Porsche Boxster S (2002)

The Porsche Boxster S carries on a Porsche tradition of transforming an existing production car into something truly special with the addition of even greater performance, handling and content - yet with only discreet exterior identification.
Accounting for 19 percent of Boxster sales, the Porsche Boxster S enters its third model year with new seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, plus interior enhancements and a new optional Bose digital sound system. The trunk now features an internal anti-entrapment release.
The "S" Legend
Many car enthusiasts already know that the "S" badge on a Porsche signifies a truly special model, not just a trim upgrade or option package. Porsche first used the "S" badge in 1952 for a 356 model with a 1.5-liter engine. Perhaps the most famous Porsche "S" model arrived in 1967 - the 911 S.
"The Porsche Boxster S truly lives up to the legend of Porsches wearing the 'S' badge, says Frederick J. Schwab, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. "It delivers scintillating performance that's accessible even in daily driving and comfort that doesn't blunt the performance edge, all in a striking design that recalls classic Porsche sports-racing cars."
Reinforced With Carrera Parts
The Porsche Boxster S builds upon the foundation of the standard Boxster, which has become one of the best-selling Porsche models in the company's history. The Porsche Boxster S is powered by an exclusive 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, compared to the 217-horsepower, 2.7-liter engine in the standard Boxster.

 

The larger engine is teamed to the six-speed manual transmission from the 911 Carrera, while the standard Boxster uses a five-speed. The Porsche Boxster S also inherits the larger cross-drilled brake discs from the 911 Carrera. A third front-mounted radiator, specific suspension tuning and standard 17-inch wheels round out the mechanical enhancements over the standard Porsche Boxster.
Discreet Design
Porsche limited the external differences for the Porsche Boxster S to the kind of discreet touches instantly recognizable by Porsche enthusiasts. In addition to its telltale third front air intake, the Boxster S features its own wheel design that clearly shows off the distinctive red-painted brake calipers. Titanium color highlights bars in the front air intakes, the windshield trim (and rear window trim for the optional aluminum hardtop), and the Boxster S badge on the rear trunk lid. In the rear, a twin-tailpipe exhaust outlet also sets the Porsche Boxster S apart from the standard Boxster, which uses a single oval outlet.
The Porsche Boxster S features unique instrument panel gauges with aluminum-color trim and gray faces. Aluminum-look door and luggage compartment handles, shift lever, and shifter bezel enhance the classic sports car appearance.
The comprehensive transponder anti-theft system includes remote entry, an alarm and an infrared interior monitor that provides anti-theft protection when the top is up. A variety of interior sensors provide theft protection when the top is lowered.
Exclusive 3.2-liter, 250-Horsepower Engine
The Porsche Boxster S uses an exclusive 3.2-liter version of the engine from the Boxster. A wider bore (3.66 in./93 mm vs. 3.36 in./85.5 mm for the standard Boxster) increases displacement of the six-cylinder boxer engine from 2,687 cc (2.7 liters) to 3,179 cc (3.2 liters). The extra displacement along with a dual-resonance air intake system increase horsepower to 250 at 6,260 rpm in the Porsche Boxster S from 217 at 6,500 rpm in the standard Boxster.
The Porsche Boxster S 3.2-liter engine produces a substantial 225 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm, compared to the 192 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm for the standard Boxster. In fact, the Porsche Boxster S engine matches the peak torque of the standard Boxster at just 2,000 rpm, endowing the car with outstanding response in any gear.
The 2002 Porsche Boxster S can accelerate from zero-to-62 miles per hour (zero-to-100 km/h) in just 5.9 seconds versus 6.6 seconds for the standard Boxster model.
An aluminum cylinder block and heads make the engine light. Patented LOKASIL high-silicon cylinder liners help reduce friction and wear to such a level that Porsche can recommend a 15,000-mile (24,000 km) oil change interval and a 30,000-mile (48,000 km) oil filter change interval.
Torque-Boosting Technology
A twin-resonance air induction system helps boost torque by allowing the Porsche Boxster S engine to draw from higher velocity airflow from 3,100 rpm-5,100 rpm. The Porsche-patented VarioCam system, meanwhile, boosts low-end and mid-range torque by varying valve overlap from 1,250-5,120 rpm.
A third front-mounted radiator in the Porsche Boxster S provides the necessary increase in cooling capacity for the larger engine. (The standard Boxster uses two front-mounted radiators.)
Choice of Transmissions
To handle the extra power of its 3.2-liter engine, the Porsche Boxster S uses a version of the six-speed manual transmission from the 911 Carrera. Porsche Boxster S customers can also choose the optional Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission. With the advanced Tiptronic S, the driver can place the shift lever into "D" and let the transmission do the shifting, or shift into "M" and control gearshifts with steering wheel-mounted thumb switches.
In automatic mode, Tiptronic S uses one of five programmed shift "maps" to respond to the driving style. For example, during leisurely driving, Tiptronic S will upshift early to provide a smooth, quiet ride. Quicker stabs at the gas pedal will call up a sporty shift program, which holds each gear longer for response and power.
Even while in automatic mode, the computer-controlled Tiptronic S responds like a driver working a manual transmission, downshifting or holding lower gears when cornering and driving on hills. The Tiptronic S also allows the driver to select manual mode by pressing an up- or downshift button, even with the shift lever in the "D" position.
Racecar-Inspired Chassis
The sleek Porsche Boxster S body meets the wind with a low 0.32 coefficient of drag (Cd). A retractable rear spoiler located between the taillights rises at speeds above 75 miles per hour (120 km/h), reducing axle lift by 30 percent. The spoiler retracts when speed falls below 50 mph (80 km/h).
The racecar-inspired mid-engine layout concentrates the car's mass near its center, providing quick response to steering inputs. Four-wheel independent suspension features an optimized MacPherson-strut design for rigidity and aluminum components for low unsprung weight. Front and rear stabilizer bars and dual-tube gas-charged shock absorbers provide flat cornering.
The sport-tuned suspension includes thicker stabilizer bars plus stiffer springs and shock absorber damping than the standard Boxster. Power rack-and pinion steering yields a quick 2.98 turns lock-to-lock and a tight 35.8-ft. (10.9-meter) turning circle.
A "staggered" wheel / tire array (wider wheels and wider, lower-profile tires on the rear) contributes to neutral handling in the Porsche Boxster S. The standard aluminum alloy wheels measure 17 x 7 inches in front and mount 205/50 ZR17 tires. The wider rear wheels measure 17 x 8.5 inches and mount 255/40 ZR17 tires. Porsche offers an optional 18-inch wheel package, as well.
Racecar-Derived Brakes
The Porsche Boxster S stops with four-wheel vented disc brakes and ABS 5.3 anti-lock control. Derived from the Porsche GT1 racecar, one-piece "monoblock" brake calipers reduce heat and unsprung weight. The Porsche Boxster S uses the larger cross-drilled discs from the 911 Carrera. The front discs measure 12.53 in. diameter x 1.10-inch thick (318 mm x 28 mm). The rear discs measure nearly as large - 11.78 in. diameter x 0.95-inch thick (299 mm x 24 mm).
Extensive Standard Equipment
Even with its emphasis on performance, the Porsche Boxster S comes well equipped with luxury amenities, including:

• AM/FM cassette stereo
• Automatic climate control system with a dust/pollen filter and an activated charcoal odor filter
• Heated power sideview mirrors
• Heated windshield washer system
• Leather-faced seats with power recliners
• Leather-covered three-spoke steering wheel, gearshift knob, door handles and handbrake lever
• Power windows with one-touch lowering and raising
• Remote releases for the front and rear luggage compartments(with aluminum-look handles).
• Telescoping steering column
• Windshield wipers with variable intermittent control