2007 Porsche Boxster

Vehicle Overview
Porsche redesigned its Boxster and Boxster S roadsters in 2005, and for 2007 it gives both models more power and torque. Both Boxsters get Porsche’s VarioCam Plus system, which provides both variable intake valve timing and lift control.

Variable-ratio power steering was new for 2005, and the Boxster’s track width increased. By eliminating the spare tire, cargo space grew slightly.

For 2006, the passenger seat got weight sensors that disable the front airbags when a child-safety seat is detected. In 2007, Boxster and Boxster S buyers have the option of 19-inch, two-tone, forged-aluminum wheels developed for the new Porsche 911 Turbo.

Rivals include the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Honda S2000 and Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.

Exterior
The front and side air intakes were enlarged for 2005. The headlights and taillamps were new, and the side windows were enlarged. For 2007, Porsche was content to concentrate on beefing up the Boxster’s performance. The only new appearance option is the 19-inch wheels.

Standard alloy wheels on the Boxster S hold 18-inch tires, while the base model gets 17-inch wheels. The Boxster S has a firmer sport suspension.

Interior
Two occupants enjoy leather-upholstered body-hugging bucket seats. The driver faces a trio of gauges in a hooded cluster. Seat heaters, sport seats, Bose surround sound, Park Assist and a navigation system are available. Cargo compartments at both ends offer a total of 9.9 cubic feet of space.

In a move you don’t often see from automakers, Porsche has moved the coolant and engine-oil filler caps in order to make them easier for technicians (or handy owners) to access. Porsche says this also improves the usability of the trunk.

Under the Hood
The Boxster’s 2.7-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder gains 5 horsepower (to 245), and its torque grows by 2 pounds-feet (to 201). Torque for that engine peaks 100 rpm earlier than the previous engine. It also gains VarioCam Plus for variable valve timing and lift control.

The Boxster S also gets a new, bigger engine, also with VarioCam Plus. The six-cylinder in that model grows from 3.2 to 3.4 liters and turns out 15 more hp, up to 295. Torque increases to 251 pounds-feet, an increase of 15 pounds-feet.

For drivers not interested in working a clutch pedal, Porsche has also tweaked its Tiptronic S automatic transmission system. Porsche says new hydraulics and electronics make the system quicker to respond to driver inputs. The transmission also offers variable shift patterns, ranging from Economy to Sport. In Sport mode, for instance, up- and downshifts are only made at revs greater than 3,000 rpm and downshifts will be made at higher engine speeds to utilize engine braking.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes, side-impact and head-protection airbags and an electronic stability system are standard. For 2007, Porsche adds a standard tire pressure monitoring system.