new Porsche GT3 RS Orange Boxster, made in a limited number of only 500 vehicles, is the big news for 2008. The Limited Edition Boxsters get the same orange-and-black motif, along with some of the same appearance cues, as found on the race-ready, exclusive 911 GT3 RS model, plus a performance sport exhaust, black convertible top, and special Alcantara interior trim. The rest of the Boxster line is carried over to 2008.

Thanks to Porsche's VarioCam Plus technology, power has jumped on the 2007 Boxster to 245 horsepower, while the Boxster S is now rated at 295. The optional Tiptronic S transmission has been updated with revised, quicker gearshift action. Also for 2007 the access for the oil and antifreeze fillers has been hidden under a small hatch in the rear trunk, thus freeing up a few more precious cubic inches in the cargo area.