The Boxster first made it's debut in prototype form in 1993. You can see more about the prototype Boxster here. At the time, Porsche were struggling in the marketplace partly due to recession, but mainly due to a 3 car model range that was no longer appealing to buyers. The 911 was still selling well, but the 928 was long in the tooth as was the 968 (which was derived from the 944). Porsche felt that a two car range consisting of the Boxster roadster at one end, with a new 911 at the other would revitalize sales. Also, the market for two seater open topped sports cars was booming, so the Boxster would be aimed at the top of the open sports market.
The production model went on sale in 1996 and has been a huge success. It packs a 204bhp mid-mounted 2.5 litre six cylinder engine which drives it through it's rear wheels. At the time of launch, the production design was criticized for not including some of the more unusual styling features of the prototype, such as the large ventilation fans in the cockpit and the contoured shape of the rear hood cover. Nonetheless, sales have been extremely good and the car is a delight to drive. The latest Boxster now has a 2.7 litre engine (while the Boxster S has a 3.2 litre) which puts out even more power and improves what is already a great car.
Interestingly, the Boxster shared many components with it's bigger brother, the 996 series 911. It had the same headlights and nose as well as the same dashboard (although the 911 has since gained it's own unique headlights). Porsche did this to save on development costs, as their cashflow was poor at the time these two cars were being designed.
UT made this particular model and I feel it wasn't one of their best efforts. The paint finish is good but the interior is very plain. The rear boot lid doesn't open very far and more annoyingly, the front hood hinges are very loose and jerky in action (a failure in quality control I think). Also, the top edges of both doors don't line up exactly with the rear bodywork. Apart from a featureless silver disc, there is no brake detail, and the only engine detail is what is visible from beneath the car, and nothing else. Not one of UT's best efforts, hence only 5/10 marks.
You can listen to how the real car sounds below.
Porsche Boxster Sound File (WAV)
