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Porsche Boxster

The roadster that helped rescue Porsche, from a 201 hp flat-six to a 493 hp Spyder RS.12

Researched October 28, 2026 from 38 sources

Also called

  • hairdresser’s carA teasing label used by a friend in a 986 owner's account.3

At a glance

0250500
201–493 hpPower
0510
3.2–7.4 s0–60 mph
0175350
235–307.4 km/hTop speed
0250500
245.4–450 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,250–1,454 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.26111415

Engine
2.5–4.0 L flat-6; 718 also offers 2.0/2.5 L turbo flat-461112
Layout
Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive6
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual; 5-speed Tiptronic S, replaced by 7-speed PDK in 2009489
Built at
Germany: Zuffenhausen, Osnabrück; Finland: Valmet Uusikaupunki (986/987)6813
Units built
More than 357,000 by January 20211

The story

Horst Marchart pushed for a roadster priced below the 911. The Boxster put its flat-six ahead of the rear axle; parts shared with the 996 helped Porsche return to profitable production.14

1993: Larson's Boxster concept lands in Detroit19931996: 986 launches in Europe, then the U.S.19962000: 2.7 L base and 3.2 L S join the range20002004: 987 production begins; PDK follows in 200920042012: 981 gains 60 mm of wheelbase20122016: 718 brings turbo fours and a racing name20162021: 1,250 concept-inspired Boxster 25 Years20212023: 493 hp and 9,000 rpm in the Spyder RS20232025: Boxster production ends in October2025 Porsche 550 Spyder (550): From 1953550Porsche 550 A Spyder (550 A): From 1956550 APorsche 718 RSK (718 RSK): From 1957718 RSKPorsche Boxster concept: 1993 conceptPorsche Boxster conceptPorsche Boxster (986): 1996–2004986Porsche Boxster (987): 2004–2012987Porsche Boxster (981): 2012–2016981Porsche 718 Boxster (982): 2016–2025982 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones56810111620
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
From 1953Porsche 550 Spyder (550)
From 1956Porsche 550 A Spyder (550 A)
From 1957Porsche 718 RSK (718 RSK)
1993 conceptPorsche Boxster concept
1996–2004Porsche Boxster (986)
2004–2012Porsche Boxster (987)
2012–2016Porsche Boxster (981)
2016–2025Porsche 718 Boxster (982)
1993Larson's Boxster concept lands in Detroit
1996986 launches in Europe, then the U.S.
20002.7 L base and 3.2 L S join the range
2004987 production begins; PDK follows in 2009
2012981 gains 60 mm of wheelbase
2016718 brings turbo fours and a racing name
20211,250 concept-inspired Boxster 25 Years
2023493 hp and 9,000 rpm in the Spyder RS
2025Boxster production ends in October
  1. 1993

    Larson's Boxster concept lands in Detroit

    Grant Larson designed the Detroit concept with boss Harm Lagaaij's input. "Boxster" blends "boxer" and "roadster".5

  2. 1996

    986 launches in Europe, then the U.S.

    The 986 (1996–2004) reached Europe in 1996 and the U.S. in 1997, starting with a water-cooled 2.5 L flat-six rated at 201 hp.16

  3. 2000

    2.7 L base and 3.2 L S join the range

    The 986 base grew to 2.7 L/217 hp and the new 3.2 L S made 250 hp. Later outputs rose to 225/258 hp; the S gained a glass rear window for 2003.17

  4. 2004

    987 production begins; PDK follows in 2009

    Made through 2012, the 987 began with 2.7 L/236 hp and 3.2 L/276 hp sixes. For 2009: 2.9 L/255 hp base, direct-injected 3.4 L/310 hp S, and PDK.89

  5. 2012

    981 gains 60 mm of wheelbase

    The 981 (2012–2016) paired a 315 hp, 3.4 L S with a wheelbase stretched 60 mm, up to 35 kg less weight and the family's first electric steering.110

  6. 2016

    718 brings turbo fours and a racing name

    The 982 (2016–2025) revived 718 branding: a 2.0 L turbo four with 300 hp, or 2.5 L/350 hp in the S, whose turbo used variable turbine geometry.1112

  7. 2021

    1,250 concept-inspired Boxster 25 Years

    Based on the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, this 394 hp anniversary model echoed the 1993 concept with coppery Neodyme details and a red top.1

  8. 2023

    493 hp and 9,000 rpm in the Spyder RS

    Revealed for 2024, the 718 Spyder RS added a 493 hp GT3-derived 4.0 L six, seven-speed PDK and a two-piece, manually operated roof.2

  9. 2025

    Boxster production ends in October

    Production stopped in October 2025 after four generations of the mid-engine roadster.13

Every generation

  • Porsche 550 Spyder
    550From 1953
  • Porsche 550 A Spyder
    550 AFrom 1956
  • Porsche 718 RSK
    718 RSKFrom 1957
  • Porsche 914
    914
  • Porsche 968
    968
  • Porsche Boxster concept
    Porsche Boxster concept1993 concept
  • Porsche Boxster
    9861996–2004
  • Porsche Boxster
    9872004–2012
  • Porsche Boxster
    9812012–2016
  • Porsche 718 Boxster
    9822016–2025

Power over the years

From 201 hp to 493 hp in 28 years.

0200400600 1995200020052010201520202025 hp 1996 · 201 hp · 986 2.5 L2000 · 217 hp · 986 2.7 L (U.S.)2000 · 250 hp · 986 S 3.2 L2007 · 295 hp · 987.1 S 3.4 L2009 · 310 hp · 987.2 S 3.4 L2009 · 320 hp · Boxster Spyder debut2014 · 330 hp · 981 Boxster GTS2015 · 375 hp · 981 Spyder 3.8 L, manual only2017 · 365 hp · 718 Boxster GTS 2.5 L2021 · 394 hp · 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 (U.S.)2024 · 493 hp · 718 Spyder RS (2024 model year) 493 hp 718 Spyder RS (2024 model year) 201 hp 986 2.5 L
1268101316
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1996201986 2.5 L
2000217986 2.7 L (U.S.)
2000250986 S 3.2 L
2007295987.1 S 3.4 L
2009310987.2 S 3.4 L
2009320Boxster Spyder debut
2014330981 Boxster GTS
2015375981 Spyder 3.8 L, manual only
2017365718 Boxster GTS 2.5 L
2021394718 Boxster GTS 4.0 (U.S.)
2024493718 Spyder RS (2024 model year)

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Boxster / Boxster S (987)

    2005–2012

  • 718 Boxster T

    Performance

    718 Boxster T

    2020–2025

    300 hp
  • Boxster GTS (981)

    Performance

    Boxster GTS (981)

    330 hp
  • 718 Boxster GTS / GTS 4.0

    Performance

    718 Boxster GTS / GTS 4.0

  • Boxster Spyder (987)

    Performance

    Boxster Spyder (987)

    320 hp
  • 718 Spyder

    Performance

    718 Spyder

    2019–2025

    414 hp
  • 718 Spyder RS

    Performance

    718 Spyder RS

    493 hp
  • Boxster S RS 60 Spyder

    Limited

    Boxster S RS 60 Spyder

    2008

    299 hp

    1,960 built

  • Boxster 25 Years

    Limited

    Boxster 25 Years

    2021

    394 hp
  • Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2

    Limited

    Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2

    2009

    299 hp

    500 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Two-seat roadster body rather than the Cayman's fastback coupe shape.13
  • Original 2.5-liter 986: a single exhaust outlet in the center.1314
  • Early 987: large silver side vents with horizontal slats.8
  • 981: a flatter silhouette and sharper body contours.4
  • 718: a black trim bar connects the taillights across the rear.11

Year by year

  1. 2003 model year (986)

    Glass replaces the plastic rear window; clearer indicators, reshaped bumpers and body-color side-intake grilles freshen the S.67

  2. 2005 (987)

    New Carrera GT-style headlights and larger silver side intakes with pronounced horizontal slats.8

  3. 2009 (987)

    Larger front intakes gain daytime running lights; new headlights, taillights and twin rear diffusers identify the facelift.8

  4. 2012 (981)

    The windshield moves forward and the overhangs shrink; the powered fabric roof loses its separate compartment lid.1

  5. 2017 model year (718/982)

    A dark cross-car strip joins the taillights; larger, two-fin side-intake panels and reworked headlights sharpen the shape.11112

  6. 2023 Style Edition

    Style Edition: Ruby Star Neo, 20-inch Spyder wheels and Boxster roof lettering; black/white packs add hood stripes and side logos.19

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Porsche Boxster
    Boxster
    Photo of a Porsche Cayman
    Porsche Cayman

    Porsche Cayman

    Cayman has a fastback coupe roof and rear hatch; the Boxster has an open roadster body.813

Against its rivals

  • Boxster vs BMW Z3 2.8 (1997)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Boxster6.2 s
    BMW Z3 2.8 (1997)6.3 s
    14
  • Mercedes-Benz SLK (1997)

    Boxster vs Mercedes-Benz SLK (1997)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Boxster6.2 s
    Mercedes-Benz SLK (1997)7.2 s
    14

Prices

Price when newAuction sale
$0$50K$100K$150K$200K 200020052010201520202025 1997 · $41,284 · US base, Boxster2011 · $62,750 · US base, Spyder2011 · $68,420 · US as tested, Spyder2013 · $61,850 · US base, S2013 · $85,410 · US as tested, S2016 · $59,100 · US Black Edition, excl. destination2017 · $56,000 · US base, 718; excl. destination2017 · $68,400 · US base, 718 S; excl. destination2021 · $98,600 · US base, 25 Years; excl. delivery2024 · $160,700 · US base, Spyder RS; excl. delivery 1997 · $41,284 · US base price, 1997 model year 2018 · $52,000 · 2011 Spyder PDK, 36k miles, modified, BaT2025 · $80,501 · 2011 Spyder PDK, 5k miles, BaT2025 · $14,252 · 2008 Boxster 5-speed, 83k miles, BaT2025 · $15,550 · 1997 Boxster 5-speed, 43k miles, BaT2025 · $27,000 · 2004 S 550 Anniversary Edition, 50k miles, BaT2025 · $56,981 · 2015 GTS 6-speed, 76k miles, BaT2026 · $118,000 · 2016 Spyder manual, 21k miles, tuned, BaT2026 · $71,287 · 2011 Spyder PDK, 19k miles, BaT2026 · $61,500 · 2018 718 Boxster PDK, 15k miles, BaT2026 · $78,500 · 2021 718 GTS 4.0 6-speed, 19k miles, BaT $118.0K BaT, 2026
12121421272829303132333435363738
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1997Launch price$41,284US base price, 1997 model year
1997Price when new$41,284US base, Boxster
2011Price when new$62,750US base, Spyder
2011Price when new$68,420US as tested, Spyder
2013Price when new$61,850US base, S
2013Price when new$85,410US as tested, S
2016Price when new$59,100US Black Edition, excl. destination
2017Price when new$56,000US base, 718; excl. destination
2017Price when new$68,400US base, 718 S; excl. destination
2021Price when new$98,600US base, 25 Years; excl. delivery
2024Price when new$160,700US base, Spyder RS; excl. delivery
2018Auction sale$52,0002011 Spyder PDK, 36k miles, modified, BaT
2025Auction sale$80,5012011 Spyder PDK, 5k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$14,2522008 Boxster 5-speed, 83k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$15,5501997 Boxster 5-speed, 43k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$27,0002004 S 550 Anniversary Edition, 50k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$56,9812015 GTS 6-speed, 76k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$118,0002016 Spyder manual, 21k miles, tuned, BaT
2026Auction sale$71,2872011 Spyder PDK, 19k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$61,5002018 718 Boxster PDK, 15k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$78,5002021 718 GTS 4.0 6-speed, 19k miles, BaT

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “550 A at Targa, RS 60 at Sebring”
    • “Stock brakes, race suspension”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 10 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. New limited-edition anniversary model: Boxster 25 Years - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  2. 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS becomes the pinnacle of open-top, mid-engine driving - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  3. Hairdresser’s Car | PCA UCR pcaucr.org
  4. Boxing clever: how the idea for the Porsche Boxster was born - Porsche Newsroom CH newsroom.porsche.com
  5. The Boxster sports car concept: trendsetting design and clever detailed solutions - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  6. Porsche Boxster (986) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. Model Boxster S (type 986) | Porsche USA porsche.com
  8. Porsche Boxster and Cayman (987) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  9. Model Boxster S (type 987) | Porsche Australia porsche.com
  10. Porsche Boxster and Cayman (981) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman (982) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  12. Powerful Purity: The new Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  13. Porsche Boxster and Cayman - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  14. Two Seats the German Way: 1997 Convertible Comparo caranddriver.com
  15. No Reserve: 19k-Mile 1998 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,400 on October 7, 2026 (Lot #267,079) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  16. Used Porsche Boxster Mk2 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  17. Porsche introduces Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS models prnewswire.com
  18. World premiere for the new Boxster Spyder - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  19. The Porsche 718 heads into 2023 in Style - Porsche Newsroom USA newsroom.porsche.com
  20. Time travel: The Porsche 718 - Porsche Newsroom newsroom.porsche.com
  21. 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder First Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  22. BRSCC | PORSCHE CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCHES NEW SPORT BOXSTER CLASS FOR 2019 brscc.co.uk
  23. Kyle-Henney and Forber Seal Porsche Titles at Snetterton — PorscheSport | Latest Motorsport News & Interviews porschesport.com
  24. Porsche Challenge - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Porsche Challenge: The Roadster Revolution – GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  26. Used Porsche 718 Boxster (Mk4, 2016-2025) buyer’s guide: sublime to own and cheaper than you’d think | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  27. 2013 Porsche Boxster S Tested: So Good caranddriver.com
  28. In elegant black: Porsche 911 Carrera and Boxster Black Editions prnewswire.com
  29. 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $52,000 on January 29, 2018 (Lot #7,877) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 21k-Mile 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $118,000 on June 23, 2026 (Lot #249,176) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 19k-Mile 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $71,287 on September 24, 2026 (Lot #264,837) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $61,500 on September 19, 2026 (Lot #263,899) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 19k-Mile 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $78,500 on July 21, 2026 (Lot #253,447) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 5k-Mile 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $80,501 on December 31, 2025 (Lot #225,476) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2008 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,252 on November 24, 2025 (Lot #221,031) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 43k-Mile 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,550 on November 6, 2025 (Lot #218,455) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 50k-Mile 2004 Porsche Boxster S 550 Anniversary Edition 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,000 on September 23, 2025 (Lot #211,387) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2015 Porsche Boxster GTS 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $56,981 on May 29, 2025 (Lot #193,782) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • newsroom.porsche.com
  • pcaucr.org
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • porsche.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • prnewswire.com
  • motortrend.com
  • brscc.co.uk
  • porschesport.com
  • gtplanet.net

Photo credits

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