Porsche Boxster / 718 Boxster History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Boxster debuted at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show as a concept and went into production for the 1997 model year, becoming an immediate critical and commercial hit. Porsche was in financial difficulty in the early 1990s and the Boxster — named for its Boxer engine and roadster body — was crucial to the company's turnaround, broadening appeal beyond the 911.
Three generations have been sold under the Boxster name (986, 2005–2012 987, 2012–2016 981) before the 718 rebrand in 2016 introduced turbocharged flat-fours to replace the naturally aspirated flat-sixes, a move that sparked spirited debate among enthusiasts. The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 and Spyder subsequently reinstated the naturally aspirated flat-six. In October 2025, Porsche ceased production of the 718 Boxster.
Generations
First generation (986) · 986
The original water-cooled mid-engine roadster that rescued Porsche financially — shared components with the 996 911.
1996 Photo: “Stuttgart Jul 2012 54 (Porsche Museum - 1996 Porsche Boxster)” by Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation (987) · 987
Refined styling, more distinct from the 911, and the introduction of the Cayman coupe sibling.
2011 Photo: “2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder (94106)” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Third generation (981) · 981
Lighter, sharper, and widely regarded as the finest naturally aspirated Boxster.
2015 Photo: “2015 Porsche Boxster Spyder 3” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2016 Photo: “2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder (92088)” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Fourth generation (718, 982) · 718 Boxster
Turbocharged flat-four with the 718 nameplate revival; later GTS 4.0 and Spyder brought back the natural-aspiration flat-six.
2020 Photo: “2020 Porsche 718 Spyder 5” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2021 Photo: “2021 Porsche 718 Spyder 3” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2022 Photo: “2022 Porsche 718 Spyder 2” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2023 Photo: “2023 Porsche 718 Spyder” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2024 Photo: “2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS 5” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- Roadster (convertible)
Notable special editions & performance variants
Boxster Spyder
Lightweight, stripped roadster variant across multiple generations — closest to a road-going racer in the Boxster lineup.
718 Boxster GTS 4.0
Reinstated the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six in the 718-era Boxster — 394 hp and a high-revving soundtrack.
Related models
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