Porsche Boxster - Storyboards

Porsche is preparing to electrify the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, but Porsche unveiled an electric Boxster prototype, called the Boxster E in 2011

The base Boxster E had a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 122 horsepower and a 9.8-second 0-62 mph time

A dual-motor version offered 245 horsepower and a 5.5-second 0-62 mph sprint, though still below typical sports car standards

The 29 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery gave the Boxster E a 106-mile range but added significant weight, making it 550 pounds heavier than its gas-powered counterpart

Despite the weight, Porsche engineered the car with precision, maintaining weight distribution by mounting the battery where the engine would typically sit

The Boxster E featured unique interior features, such as an E-Power gauge and a basic range management system

The electric 718 is expected to incorporate the E-Core layout seen in the Mission R Concept, but challenges like sourcing batteries persist due to Northvolt's bankruptcy

Concerns about battery weight and driver engagement remain critical as Porsche plans for the next generation of the electric 718

I found this bizarre 986 Porsche Boxster Safari on Reddit, that appears to have been transformed for off-road use

Regardless of what you and I may think, commenters seem to love this "Rothmans Boxster Safari", with some even calling it a 'Daxter' and 'Poor man's Dakar'

The builder, 61_m from China, clearly seems to have a unique taste in Porsches

Inspired by Group B rally cars, this Boxster boasts a custom air suspension

The car gains a widebody silhouette, extra lights, and a beefed up front-end

On the side-extra-wide fenders were also added to accommodate the high-profile off-road tires

A dedicated spare wheel frame completes the rugged look at the rear

Another unique touch is the inclusion of a 930 Turbo-style Whale-tail spoiler

We can't confirm if the powertrain was upgraded, but 200 to 250 ponies of the stock 986, won't be adequate for conquering trails with the added weight

Despite the added ground clearance and additional off-road hardware, it'll still be rear-wheel drive, not the best for all-weather usability

However, this 986 Safari defies the norm and may not sit well with everyone in the Porsche community

I for one, don't hate it! It's audacious and different, commendable even if strange. It's impractical but a conversation starter.

Given safari-style Porsches are all the rage, the German brand should consider spinning off 'Dakar' as a sub-brand and ride this trend.

Miles Works founder, Dominic Miles, said RWB cars were a big inspiration with creating body kits for the 996 and 986

He took on a challenge to make the unloved 996 as epic as possible, by improving upon the 911 RSR looks

This creativity also transitioned to the more affordable, Porsche 986 Boxster

The bespoke 986 body kit can be had in two different variants - "ultra-wide body" and a more restrained version

Optionally, you can get "humps" for the rear deck-lid, typically present on Porsche's Speedster models

In-house wheels with an extremely deep dish at the rear, finish the new looks

The Price? You can have the body kit for $6,000 or $7,500 with the optional Speedster humps

This represents exceptional value when it comes to transforming the humble and rather unloved 986

To ensure the 'GO' matches the 'Show', Miles Works will also offer mild performance upgrades like induction, exhaust, and lightweight flywheel

Swipe up to learn more about the Miles Works 986 Boxster and how you can get one

Porsche 986 Boxster is 2/3 Porsche 911 for less than half the price

Aside from a few issues with the M96 engines, which should be taken care of by now, the original Boxster is a blast

Porsche 944 is, often, referred to as the "German Miata" for its impeccable balance

What the 944 lacks in power, it makes up with lightness and 50:50 weight distribution thanks to a rear-mounted, manual transmission

The 944 Turbo is expensive as those are already eyed by collectors

The US-spec Porsche 944 is down on power compared to EU models due to smog regulations, resulting in just 143 horsepower for the base model

Porsche 987 Cayman improves upon the 986, but it will cost a bit more

The 987's 9X7 platform is an evolution of the 9x6 modular platform, underpinning the Porsche 996 and 986

More reliable M97 engines are introduced on the Porsche 987

The 987 can also be had as a Boxster if you want open-top thrills

Manual examples of the 987 are preferable since 987.1 models still have the 5-speed Mercedes automatic

Surprisingly, you can still get a Porsche 928 for relatively cheap

Porsche's more luxurious take on the sports car was produced for 18 years

Even base models came with a V-8, but manual-equipped cars are a rarity

The cheapest Porsche was meant to be a VW. These are dirt-cheap

Only the rare 924 Carrera, Turbo, and even rarer 924 Turbo Targa can be considered true collectibles

Swipe up to learn more about these cheap, driver-focused Porsches

If you're in the market for a used 987 Boxster or Cayman, here are some of the things to keep in mind

The 987 is a champion of retaining value, even after 20 years

Similar to other Porsche sports cars, the 987 shares 2/3 of its architecture with the 997

The 987 platform is, actually, an evolution of the 9x6 platform, underpinning the 986 Boxster

Limited-edition models like the Porsche Cayman S Design Edition 1 are particularly valuable

The 987 Boxster S RS60 is an homage to a very special 550 Spyder

Some of the special-edition 987s are limtieed to just 250 examples

987 is the last mid-engine Porsche with hydraulic steering

This is also when Porsche introduced PASM

Early models, equipped with the M96 and M97 engines share many of the 986 and 996 issues

The 987 interior is vastly superior to the 986 generation

Modified examples or those without proper service records warrant caution

Swipe up to find out more about what to look for when on the market for a Porsche 987

Redesigned for 2013 with sleeker styling and improved aerodynamics

Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights provide excellent visibility

A longer wheelbase and wider track improve handling and stability

Fully electric soft top opens or closes in just 9 seconds

The new 2.7-liter boxer-six engine delivers strong performance and efficiency

Choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission

The balanced mid-engine layout delivers exceptional handling and poise

Sportier driving characteristics and smoother ride quality with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) enhances agility and cornering performance

Promising safety with a capable braking system

Electromechanical power steering offers precise control and feedback

Personalized seating experience with four seat types

Enhanced control and performance with the Sport Chrono Package

Redesigned interior with elevated center console creates a driver-focused cockpit

Advanced infotainment system with navigation and Bose surround sound

The 718 is a mid-engine sports car available in coupe (Cayman) and convertible (Boxster) body styles

Despite potential electrification, the current gas-powered 718 remains a phenomenal performance machine

Of all the available 718 trims, the Spyder RS is the most powerful 718 model with a power-to-weight ratio of 0.1532

The Spyder RS has a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 493 horsepower

The Spyder RS is equipped with a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, with RWD

The Spyder RS weighs 3,214 pounds, making it the lightest 718 model

The Spyder RS features a lightweight fabric roof and other weight-saving measures with extensive use of carbon fiber

The optional $12,570 Weissach Package can help reduce weight even further

The Spyder RS offers a visceral driving experience with its naturally aspirated engine and precise handling

The Spyder RS, which retails for $164,200 is the ultimate expression of the 718 format and a must-have for performance enthusiasts

To find out how other models in the 718 range stack up against the Spyder RS when it comes to power-to-weight ratio, swipe up.

Camouflaged prototypes of the electric Boxster have been spotted undergoing testing since 2022

This recent rendering by klissarov.design depicts the potential design based on the latest spy shots

Key design elements include: Vertical air vents and radar sensors similar to the 992.2 911 Carrera

Edgy, angular headlights inspired by the Taycan

High-mounted rear stop light and rear bumper charge port

This render differs from prototypes by including a full-length light bar and a backlit Porsche logo

The rendering also doesn't feature, what appears to be side-vents as seen on the prototype. But why would the electric Boxster need it if its an EV?

The Boxster EV (983) will be built on Porsche's E-Core platform (seen in the Mission R concept)

The battery pack placement aims to maintain the mid-engine feel of the gas-powered model

Success hinges on replicating the Boxster experience, offering good range, charging, and competitive pricing

The all-electric Boxster 718 is expected to hit the road in 2026. Swipe up to read more.

In certain markets, the Porsche 991 cost 78 percent more than the 981

And yet, beyond the different configuration, these cars are surprisingly similar

Both models are underpinned by the same 9x1 platform, with 2/3 of the underpinnings being completely identical

The engine in the 981 is turned 180 degrees compared to the 911

The MA1 engine is de-tuned for the 981 Boxster S, but ultimately, identical to the 991 Carrera

The dashboards of both Porsche sports cars are equal in lenght

All the switchgear and electronics are identical, aside from the gauge cluster, which is in minimized format for the 981

Both vehicles feature identical McPherson suspension in the front, but the multi-link rear setup is different

Despite similar developmental costs and the 911 being more expensive, it is the more profitable model

Swipe up to learn more about the shocking similarities between these 2 Porsche sports cars.

Timeless Porsche design with iconic styling cues

Aggressive new look with redesigned front and rear fascias

Sleek, low-drag body with a 0.29 drag coefficient(Cd)

Airier experience with a potent and well-insulated convertible top

More power from an all-new 2.9-liter flat-six engine

Faster performance and crisper shifts with the new PDK transmission

Precise handling with revised suspension tuning

Customizable performance with optional PASM and Sport Chrono Package

Confidence-inspiring brakes with larger cross-drilled rotors

A luxurious two-seater interior

For 2025, the Porsche 718 is going fully-electric, and is expected to start at around $78,000

The Mission R concept shows EV sports cars can be lightweight, with a curb weight of 3,306 lbs

The Porsche badge comes at a price, but some alternatives could offer better bang for the buck

Currently, Nissan's NISMO Z offers proven mechanicals and track-tuned chassis for a fraction of what the 718 EV would cost

The VR30 DDTT engine has been "massaged" to produce 420 hp, which is 60 more than what is expected to be the base 718 EV powertrain

Sadly, the NISMO Z is automatic-only, utilizing the Mercedes 9G-Tronic MCT

Still, the NISMO Z sprints to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to a 173 mph top speed

2026 will bring a new Toyota Celica, powered by a new, 400-hp turbo engine

It is expected to start at around $65,000

We still don't know how the 2026 Toyota Celica GR Sport would look, but it will feature all-wheel drive

For 2026, Toyota MR-2 is also making a come back, and it will continue to be a mid-engine two-seater

It will share the 400-hp turbo engine and GR-Four AWD system with the Celica GR Sport

It will be offered with a manual, but there will be an automatic available

Swipe up to find out how much this upcoming Toyota sports car will cost.

When it comes to attainable German convertibles, you currently only have two choices

The 718 Boxster starts at $74,900, making it the most affordable Porsche sports car

However, there is another German Roadster that might offer a bigger bang for the buck

The BMW Z4 M40 Roadster costs similar money to the entry-level 718 Boxster

The base-model 718 Boxster offers a 2.0-liter flat-four engine producing 296 hp and 280 lb-ft

The BMW Z4 M40i packs one of the most tuner-friendly inline-six engines - the B58

It packs 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, but apparently, these numbers are underreported

The six-cylinder Z4 M40i also starts at $66,450

Porsche's 718 retaliates by being over 500 pounds lighter and more agile than the Z4

However, the base Porsche Boxster cannot be had with a manual

The 718's PDK transmission is one of the best DCT automatics in the business, and contributes to a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time

The ZF 8-speed in the Z4 is one of the best traditional automatics, but you can also opt for a 6-speed manual

Swipe up to read more about how these German convertibles compare.

Entry-level ticket to the realm of Porsche

World's first roadster with head airbags

Redesigned exterior design bids Farewell to controversial "fried egg" headlights from the 986 generation

Head-turning exterior design with Porsche's timeless elegance

Open-air experience with a power-operated soft top with a heated glass rear window

240 horsepower of pure Porsche performance

Three transmission options for extra versatility

Perfectly balanced driving dynamics with this mid-engine marvel

Sharper handling and premium ride quality with optional Porsche Active Suspension Management system

Surefooted stopping power with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes

Enhanced performance and track-ready dynamics with the Sports Chrono Package

Form meets function with superb aerodynamic elements

Modern infotainment goodies to keep you entertained on the go

Versatile seating choices with four sports seat types

Upgraded comfort and convenience with the redesigned cabin

Toyota's upcoming MR-2 will be a high-performance mid-engine sports car

It will likely be considerably cheaper than the Porsche 718 which currently starts at $72,800

Initial reports that Toyota will co-develop the MR-2 with Suzuki and Daihatsu turned out to be false

Instead, the three car companies will cooperate to make a Mazda MX-5 competitor. Each marque will feature distinctive styling and name

Another rumor suggested that the 2026 Toyota MR-2 would share an engine with the GR Corolla which was also false

However, Toyota developed 2 new engines that will be widely featured in future models

One of them is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-four, which will make up to 400 horsepower

The MR-2 and Celica will share this new engine, where it will make the full 400 horsepower and 405 pound-feet

This puts the 2026 Toyota MR-2 in the same performance segment as the Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 and GT4

Rumor has it, the new MR-2 could be manual-only

Other likely transmission options are the 8-speed automatic or a new 7-speed DCT that would be available on the Supra GRMN

The design of Toyota FT Se Concept will still serve as the inspiration for the MR-2 styling

We'll have to wait and watch if Toyota's upcoming mid-engine sports car can get a slice of the 718 market. Watch this space.

The 2011 Boxster Spyder is a highly underrated sports car

The Boxster Spyder is a true enthusiast's choice because it features a 6-speed manual out of the box

The Boxster Spyder is fairly quick for a RWD car, with 60 mph coming up in 5.0 seconds

The first Boxster Spyder was the lightest Porsche for its time

The Boxster Spyder sports a beefed-up chassis

Look at those carbon seats!

The 987.2 Boxster Spyder is an affordable alternative to the 911 GT3 RS

Swipe up to read more about this budget Porsche GT3 RS alternative!