2012 Porsche Boxster S (981) Photos, engines & full specs

Porsche introduced the third generation of the Boxster lineup in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show, and besides the regular version, it also brought the Boxster S, which was the top performer of the family.

While the previous generations of the Boxster sported the 986 and the 987 codes for their models in Porsche’s inventory, the third iteration of this nameplate had the 981 designation. As unusual as it was, nobody complained since the car delivered more than anyone expected, especially in the S grade. It was no longer considered a “poor man’s Porsche,” and it lapped the famous Nurburgring race track faster than the famous Porsche 911 GT3 (993 generation). The technology it packed and its performance raised some questions if it didn’t breach into the 911 territory. And yet, it didn’t, even though it was very close to that. However, the automaker cleverly arranged the pricing policy so that the 981 was slightly cheaper than the base version of the 911. The new model was longer, wider, and sat lower than its predecessor, but it was also lighter.

The 981 had a 40 mm (1.6 inches) wider track at the front than its predecessor, and the hood was slightly taller than before. The automaker included standard bi-Xenon headlights for the car, while the parking lights used LED technology. On the lower bumper, the automaker made room for two side scoops that housed the LED daytime running lights and flanked a center-mounted air intake. It didn’t differ too much from its lesser-powered sibling, the Boxster.

Thanks to the 60 mm (2.4 inches) longer wheelbase but still short overhangs, Porsche’s roadster was just 46 mm (1.8 inches) longer than its predecessor. To improve aerodynamics to a 0.30 drag coefficient, the automaker moved the windshield 100 mm (3.9 inches) forward and raked it more than on the 987.2 Boxster S. The automaker redesigned the multi-layered canvas roof, which could be retracted or raised in a mere nine seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph (30 mph). In the back, Porsche placed a flatter rear deck that sported the third brake light, while the LED taillights were completely new. They had a clear mid-section and flanked the retractable wing that could be manually or automatically deployed. Under the rear bumper, the car manufacturer kept the twin-exhaust system, like on the previous Boxster S models.

The fresh interior was on par in terms of the quality of the finish and the materials with the 911. It also boasted a new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment unit that featured a seven-inch touchscreen on the sloped center stack. This was available as an option, while the base stereo featured a Bose sound system. In front of the driver, Porsche installed the instrument cluster filled with three dials, where the tachometer took center stage. It was flanked by the speedometer on the left, while on the right was a 4.6-inch TFT display that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. The car’s high-bolstered seats were very supportive and kept their occupants in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers.

Porsche also upgraded the car’s engine. It was a 3.4-liter, direct fuel-injected powerplant placed behind the cabin. As a result, the Boxster S boasted an excellent weight distribution, which helped with the car’s behavior on the road. An electronically-controlled suspension, known as the PASM, kept the vehicle steady during high-speed cornering. Thanks to the 315 PS (311 hp) sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual, the car could spring from a dig to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in 5.1 seconds, while vehicles equipped with the seven-speed automatic (dual clutch) transmission could drop that figure in five seconds flat. Furthermore, the Chrono Package allowed the automatic gearbox to enter the launch control sequence and slashed 0.2 of a second from the acceleration time.