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(from Porsche Press Release)
The Boxster S model is an even higher performance version of the Porsche
Boxster. It has an exclusive 3.2-liter “boxer” six-cylinder engine, a
standard six-speed manual ransmission, more athletic suspension tuning,
an additional front air intake and a third radiator, standard 17-inch
wheels and larger brakes. The exterior has distinctive titanium-colored
trim and the interior features unique gauges and trim.
Like the Boxster, the Boxster S has been
enhanced for the 2003 model year with a variety of significant new
features. Changes in its VarioCam® variable valve timing technology and
new Motronic ME 7.8 engine management software system enable the
3.2-liter “boxer” to generate an amazing 258 horsepower (SAE) at 6,200
rpm. The 2002 model provided 250 horsepower (SAE).
The torque rating is 229 lb.-ft., with a
beefy torque curve that provides 85 percent of peak power at only 2,000
rpm, assuring the Boxster S of outstanding response even at low speeds.
To handle such power, the standard
six-speed manual transmission has been upgraded with revisions to its
single-plate drive clutch.
Thanks to its more powerful engine and
revised transmission, the Boxster S accelerates from a standing start to
100 km/h (62 mph) in only 5.7 seconds, a figure that is two-tenths of a
second quicker than the 2002 Boxster S. But even with such impressive
power figures, fuel economy figures have improved.
Like the 2003 Boxster, the 2003 Boxster S
has a new top with a glass window and a wider range of standard
equipment. New front and rear fascia improve the appearance and the
aerodynamic efficiency of the Boxster S. Along with its revised front
and rear fascias, the Boxster S also has redesigned twin exhaust pipes.
The high-performance roadster also gets
new rear stabilizer bars that are longer (19 mm vs. 18.5 last year) and
thicker (2.7 mm vs. 2.5).
The car’s already amazing performance can
be enhanced even more through the availability of new light-alloy wheels
that reduce unsprung weight. The new standard 17-inch wheels reduce
unsprung weight by more than half a pound at each corner. The new,
optional 18-inch wheels cut nearly 24 pounds of unsprung weight from the
vehicle, a remarkable 22 percent reduction that directly results in more
responsive handling.
Also new for the 2003 model year are
Porsche’s new Communication Management systems (PCM) that incorporates
tuners, CD player, navigation system and trip computer, all connected to
each other through the new Media-Oriented Systems Transport (MOST)
digital databus.
The Boxster S continues to provide such
safety technology as its patented crumple-zone body structure,
inertia-reel three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters,
dual front airbags, door-mounted side airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Boron steel tubing reinforcements around the windshield and supplemental
safety bars behind the seats help provide protection in rollover
accidents. The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system is available as
an option. |
