www.QV500.com - Porsche 986 Boxster Part 3: Boxster 3.2 S
 
Introduced alongside the 2.7-litre Boxster at Frankfurt in September 1999, Porsche's S-badged version was the ultimate incarnation. Output rose by around 25% and torque another 30%, providing almost enough performance to match the considerably more expensive 996 Cabriolet. To handle that extra power, the S got re-tuned and uprated springs with firmer dampers and thicker anti-roll bars. Larger cross-drilled discs were 318mm diameter at the front and 299mm at the rear, these being sourced from the 996. Improved brake calipers were distinctively painted red, the S wheels having been 17-inches as standard.
   

Displacement was increased to 3179cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 93 x 78mm respectively, compression going unchanged at 11.0:1. With improved cylinder heads and a Motronic ME7.2 engine management system from the Carrera 4, output jumped to 252bhp at 6250rpm. Moreover, the S motor also featured an E-gas drive-by-wire throttle linkage and new two-stage induction manifold that allowed the engine to rev higher and strengthened bottom-end performance. Other changes saw a six-speed gearbox originally developed for the 996 installed (albeit with a taller ratio on sixth) along with a bigger clutch, mainly to cope with the considerably higher torque loads. Once again, Tiptronic S with steering wheel-mounted shift buttons and a fully automatic mode was available via the options list. With a 164mph top speed and 0-60 in just 5.8 seconds, the Boxster had finally fulfilled its potential. Aesthetically, a couple of tell-tale changes were made, the S getting a front spoiler with a centrally-positioned third radiator cooling duct. Two exhaust pipes peeked out from an otherwise unchanged valance and there was new Boxster S tail scripting. Otherwise though, the new car was identical to the 2.7. Inside, the dash was normally equipped with a soft black finish, an improved hood liner covering the internal framework and reducing noise. White-backed instruments got alloy-look rims and although those cars destined for most markets got alcantara seats as standard, the UK S all had leather and air conditioning as standard. For the 2003 model year (introduced in September 2002), Porsche launched subtly face-lifted Boxster's with slightly more potent engines. The revised Boxster S was now producing 260bhp at 6200rpm (up from 252bhp), this thanks largely to the adoption of the latest Variocam technology. Top speed was marginally higher (now 165mph) whilst 0-60 remained unchanged.

 
A few subtle visual teaks helped identify these post 09/02 cars, larger nose-mounted radiator ducts with two body coloured blades having been the most obvious. A similar teatment was carried out on the side-mounted engine cooling scoops, the deeper rear bumper being modified with meshed grilles either side of the exhaust pipes. During the 2004 model year, Porsche then launched an even more powerful Boxster S to celebrate the 550 Spyder's 50th birthday. Limited to 1953 examples, the Boxster S Anniversary Edition premiered at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2004 and deliveries began that spring.
   
Thanks mainly to a specially styled free-flow exhaust with a stainless-steel tailpipe, output was up by 6bhp to 266bhp at 6200rpm. A short-shift gear lever led to a 15% reduction in travel, the sport suspension being dropped by 10mm. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) was installed as standard whilst the cross-drilled brake discs were still 318mm at the front and 299 at the rear. 18-inch Carrera wheels had spokes painted Seal Grey and Porsche crests adorning each hub, the four-piston monobloc aluminum brake calipers being completed with an alloy paint finish. 5mm wheel spacers were fitted at each corner lending an even more aggressive appearance. With a 166mph top speed (up from 165mph) and 0-60 taking just 5.7 seconds, this was the quickest Boxster yet. It also featured several nice aesthetic details, the grilles housed in the rear strut openings becoming body coloured and the Boxster S tail script polished chrome. Each car was finished in GT Silver Metallic, a colour previusly reserved for the Carrera GT and 40th Anniversary 996. Inside, the high-spec cabin got roll-over bars matching the interior shade, an on-board computer, Litronic headlamps and a cleaning system as standard. Leather was used to cover the centre console, the heated sport seats, the handbrake lever, the gear lever, the grap handles and the sports steering wheel. The seat backs, the rear section of the centre console, the handbrake lever, the grooved bar on the dashboard, the switch panel and the back of the roll-over bars were all finished in GT Silver. A limited-edition plaque adorned the centre console whilst air conditioning, the Porsche CDR-23 radio and wind-deflectors were all standard. The 986 Boxster S was discontinued after the 2004 model year to make way for Porsche's heavily revised 987.