2005-2008 (987)
The 987 arrived for 2005 as a comprehensive redesign built on the same platform underpinning the newly introduced Cayman coupe and the contemporary 997 911, sharing an interior largely borrowed from the 997 and a chassis that was noticeably larger and stiffer than the outgoing 986. It marked the point where the Boxster and its hardtop Cayman sibling became true platform-mates rather than a roadster standing alone.
The base Boxster launched with a 2.7-liter flat-six at 240 hp, while the Boxster S used a 3.2-liter unit at 280 hp. Porsche updated both engines for 2007: the base car gained VarioCam Plus and grew to 245 hp, while the S moved to a larger 3.4-liter displacement at 295 hp, bringing both Boxster variants in line with their equivalent Cayman engines exactly. Several limited editions punctuated the run, including the RS60 Spyder with a sport exhaust bumping output to 299 hp, and a 2008 Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S pair inspired by the 911 GT3 RS, finished in brilliant orange with just 250 examples of each. The 987.1 generation carried through 2008 before Porsche introduced the more comprehensively revised 987.2 for 2009, bringing direct injection and PDK to the lineup for the first time.
- Model years: 2005 to 2008
- Trims: Boxster, Boxster S, RS60 Spyder (limited edition), 2008 Limited Edition Boxster/Boxster S
- Power range: 240 hp (early base) to 299 hp (RS60 Spyder)
- 0 to 60 mph range: approximately 6.2 seconds (base) to 5.4 seconds (S)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual standard (base), 6-speed manual standard (S), 5-speed Tiptronic automatic optional across the lineup
- Notable firsts: first Boxster to share a platform directly with the Cayman coupe; first Boxster with an interior derived from the 997 911