2008 Porsche Boxster (987.2) 2.9L 6MT RWD (256 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Porsche enjoyed great success with the second generation of the Boxster, the 987, and introduced a facelifted version in 2009, known as the 987.2 model, which came with significant improvements.

The German automaker ditched the former 2.7-liter M96 engine from its lineup when it introduced the 987.2 version of the Boxster in 2009, and the M97 powerplant was new from the ground up. In addition, the automaker introduced the double-clutch gearbox, also known as the PDK, which considerably reduced gear changes compared to the previous Tiptronic S transmission that was based on a torque-converter system. Furthermore, it offered seven gears instead of five as its predecessor. Besides these two major improvements, the automaker updated the car’s styling, both inside and the outside. Unfortunately, though, the financial crisis that started in late 2008 affected sales, and Porsche struggled to stay afloat during those years.

While the engineering department was busy developing the new engine and gearbox, the design team worked on the car’s exterior. At the front, the car featured new LED daytime running lights with four bulbs placed in the lower part of the bumper, above the side scoops. The redesigned apron included a third center air intake and a lower lip spoiler, emphasizing the car’s sporty character. For the first time, Porsche offered the Boxster with bi-Xenon headlights, resembling the mighty Carrera GT supercar.

From its profile, the car’s aggressive stance remained largely the same, although there were a few changes here and there. For instance, the side lights mounted between the wrapped-around bumper and the front wheel arches were with LEDs. Porsche also added a fresh set of side sills that enhanced the Boxster’s aerodynamics. Another significant upgrade was noticed at the back, where the car featured redesigned taillights with LEDs and clear areas for the turn signal lamps. The reversing lights were placed on the lower side instead of the upper one, as on the 987.1 (pre-facelifted) version. The retractable wing behind the rear trunk’s lid could be manually deployed or retracted by the driver via a button. Furthermore, it allowed them to set the height of that aerodynamic device. Like all the previous Boxsters, the 987.2 featured an oval exhaust that peaked out from underneath the rear bumper.

Inside, the high-quality materials and the level of craftsmanship were already on par with what the Porsche 911 offered. There were plenty of storage spaces inside the roadster, which was unusual. The automaker installed one in the center console, a glovebox in front of the side passenger, and two others, with lids, in the door cards. Furthermore, two retractable cup holders found their place above the glovebox. For vehicles fitted with the available Chrono package, the car manufacturer added a chronometer atop the dashboard. Fronting the driver was the same oval-shaped instrument cluster as before, where the tachometer took center stage, flanked by the speedometer on the left and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right dials. All of them sported a display at their bottom for additional information from the car’s onboard computer, including the odometer.

Behind the cabin, Porsche placed a fresh M97 engine with a 2.9-liter displacement that provided ten more ponies than the previous 2.7-liter unit. Even though that wasn’t a massive increase in numbers, it was enough to rocket the car in under six seconds from 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) on its way to a top speed of 263 kph (163 mph) when equipped with the standard six-speed manual.