Content

• Classic Design, Legendary Performance
• Fast Facts
• Standard and Optional Equipment
• Technical Specifications
• Porsche® Boxster® and Boxster® S for 2001: Specification and Feature Comparison

2001 PORSCHE® BOXSTER® S LIVES UP TO LEGENDARY HERITAGE

Classic Design, Legendary Performance

ATLANTA – The Porsche® Boxster ® S, introduced for model year 2000, melds the foundation of the successful Boxster with the kind of high performance upgrades that have made the letter “S” a legendary part of Porsche history. The Boxster S is powered by a larger, more powerful engine than the standard Boxster and features the six-speed manual transmission and the cross-drilled brake discs from the 911™ Carrera®. For 2001, the Boxster S adds the availability of the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, plus refinements to luxury content and appearance.

“The Boxster S is the tri-athlete of sportscars,” says Frederick J. Schwab, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. “It delivers inspiring performance that’s accessible even in daily driving, luxury that doesn’t blunt the performance edge, and a striking original design that recalls classic Porsche sports racing cars.”

Many car enthusiasts already know that the “S” badge on a Porsche signifies a truly special model, not just a trim upgrade. 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.

New for 2001

Essentially, PSM can help keep the Boxster S going in the direction the driver steers – on slippery or dry road surfaces. The PSM system replaces the previous optional traction control system, but still provides a traction control function for slippery surfaces.

First introduced on the 911 Carrera 4, PSM uses data from several sensor inputs to detect a loss of grip at the front or rear. PSM can reduce instability by applying braking to individual wheels and, if necessary, altering engine power.

The PSM system operates so quickly that most drivers likely will not feel it make corrections. The driver can disengage PSM with a dashboard switch. However, for safety, PSM will engage under braking and then disengage when the driver lifts off the brake. While confident in the system’s ability as a dynamic handling aid, Porsche cautions drivers that PSM cannot counteract the laws of physics.

Enhanced Comfort

Porsche introduced a new soft-touch grain instrument panel and other interior trim for 2000 and for 2001 has further enhanced the driving quarters. Porsche added soft-touch covering to the integrated supplemental safety bars, upgraded trunk carpet quality, and enhanced functions for the standard remote entry system.

All Porsche models for 2001 feature new light-emitting diode (LED) interior orientation lights. One LED provides gentle illumination of the cockpit and center console. An LED on the driver’s side door handle illuminates the ignition lock and light switch, and an LED illuminates each door latch. Color Porsche Cre s t s® in the s t a n d a rd three-spoke steering wheel and the car keys add a classic design touch.

For 2001, Porsche has grouped some popular options into packages. For example, auto-dimming inside and outside rear-view mirrors have been combined with rain-sensing windshield wipers for one package.

An additional standard interior color, Nephrite Green, was previously a special-order color. New available metallic exterior colors include Orient Red, Lapis Blue, Zanzibar Red, Seal Grey, and Meridian. Cinnamon Brown is a new special-order interior color.

Exclusive 3.2-liter, 250-Horsepower Engine

The 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, plus the use of a dual-re s o n a n c e air intake system and an E-Gas electronic throttle, increase horsepower to 250 at 6,260 rpm in the Boxster S from 217 at 6,500 rpm in the standard Boxster.

The 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 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. In contrast, some sportscars rely on “peaky” output that concentrates horsepower and torque at high engine speeds, requiring aggressive throttle action to extract maximum performance. The 2001 Porsche Boxster S can accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour (0-100 km/h) in just 5.9 seconds versus 6.6 seconds for the standard Boxster model.

Porsche added a third radiator to the Boxster S to handle cooling for the larger engine. (The standard Boxster uses two front-mounted radiators.) The central air intake for this radiator will quickly tip off the identity of a Boxster S.

Torque-Boosting Technology

A twin-resonance air induction system helps boost torque by allowing the engine to draw from higher velocity airflow between 3,100 rpm-5,100 rpm. The Porsche-patented VarioCam® system, featured on all current Porsche engines, boosts low-end and mid-range torque by varying valve overlap between 1,250-5,120 rpm.

Choice of Transmissions

To handle the extra power of its 3.2-liter engine, the Boxster S uses a version of the six-speed manual transmission from the 911 Carrera. 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 quiet ride and the best fuel efficiency. 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.

Distinctive Appearance, Comfortable Cockpit

Porsche limited external differences for the 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 Boxster S apart from the standard Boxster, which uses a single oval outlet.

Inside, the Boxster S features unique instrument panel gauges with aluminum-color trim and gray faces. Aluminum-look door and luggage compart m e n t handles, shift lever, and shifter bezel enhance the classic sports car appearance. Other significant enhancements include a new convertible roof with headliner and a three-spoke leather-covered steering wheel in place of the standard model’s four-spoke wheel.

Safety by Design

Safety in the Porsche Boxster S starts with the body structure, which features front and rear crush zones that protect a reinforced passenger compartment. Boron steel tubing reinforcements inside the windshield header and A-pillars along with supplemental safety bars behind the seats provide additional safety in rollover accidents.

Supplementing the three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, the Boxster S comes equipped with dual front airbags and the Porsche Side Impact Protection System that includes door-mounted side airbags, boron-steel door reinforcement beams, and energy-absorbing door panels. The 30-liter capacity sidebags provide protection for the chest, head, and pelvis.

Racecar-Inspired Chassis

The sleek 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 - t u n e d 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 circ l e .

A “staggered” wheel/tire array (wider wheels and wider, lower-profile tires on the rear) contributes to neutral handling in the Boxster S. The standard aluminum alloy wheels measure 17 x 7 inches 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 18-inch wheel option package, as well.

Racecar-Derived Brakes

The 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 unsprung weight and heat. The 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).

Power Convertible Roof

The Boxster S convertible roof features a cloth headliner, which covers the roof frame and reduces the interior noise level by up to three decibels compared to the standard Boxster. After unlatching a single lock handle in the center of the windshield header, pressing a console-mounted button lowers the roof under a flush-fitting cover in just 12 seconds. Available options to extend the comfort and utility in the Boxster S include:

• A three-piece wind deflector to reduce wind buffeting and noise during top-down driving (available in various option packages).
• An aluminum hardtop with a full lining plus a glass rear window with defroster.
• An innovative roof transportation system that attaches to the convertible roof (open or closed) or the optional hardtop. Suitable for carrying skis, kayaks, or bicycles, the system will hold up to 165 pounds.

Extensive Standard Equipment

In addition to the new-for-2001 features, standard equipment for the Boxster S includes power windows with one-touch lowering and raising; AM/FM cassette s t e reo; leather-faced seats; leather-covered three-spoke steering wheel, gearshift knob, door handles and handbrake lever; height-adjustable seats with power recliners; telescoping steering column; heated windshield washer system, and heated power sideview mirrors. The standard automatic climate control system includes a dust pollen filter augmented by an activated charcoal odor filter.

Also standard for the Boxster S are a transponder key anti-theft system with alarm, infrared interior monitoring, windshield wipers with variable intermittent control, and inside remote releases for the front and rear luggage compartments (with aluminum-look handles).

The comprehensive 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 down.

The optional Porsche Communication Management system integrates controls and displays for Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation, onboard computer, and climate control. A five-inch (diagonal) LCD color screen displays all functions. Optional Litronic high-intensity gas-discharge headlights increase lighting range and improve edge and side lighting.

Substantial Warranty

Every new model-year 2001 Porsche car sold in the United States and Canada is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile (80,000 kilometer), bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, which includes Porsche’s roadside assistance program. The galvanized body and 26-step paint and anti-corrosion process enable Porsche to warrant each car against rust perforation for 10 years and unlimited mileage. In addition, Porsche guarantees the paint finish for three years – also without a mileage limitation.

Fast Facts

Introduced for model-year 2000, the Boxster® S builds on the foundation of the popular Boxster model and offers an even higher level of performance and standard features. A 3.2-liter engine, exclusive to this model, produces 250 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Power-boosting technology includes a dual-resonance air intake and VarioCam® variable valve timing. The engine produces 85 percent of its peak torque at just 2,000 rpm, giving the Boxster S outstanding response. To handle the extra power, the Boxster S is equipped with a version of the six-speed manual transmission and the larger cross-drilled brake discs from the 911 Carrera. Standard 17-inch wheels and tires and sport chassis tuning enhance handling. The Porsche Boxster S can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 5.9 seconds (versus 6.6 seconds for the standard Boxster model). A third radiator augments the standard model’s two to handle cooling for the larger engine, and its central air intake quickly identifies the Boxster S. Distinctive titanium-color exterior trim sets the Boxtser S apart from the standard Boxster. Inside, the 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 reinforce the classic sports car appearance. The standard power convertible roof lowers in just 12 seconds, and its cloth headliner ensures all-season comfort. Safety technology includes a patented crumple-zone body structure, dual front airbags, door-mounted side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and integrated supplemental safety bars.

New for 2001

The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system is a new option. The integrated supplemental safety bars are now covered in soft-touch material. New light emitting diode (LED) orientation lights enhance night-time convenience by providing gentle illumination for the cockpit, console, ignition lock, and door latches. Both trunks feature improved carpeting, and the keys and standard three-spoke steering wheel now include a color Porsche Crest®. Porsche has grouped some popular options into packages. Nephrite Green is a new standard interior color, and new metallic exterior colors include Lapis Blue, Orient Red, Zanzibar Red, Seal Grey, and Meridian.

Standard Equipment

Optional Equipment

Technical Specifications

Porsche® Boxster® and Boxster® S for 2001 Specification and Feature Comparison

Boxster S Exterior Differentiation

• Unique wheel design (17-inch vs. 16-inch wheels)
• Titanium-color trim in front grills, around windshield frame, and rear window of optional aluminum hardtop
• “Boxster S” rear nameplate in titanium color
• Brake calipers painted red, visible through wheels
• Twin central tailpipes (standard Boxster uses single central oval tailpipe)

Boxster S Additional Standard Equipment

• Remote keyless entry system
• Anti-theft system with infrared monitoring
• Windshield wipers with adjustable intermittent feature
• Silver-face gauges with aluminum-look trim
• Aluminum-look door handle and luggage compartment release handles
• Boxster S logo doorsill trim