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Porsche Boxster: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Porsche Boxster is a compact, mid-engine two-seat convertible sports car known for balanced handling, precise steering, and open-top driving. It is the smaller, more intimate alternative to the Porsche 911.
Across its generations, the Boxster has stayed focused on balance and a close connection between the driver and the road. Its engine sits behind the seats, helping the car respond quickly and predictably. Naturally aspirated flat-six power, rear-wheel drive, and a true two-seat roadster layout defined the 2009-2016 models covered here.
Strengths
- Its mid-engine layout gives it quick, predictable responses and balanced handling.
- The precise steering helps the driver feel closely connected to the road.
- The power fabric roof delivers a genuine open-air sports-car experience.
- Its compact size and everyday usability make it more approachable than many highly focused sports cars.
- The naturally aspirated flat-six engines in 2009-2016 models are central to the car’s responsive character.
Who it's for
The Boxster fits someone who values responsive handling and top-down driving more than passenger space. It makes sense for an enthusiast who wants a sports car that feels special on a winding road but remains usable for everyday trips, provided two seats are enough.
Porsche Boxster lineup
Pick the Base model for the core Boxster experience without moving up the performance ladder. The S adds stronger performance while keeping the same balanced roadster character. In the later 981 years, the GTS became the more performance-focused step above the S, while the Spyder served as the lighter, manual-only top model for drivers willing to trade some everyday ease for a sharper experience. The Black Edition is an occasional special edition centered more on dark styling and bundled comfort and technology features than on changing the Boxster’s basic personality.
Porsche Boxster generations
From 2009 to 2016, the Boxster spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation — 981 arrived for 2013, following the 2nd Generation — 987.2 (2009–2012).
3rd Generation — 981 (2013–2016)
The 981 redesign brought a lighter aluminum-and-steel body, a longer wheelbase, a fully powered fabric roof, and updated naturally aspirated flat-six engines. It was the final Boxster generation before the 718 redesign and switch to turbocharged engines.
16 In Stock
2016Trim changes
The lighter, manual-only 375-hp Spyder joins as the top model, along with a black-themed Black Edition.
2015Trim changes
The base, S, and GTS models carry over without a major update.
2014
The second year of the 981 generation brings no significant changes.
2013New generation
The all-new 981 gets a lighter body, longer wheelbase, fully powered fabric roof, and updated flat-six engines.
2nd Generation — 987.2 (2009–2012)
These are the facelifted years of the second-generation Boxster. The 2009 update brought revised styling, new flat-six engines, LED lighting, and Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic.
3 In Stock
2012Trim changes
A limited-run Boxster S Black Edition joins with dark exterior details and a 320-hp engine.
2011Trim changes
The lighter Boxster Spyder joins as the top model. Bluetooth calling and a USB audio connection become standard on regular models.
2010
The facelifted Boxster and Boxster S carry over without significant changes.
2009Mid-cycle update
Refreshed styling, new flat-six engines, LED lighting, chassis revisions, and the seven-speed PDK automatic arrive.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Porsche Boxster.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Porsche Boxster a convertible?
Yes. The Boxster is a two-seat roadster with a fabric soft top. Regular 981-generation models use a fully electric roof, while the late 981 Spyder has a lighter top that must be operated by hand.
Does the Porsche Boxster come as a hybrid?
No. The 2009–2016 Boxsters use gasoline flat-six engines. No hybrid version appears in this period.
Is every Porsche Boxster rear-wheel drive?
Yes. Boxsters from 2009–2016 send power to the rear wheels. AWD is not part of this lineup.
How is the Boxster different from a Porsche 911?
The Boxster is the smaller, two-seat roadster of the pair. Its engine sits behind the seats but ahead of the rear wheels, giving it balanced and predictable handling. It emphasizes open-top driving and a close connection to the road.
Is a Porsche Boxster practical enough for everyday driving?
It can be, if two seats are enough. The Boxster combines compact dimensions and everyday usability with an open roof and sports-car handling, but it is not suited to shoppers who regularly carry rear passengers or bulky cargo.
What are the main Boxster generations from this period?
The 2009–2012 cars are the updated second-generation 987.2 Boxster. The redesigned 981 generation runs from 2013–2016 with a lighter body and longer wheelbase. The 718 Boxster name and turbocharged redesign arrived for 2017.
Does the Porsche Boxster have an automatic transmission?
Yes. Starting with the 2009 update, some Boxsters use the seven-speed PDK, a quick-shifting automatic. A six-speed manual is also common, and the late 981 Spyder is manual-only.
Porsche Boxster Reviews
What owners are saying about the Porsche Boxster.
4.8
Porsche Boxster
(56 reviews)
“Porsche is a great car maker, not for everyone. Not everyone will appreciate it.”
“I have enjoyed my new Porsche Boxster S 2015. I like the color, the looks of car. I am disappointed in the paint it is not as good as the 2001, it has some scratch and paint has not held up, you lack in giving a good paint job. Other than that I like my car.”
“I have loved my new Porsche Boxster! The color is so unique, and the styling always gets attention. If I could change anything, I would like to be able to put the roof down with the keyfob.”
Sources
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:2Ddd1212 Aa7A 42Dd B35E Ef7F31Ed60Db / In elegant black Porsche Boxster and 911 Carrera Black Edition
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:C40C7826 0Ad8 4B27 8518 89C69B09A62D / PM Boxster Spyder US EN4
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Boxster 718 Cayman 19874
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:4D1913A9 97F9 4Ade 8Bc4 Fc2Cc32Caeb9 / 2013 Boxster Technical Specifications.pdf
- newsroom.porsche.com — Products / Porsche Gts Model Series 2015 911 Cayenne Boxster Cayman Panamera 10245
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:Edba1E37 315E 4Dc2 Bf1C 84Fac14Ab621 / 2015 Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS Technical Specifications.pdf
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:4Ff9D202 B4B3 4B36 Ac7B A17Bd555F92A / 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Technical Specifications.pdf
- newsroom.porsche.com — 2021 / Products / Porsche Boxster 25 Years Premiere 23382
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:Edba1E37 315E 4Dc2 Bf1C 84Fac14Ab621 / 2015 Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS Technical Specifications
- newsroom.porsche.com — Products / Auto China Beijing 10707
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:4D1913A9 97F9 4Ade 8Bc4 Fc2Cc32Caeb9 / 2013 Boxster Technical Specifications
- download.newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:4D1913A9 97F9 4Ade 8Bc4 Fc2Cc32Caeb9 / 2013 Boxster Technical Specifications.pdf