| Side airbags were fitted to all but the very earliest 2.7's as standard, leather being used for the steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake and grab handles. New Tiptronic S allowed drivers to manually override from automatic mode to fingertip shifting, but this was still an expensive option. More subtle changes were subsequently introduced from September 2000 (for the 2001 model year), a much improved instrument panel similar to that of the 996 being used. At the same time, Porsche added their stability management system (PSM) to the options list. Visually, the Boxster bodywork had remained unchanged since the 2.5 went into production back in autumn 1996. This was to change for the 2003 model year cars. They arrived in showrooms from September 2002, Porsche introducing a subtly face-lifted 2.7 with a slightly more potent engine. Output was up from 220 to 228bhp at 6300rpm, this thanks largely to the latest Variocam technology. As a result, 0-60 took a tenth of a second less (6.3 seconds) whilst top speed rose to 157mph. Although Porsche's designers tampered little with the universally admired bodywork, there were a few little teaks that help identify these post September '02 variants. At the front, larger nose-mounted radiator ducts got two body coloured horizontal blades, a similar effect being used for the side-mounted engine cooling scoops. A deeper rear bumper with meshed vents either side of the the centrally exiting exhaust pipe was the only other change. Production continued until the heavily revised 987 Boxster was introduced for the 2005 model year. |
