Vehicle Segment:
Entry-level Luxury Sports Car / Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a premium, open-top driving experience with Porsche's renowned engineering.
Primary Competitors:
BMW Z3/Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Audi TT Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette
Drivetrain:
Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout for optimal weight distribution and handling.
Body Style:
Two-door convertible with a power-operated soft top.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasizes driver engagement, precise handling, and classic Porsche aesthetics.
Engine Management:
Detailed information on engine operation, diagnostics, and maintenance procedures.
Transmission Operation:
Explanation of Tiptronic (automatic) and manual transmission functions, fluid checks, and care.
Braking System:
Details on ABS, brake fluid checks, and basic brake system operation.
Electrical System:
Overview of lighting, wipers, power accessories, and fuse box locations.
Suspension And Steering:
Information on suspension components, wheel alignment, and steering system basics.
Climate Control:
Operation of the HVAC system, climate control settings, and cabin air filter replacement.
Safety Features:
Explanation of airbags, seat belts, immobilizer, and alarm system.
Body And Interior:
Details on convertible top operation, interior controls, and basic body care.
Routine Maintenance:
Covers oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and lubrication points.
Fluid Specifications:
Specific recommendations for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
Service Intervals:
Recommended schedules for maintenance tasks, including oil changes, brake checks, and inspections.
Tire And Wheel Care:
Information on tire pressure, rotation, and recommended tire sizes.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Guidance on common dashboard warning lights and basic operational checks.
Diagnostic Information:
Provides explanations of system functions rather than in-depth diagnostic codes or repair procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Focuses on user-level adjustments and fluid checks, not complex mechanical or electrical repairs.
Customization Options:
Details on available options and their operation.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six (Boxer)
2.5L:
201 hp @ 6000 rpm, 181 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (early models)
2.7L:
217 hp @ 6500 rpm, 192 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm (later 986 models)
3.2L (Boxster S):
250 hp @ 6200 rpm, 225 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (early Boxster S)
3.2L (Boxster S, Revised):
258 hp @ 6200 rpm, 229 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (later Boxster S models)
0-60 Mph:
Approximately 6.4 - 5.7 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)
Top Speed:
Approximately 150 - 160 mph (depending on engine)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Bore X Stroke:
Varies by engine displacement (e.g., 85.5 mm x 72 mm for 2.5L)
Compression Ratio:
Varies by engine displacement (e.g., 10.0:1 for 2.5L)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Tiptronic (Automatic with manual override)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by engine and transmission, detailed in service manuals.
Length:
Approx. 170.0 inches (4315 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 50.4 inches (1280 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.6 inches (2480 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 47.4 cu ft
Front Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 3.7 cu ft
Rear Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 4.4 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,954 - 3,175 lbs (1340 - 1440 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3,748 lbs (1700 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - for applicable model years
IIHS Side Impact:
Good - for applicable model years
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) available/standard on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover protection bars behind seats.
Immobilizer:
Standard engine immobilizer.
Audio System:
Factory Porsche CDR-220 or Bose audio system (optional) with CD player and AM/FM radio.
Navigation:
Optional Porsche Navigation System available on some models.
Parking Assist:
Optional parking assist sensors may be present on later models.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth or integrated phone systems on later models, details in manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Key maintenance milestones at 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, etc., including spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement, coolant flush, etc.
Engine Oil:
Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic (or equivalent meeting Porsche A40 specification)
Coolant:
Glysantin G48 or Porsche approved coolant (typically blue/green) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Pentosin MTF-LT-1 or other specified manual transmission fluid.
Transmission Fluid Tiptronic:
ATF LT 71141 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon type fluid.
Intermediate Shaft (Ims) Bearing:
While not as prevalent as in later models, some early 986s can experience IMS bearing failure. The manual provides general engine care but not specific IMS diagnosis.
Rear Main Seal (Rms):
Can develop leaks over time. Manual covers basic fluid checks.
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Hydraulic lines and motors can be sources of leaks or failure. Manual details operational procedures.
Oil Pan Drain Plug Stripping:
Aluminum oil pans can strip easily if overtightened. Manual recommends correct torque but not necessarily specific procedure for avoidance.
Coolant Tank Leaks:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and leak. Manual covers coolant level checks.
Porsche Legacy:
Porsche has a long-standing reputation for building high-performance sports cars and race cars, known for engineering excellence and driver focus.
986 Introduction:
The 986 Boxster was introduced in 1996 as Porsche's first truly affordable, mid-engined sports car, designed to broaden the brand's appeal and secure its financial future.
986 Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2003 model year, introducing larger engines (2.7L and 3.2L S), revised styling, and an updated interior.
Manufacturing Location:
Stuttgart, Germany and later Aichi, Japan (contract manufacturing by Valmet Automotive).
Production Timeline:
1996-2004
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The Boxster was frequently featured on Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run, praised for its handling and value proposition within the Porsche brand.
Automobile Magazine All Star:
Received Automobile Magazine All-Star awards during its tenure.
Porsche Engineering Standard:
Built to Porsche's rigorous engineering and quality standards for performance and durability.
