Porsche Boxster

Porsche Boxster brought mid-engine performance and concept car styling to the showroom. The design of the Porsche Boxster recalls such classic Porsche racecars as the 550 Spyder of the 1950s and RSKs of the 1960s.

Porsche has continuously improved the Boxster since its introduction in MY1998, helping to make it one of the most popular models in company history. More than 42,000 have been sold since the car's introduction. The Porsche Boxster for 2002 gains new seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, plus interior enhancements and a new optional Bose digital sound system. The trunk now features an internal anti-entrapment release. Recent model-year enhancements and upgrades to the Porsche Boxster have included the optional Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system for MY 2001 and a larger, more powerful engine in MY 2000.

217 Horsepower Boxer Engine

A 2.7-liter six-cylinder boxer engine endows the Porsche Boxster with real-world high performance, not just impressive statistics. A twin-resonance air induction system from the 911 Carrera helps boost torque by allowing the engine to draw from higher velocity airflow from 3,100-5,100 rpm. The Porsche-patented VarioCam system boosts low-end and mid-range torque by varying valve overlap from 1,250-5,120 rpm.

The Porsche Boxster engine produces 192 lb.-ft. of peak torque at just 4,750 rpm and sustains it to nearly 6,000 rpm. Just as important, the powerplant delivers a significant 147 lb.-ft. of torque at only 1,750 rpm for powerful response at even low speeds. The 2002 Porsche Boxster can accelerate from zero-to-62 miles per hour (zero-to-100 km/h) in just 6.6 seconds.

2002 Porsche Boxster

An aluminum cylinder block and heads make the engine light. Patented LOKASIL high-silicon cylinder liners help reduce friction and wear to such a level that Porsche can recommend a 15,000-mile (24,000 km) oil change interval and a 30,000-mile (48,000 km) oil filter change interval.

Two Five-Speed Transmissions

Porsche Boxster customers can choose between the precisely shifting standard five-speed manual transmission and the optional Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission. With the advanced Tiptronic S, the driver can place the shift lever into "D" and let the transmission do the shifting, or shift into "M" and control gear shifts with steering wheel-mounted thumb switches.

In automatic mode, Tiptronic S uses one of five programmed shift maps to respond to the driving style. For example, during leisurely driving, Tiptronic S will upshift early to provide a quiet ride. Quicker stabs at the gas pedal will call up a sporty shift program, which holds each gear longer for response and power.

Even while in automatic mode, the computer-controlled Tiptronic S responds like a driver working a manual transmission, downshifting or holding lower gears when cornering and driving on hills. Tiptronic S also allows the driver to select manual mode by pressing an up- or downshift button, even with the shift lever in the "D" position.

Inspired by Racecars

The sleek Porsche Boxster body meets the wind with a low 0.31 coefficient of drag (Cd). A retractable rear spoiler located between the taillights rises at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h), reducing axle lift by 30 percent. The spoiler retracts when speed falls below 50 mph (80 km/h).

The racecar- inspired mid-engine layout concentrates the car's mass near its center, providing quick response to steering inputs. Four-wheel independent suspension features a Porsche-optimized MacPherson-strut design for rigidity and aluminum components for low unsprung weight. Front and rear stabilizer bars and dual-tube gas-charged shock absorbers provide flat cornering. Standard power rack-and pinion steering yields a quick 2.98 turns lock-to-lock and a tight 35.8-ft. (10.9-meter) turning circle.

A "staggered" wheel/tire array (wider wheels and wider, lower-profile tires on the rear) contributes to neutral handling in the Porsche Boxster. The standard aluminum alloy wheels measure 16 x 6 inches in front and mount 205/55 ZR16 tires; the 16 x 7-inch rear wheels mount 225/50 ZR16 tires. Optional 17- and 18 - inch wheel/tire packages enhance the already precise handling and offer a variety of wheel designs.

Racecar-Derived Brakes

The Porsche Boxster stops with four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS 5.3 anti-lock control. Derived from the Porsche GT1 racecar, one-piece "monoblock" brake calipers reduce heat and unsprung weight. The front discs measure 11.7 inches in diameter and 0.95-inch thick (298 mm x 24 mm). The rear discs measure nearly as large - 11.5 inches in diameter and 0.8-inch thick (292 mm x 20 mm).

Standard Equipment

The Porsche Boxster comes equipped with extensive standard comfort and convenience equipment, including:

• AM/FM cassette stereo
• Automatic climate control with a dust /pollen filter and a charcoal odor filter
• Heated power side view mirrors
• Heated windshield washer system
• Leather-faced seats with power recliners
• Leather-covered three-spoke steering wheel, gearshift knob, door armrests and handbrake handle
• Power front and rear trunk lid releases
• Power windows with one-touch lowering and raising
• Telescoping steering column
• Transponder key anti-theft system