Porsche Cars North America Inc. (PCNA) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Boxster family with a special anniversary model: the 2021 Boxster 25 years. Based on the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 model, and powered by a 394 hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, the special production model is limited to 1,250 units worldwide. It incorporates numerous design features of the original Boxster concept car first shown at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. The production version of the Boxster first launched in Europe in 1996 and in the U.S. in 1997, closely resembling the concept car. Today the mid-engine sports car is in its fourth generation, and more than 357,000 units have been produced thus far.
One of the most striking features of the new special model are hints of the original concept car, through the use of Neodyme, a copper-like color, which provided a unique contrast to the GT Silver Metallic color on the pioneering 1993 concept. On the anniversary 718 model, it appears on the front and side air intakes as well as for the lettering and the specially designed two-tone, five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels and in the special “Boxster 25” badge on the rear. Porsche is offering the Boxster 25 years in GT Silver Metallic, although Jet Black Metallic and Carrara White Metallic are also available. Another striking element can be found on the fuel filler cap, which is enhanced by Porsche script from the Exclusive Design range. The cap is painted in an aluminum look as are the high-gloss tailpipes of the Sport Exhaust system while the windshield frame is finished in black.
Staying true to the style of the historic original, the special model combines a Bordeaux Red leather interior with a red roadster top made of fabric. The roadster top bears embossed “Boxster 25” lettering. Both interior and top are also available in Black. An interior package in Brushed Aluminium, 14-way electrically adjustable sport seats, door sill trims with “Boxster 25″ lettering and the heated GT multifunction sport leather steering wheel are also included as standard equipment on the special edition model.
The 4.0-liter flat-six engine, which is shared with the 2021 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 model, offers exceptional throttle response, power delivery and a rich exhaust note. The high-revving 394 hp naturally aspirated powerplant, which is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), creates an especially emotional driving experience. The special-edition model reaches a top track speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission and, in combination with the PDK gearbox and standard Sport Chrono package, sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Other standard features include Porsche Active Suspension Management suspension (PASM), which lowers the ride height 0.39 inches as compared to a standard 718 Boxster, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential. They combine remarkable ride comfort and agile handling. The PASM Sport Suspension with a ride height reduction of 0.78 inches compared to a standard 718 Boxster and particularly sporty calibration is available as an option.
The new Boxster 25 years is available for ordering now and expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms this Spring as part of the 2021 model year with a starting MSRP of $98,600 excluding $1,350 for delivery, processing and handling.
A quarter century of pure driving pleasure: the Boxster family turns 25
The Boxster carries a very special meaning for Porsche as it marked a new orientation of the sports car manufacturer’s model strategy and provided a way forward through the difficult economic times of the mid-1990s. This was reflected in the first water-cooled production flat-six engine and also in the intelligent carry-over parts concept that started with the launch of the agile mid-engine roadster. This concept was incorporated into the 996 generation 911, which was launched a year later, and made it possible for Porsche to return to profitable production.
The attractively priced two-seater captured the hearts of new, younger customers right from the start. Visually, it incorporated features of the renowned history of the brand. The appearance of the Boxster concept car shown in Detroit rekindled fond memories of the legendary 550 Spyder and the 718 RS 60 Spyder racing car. It was received so well by the public in January 1993 that the Porsche Executive Board intervened in the ongoing design development of the production model and advised, without further ado: “Build the concept car just like that”. As time would tell, it was a wise decision.
When the production model was launched in August 1996, it bore a strong resemblance to the star of the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. Because it shared its front end with the 996 generation 911, there was no question about its lineage. The Boxster was a true Porsche. At the same time, its centrally mounted flat-six engine, which initially had a displacement of 2.5 liters and an output of 201 hp, was engineered to meet stricter emissions standards thanks to water cooling, four-valve technology and variable intake timing.
An increase in power and further model enhancements followed soon after. The first 986 Boxster generation received a larger 2.7-liter engine in the U.S. in 2000, initially with 217 hp and later with 225 hp. The newly launched Boxster S was powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine with 250 hp, which soon became 258 hp. The 987 generation followed in 2004 with a new design, standard 17-inch wheels (18-inches on the S model) and a redesigned interior. For the first time, performance enhancing options from the 997 generation of Porsche 911 such as optional PASM with variable damper characteristics, PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake) ceramic brakes and an optional Sport Chrono package were available. With unchanged displacement, the engines of the second generation Boxster delivered 225 hp and 258 hp, respectively. By the end of their production run, engine outputs had reached 255 hp from a displacement of 2.9 liters and 310 hp from a displacement of 3.4 liters. The optional PDK dual-clutch transmission also replaced the previously offered Tiptronic S automatic transmission. At the Los Angeles Auto Show 2009, the 320 hp Boxster Spyder model was introduced. Featuring a lightweight manual fabric top, shorter side windows and a unique rear decklid with striking bulges, it was the lightest Porsche available for sale at the time.
In 2012, Porsche presented the comprehensively restyled and visually sharpened 981 generation Boxster. Thanks to a completely new lightweight body and a fully revamped chassis, the newcomer was, more striking to look at, more capable in the corners and faster than ever before. The fully automated fabric roof did without a convertible top compartment lid, the axle overhangs were even shorter, and the windshield moved further forward. The updated boxer engines were equipped with direct gasoline injection and started out as a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine developing 265 hp and a 3.4-liter engine putting out 315 hp. In April 2014, the first GTS variant of the Boxster followed with 330 hp, offering a performance value proposition with many performance enhancing features as standard that were optional on the S model. One year later, the lightweight Boxster Spyder was undoubtedly the highlight of the range, with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter engine derived from the 911 Carrera S that delivered 375 hp, making the Spyder variant a particularly sensational car to drive – also because it was paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. It was the lightest Boxster of all 981 generation models.
The current 982 generation Porsche 718 Boxster models set a new course in January 2016, making their debut for the 2017 model year with four-cylinder turbo engines and enhanced styling. The 2.0-liter motor in the standard and T variants delivers 300 hp and the larger 2.5-liter boxer engine in the S model generates 350 hp thanks to a variable turbine geometry turbocharger. The 718 Boxster GTS followed shortly after with 365 hp. In mid-2019, the new 718 Spyder marked the top of the range. It shares a 414 hp 4.0-liter engine with the flagship Cayman model, the 718 Cayman GT4, and is the first Boxster model to be developed by the Porsche Motorsport department, sporting brakes and chassis components from the 911 GT3. Most recently, this six-cylinder engine also powers the 394 hp 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, which was introduced for the 2021 model year in the U.S.
Porsche has revealed the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The mid-engine race car from Weissach is based on the new, and recently revealed, 718 Cayman GT4 RS road car.
As with its road-going sibling, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped with a mighty 4.0 liter six-cylinder boxer engine. This high-revving power plant is taken directly from the 911 GT3 Cup race car and develops 500 hp in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport – 75 hp more than the previous GT4 Clubsport model.
Fitted as standard is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), replacing the GT4 Clubsport’s six-speed version. All gears feature shorter ratios than on the GT4 Clubsport.
The homologated 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is track-ready from the factory and can be used in SRO racing series around the world without further modifications. The starting price of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, which will be sold and distributed through Porsche Motorsport North America in the U.S., is $229,000, not including tax.
“We thrive on competition, and will always push for improvements,” said Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America. “This is what our customer teams expect of us and what we demand of ourselves at Porsche. Acting on their feedback, we’ve made the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport more capable than ever. It’s quicker, even more rewarding and confidence inspiring to drive – exactly what drivers competing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and SRO series need to be successful.“
Porsche began offering the Cayman GT4 Clubsport of the 981 generation in 2016, entering into this new customer racing format early with a competitive car, and 421 units were built up to 2018. In 2019, the next generation model debuted based on the 718 Cayman GT4. It was also a success: Around 500 units have been produced to date. The strong demand for these vehicles is also due to the low running costs. The use of proven series production technology combined with racing-specific components reduces the cost for customer teams.
“The GT4 Clubsport has a special place in my heart,” adds Holzmeyer. “As I’ve been deeply involved with the car from the start, ever since it first began development. Therefore, it’s also a personal ambition for me to continuously improve it, to make it better and better.”
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport in detail
The 500 hp 4.0 liter six-cylinder boxer engine is taken directly from the current 911 GT3 Cup racing car and is 18 percent more powerful than the 3.8 liter engine used in the previous model – the 718 GT4 Clubsport. Thanks to an optimized air intake, maximum power is achieved at 8,300 rpm – 800 rpm higher than previously. The new engine can rev up to 9,000 rpm and develops 343 lb.-ft. at 6,000 rpm, while the previous engine generated 313 lb.-ft. at 6,600 rpm. The result is a much wider, more usable power band of the new engine, improving the drivability of the car for pro-racers as well as amateur drivers alike.
The suspension of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport was also extensively enhanced. The damper technology was revised from the ground up to offer an optimized responsiveness and a further improvement in body control, making a significant impact on track performance and handling. Two-way racing adjustable shock absorbers with further improved valve characteristics as well as adjustable double-blade anti-roll bars, front and rear, are among the updates. Ride height, camber and toe are also adjustable. Additionally, three different spring rates for front and rear axle are available. Special NACA ducts in the front lid feed air efficiently to the large race braking system with 380 mm multi-piece rotors that are vented and slotted. The Porsche Stability Management-System (PSM) is programmed specifically for the track and includes a switch for traction control, ABS and an updated stability control programming.
The aerodynamics of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport have also been enhanced in great detail. Front dive planes as well as an enlarged front spoiler lip increase downforce at the front axle. Fender vents inspired by the 911 GT3 R and special air curtains calm the air flow around the front wheels, while the enclosed underbody optimizes air flow to the diffusor at the rear of the car. The swan neck rear wing has been fitted with a 20 millimeter long Gurney flap and gains two further stages of adjustability.
The previous 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport was the first series production race car to use body panels made of sustainable natural fiber composites. This material is being used even more extensively on the new GT4 RS Clubsport. In addition to the doors and the rear wing, the front lid, fenders, aerodynamic components at the front and the steering wheel consist of this material. The use of this flax-based fiber as an alternative to carbon-fiber composite can be tested in racing for a potential future use in road cars. Porsche has been using motorsport as a test bed for technology, processes and materials potentially capable of being used in road cars for more than 70 years.
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped to compete straight out of the box. This begins with the welded-in roll cage, as well as the longitudinally-adjustable Recaro racing seat, and extends to six-point harnesses with 2023 FIA standard, all the way to the fire extinguisher system and built-in air jack system with three jacks. The new foam on the driver’s side meets the international requirements of the SRO racing series. The FT3 fuel cell can accommodate up to 115 liters (30.4 gallons) of fuel, making it suitable for endurance racing. Additionally, Porsche offers two different exhaust systems, allowing the GT4 RS Clubsport to compete at tracks with stricter noise limits. Special Fitment preparations for homologated additional headlights or openings in the front lid for quick refueling allow a quick conversion to suit nighttime endurance racing.
Racing fans in the U.S. can look forward to seeing the car compete in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the SRO GT4 America and GT America series in the 2022 U.S. season. Interested customers can contact Porsche Motorsport North America at info@porschemotorsport.com.
The Executive Board at Porsche AG has given the green light to the development of an LMDh prototype. After a lengthy evaluation phase, Porsche Motorsport received the order to build a vehicle based on future regulations. From 2023, the LMDh cars will make up a new top class in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Both championships are hugely significant for the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. Porsche very much welcomed the introduction of the new class for hybrid prototypes when it was jointly announced by the organizers at ACO/WEC and IMSA.
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The racing cars, which tip the scales at around 1,000 kilograms, are powered by a hybrid system with an output of 500 kW (680 hp). “The new LMDh category allows us to fight for overall victories with a hybrid system at the Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring classics – without breaking the bank. The project is extremely attractive for Porsche. Endurance racing is part of our brand’s DNA,” explains Oliver Blume, CEO at Porsche AG. For the first time in more than 20 years, it will be possible to fight for overall victories with identical vehicles at endurance races around the world. Moreover, the new LMDh category focuses on high cost-efficiency. The cars are based on an upgraded LMP2 chassis, and the spec for the hybrid system including the control electronics is standardized. Chassis from four different manufacturers are available. Each brand is free to select the concept for the combustion engine and the body design within the framework of the regulations.
Michael Steiner, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG, adds: “In the medium term, Porsche focuses on three different drive concepts: fully electric vehicles, efficient plug-in hybrids and emotional combustion engines. We want to represent this trilogy in both the development of our cutting-edge road cars and in motorsport. We use the all-electric drive to contest the FIA Formula E as part of our works commitment, and the highly efficient and emotional combustion unit in GT racing. Now, the LMDh class closes the gap for us. There, powerful hybrid drives – like the ones that are mounted in many of our brand’s models – go up against each other. If the regulations eventually allowed the use of synthetic fuels, then that would be an even greater incentive for me in terms of sustainability.”
“I’d like to thank our board of directors for the immense confidence they have in the motorsport strategy we’ve developed,” explains Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Motorsport. “We hold a record with our 19 outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we’ve climbed to the top podium step many times at major races in the USA. We can continue this tradition with an LMDh vehicle while at the same time keeping costs reasonable. There has been huge interest from other manufacturers. I hope we can pick up where we left off with the famous clashes against many other marques in the eighties and nineties. That would give the entire motor racing scene a huge boost.”
High-performance hybrid drives have enjoyed a long and extremely successful tradition at Porsche Motorsport. In 2010 and 2011, the revolutionary Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid set new benchmarks at races on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. At that time, there was no other comparable vehicle with a hybrid drive. Between 2014 and 2017, the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart underlined its expertise in the field of highly efficient, high-performance hybrid drives with the 919 Hybrid. In the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the LMP1 class prototype achieved a hat trick, winning three times in a row at the Le Mans 24-hour classic. Porsche also clinched the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship titles three times straight.
While many Porsche owners around the world lock their cars away when winter arrives, some brave owners go ice racing!
On a track built on top of thick ice, interesting and historically significant cars slipped and slithered and raced their way into the history books. Many, in the controlled environment of the race track, towed ski racers behind them in a renaissance of the lost art of skijöring. Two Porsche brand ambassadors were among them: LeMans driver Jörg Bergmeister had the Norwegian Olympic ski champion Aksel Lund Svindal in tow.
Watching the 16,000-strong crowd is almost as fascinating as watching the cars at the GP Ice Race, with a real mixture of people mingling in a shared enthusiasm for all things four-wheeled.
The GP Ice Race is like a Goodwood on Ice. In terms of numbers of cars and guests, there are many similarities to when the Goodwood Festival of Speed first started in 1993, but it is aimed at a new generation of motor racing fans for whom the party and the social media moments are as important as who finished which race in what position.
Porsche just released this great short that features some of their most iconic machines racing through historic German landscapes. The Heist takes you on a heart-pounding chase with an all-star cast of cars from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
The new all-electric Taycan escapes the museum and is chased down by the storied 917K, Carrera GT, 918 Spyder, 911 RSR, 718 Cayman GT4, 911 Carrera 4S, 930 Turbo, and 911 GT2 RS. The story gives a visual history of iconic Porsche cars that share a common sports car soul, and the story features an unexpected plot twist.
The Flat Six Is Back for the 718 GTS Models. (718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0)
Porsche is bringing in more mid-engine flat six models for those of us who miss the bark associated with historical Porsche engines.
It was announced on January 15th, 2020 that the new 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS models will be getting the same 414 horsepower 4.0 liter engine that is featured in the 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4. A variable intake manifold with switchable resonance valves ensures optimal ventilation. As well as direct fuel injection (DFI), integrated dry-sump lubrication and adaptive cylinder control. Redline is 8000rpm and maximum torque is over 300 lb-ft at 5000.
The new mid-engine GTS models will accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is over 185 MPH. The new models will begin shipping in late March.
A film team spent several months accompanying the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team on its road to the first fully-electric racing series in the world. The 26-minute video not only reviews the most important milestones and the successful debut at the Diriyah E-Prix in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), but also offers viewers new and exclusive insights into the world of Porsche Motorsport.
“Porsche has enjoyed countless successes at racetracks around the world, not least at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. As such, we have high expectations of ourselves,” says Amiel Lindesay, Head of Operations for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. “Following intense preparations, we have now arrived in the first fully-electric racing series and are also playing a significant role in shaping the future of motorsport in this environment,” says regular driver André Lotterer. “In doing so, we are learning all the time,” adds team-mate Neel Jani. “Particularly when we go up against the opposition.”
Success in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship is not only important for motorsport. Porsche introduces innovations from the racetrack into its production operations. Findings from motorsport always have a significant influence on the sports cars of tomorrow. “Porsche sees itself as a pioneer in sustainable sporty mobility,” explains Malte Huneke, Technical Project Leader with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team: “Battery-powered cars are currently the central issue in the automobile industry, with the goal being to reduce CO2 emissions. We are already on our way to achieving that goal.”
Porsche has opened another Porsche Studio in Taoyuan, the biggest aviation city in Taiwan. It is the first of its kind in this market and the third in South East Asia. The new Porsche Studio is located in Taoyuan Art Plaza, an artistic area in the region, where extraordinary art meets local artists.
“We are more than delighted to present the new Porsche Studio Taoyuan, which offers fans and enthusiasts a sophisticated combination of fascinating sports cars and intriguing lifestyle products. With an exclusive, relaxing as well as life-oriented atmosphere, we expect the new Porsche Studio to be an exciting destination for customers,” says Mathias Busse, CEO of Porsche Taiwan.
Porsche Taiwan is collaborating with its long-term partner PGUM to continuously develop the retail landscape by introducing new formats. Starting points were the Porsche NOW sales pop-ups in Taipei and Tainan, the Porsche Studio in Taoyuan is the next big step. It offers customers and fans Porsche’s diverse attractions beyond vehicles, from brand heritage to modern lifestyle with the aim of bonding closer with them.
The brand-new Porsche Studio Taoyuan offers a large LED wall and an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere inside. Within the new location, various themes await customers to immerse in: “E-Performance” highlights the brand’s progress towards electromobility; “Porsche Driver’s Selection” and “Tequipment” showcase a series of exclusive lifestyle products and accessories; “Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur” is where customization takes place and finally, “Heritage Wall” presents Porsche history, guiding people through the fascination of over seven decades..
In addition, together with Porsche Centre Taoyuan, Porsche Taiwan is introducing two special in-store job roles, offering visitors distinctive experiences: “Host” and “Porsche Pro”. “Hosts” serve visitors in a professional and personalized way, aiming to make them chill out and feel at home. With profound knowledge of Porsche’s history and products, the “Porsche Pro” guides visitors through the world of the brand and shares the passion for sportscars.
The Porsche Studios are part of Porsche’s Future Retail Strategy. The aim is to be, where customers are and to attract new target groups in city centers.
After more than 30 years, Porsche returns to single-seater racing by entering Formula E. In addition to traditional GT road-going sports cars, fully electric sports cars are firmly anchored in Porsche’s future strategy. Both should be reflected in the Porsche world of motorsport in the future. A large part of the corporation’s ‘Mission E’ is also the presence and success in motorsport with race cars with electric drive.
“In hindsight, we laid the foundations for Porsche’s future involvement in Formula E during the LMP1 project. We used the insights gained during that time in the development of the Porsche Formula E powertrain. We focussed on building a highly effective powertrain with the highest level of efficiency,” says Malte Huneke, Technical Project Leader Formula E. The 800-volt technology used in Formula E is also used in the series production of the fully electric Porsche sports car, the Taycan. In addition, energy management and efficiency are the keys to success in both Formula E and series production. This is where the permanent synchronous motor comes into play which has an important role in optimising the drive concept.
“In recent months, we have been able to sound out the reliability of the Porsche Formula E powertrain on the racetrack and on the test bench. We are very pleased and are optimistic going into the final preparations for the first race,” says Huneke. “In the coming weeks, we will focus on the performance of the Porsche 99X Electric. This is the next step on the road to the Porsche works entry in Formula E,” says Amiel Lindesay, who is from now on Head of Operations Formula E. The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team will make its first official appearance in mid-October 2019 at the Formula E test at Valencia (Spain). “Both Porsche 99X Electric will take to the racetrack there for the first time, with Neel Jani and André Lotterer in the cockpit. From an operational perspective, it will be an exciting assignment for everyone involved. A good test before we contest our first Formula E race in November,” says Lindesay.
