Porsche Cars North America Inc. (PCNA) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Boxster family with a special anniversary model: the 2021 Boxster 25 years. Based on the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 model, and powered by a 394 hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, the special production model is limited to 1,250 units worldwide. It incorporates numerous design features of the original Boxster concept car first shown at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. The production version of the Boxster first launched in Europe in 1996 and in the U.S. in 1997, closely resembling the concept car. Today the mid-engine sports car is in its fourth generation, and more than 357,000 units have been produced thus far.

One of the most striking features of the new special model are hints of the original concept car, through the use of Neodyme, a copper-like color, which provided a unique contrast to the GT Silver Metallic color on the pioneering 1993 concept. On the anniversary 718 model, it appears on the front and side air intakes as well as for the lettering and the specially designed two-tone, five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels and in the special “Boxster 25” badge on the rear. Porsche is offering the Boxster 25 years in GT Silver Metallic, although Jet Black Metallic and Carrara White Metallic are also available. Another striking element can be found on the fuel filler cap, which is enhanced by Porsche script from the Exclusive Design range. The cap is painted in an aluminum look as are the high-gloss tailpipes of the Sport Exhaust system while the windshield frame is finished in black.

Staying true to the style of the historic original, the special model combines a Bordeaux Red leather interior with a red roadster top made of fabric. The roadster top bears embossed “Boxster 25” lettering. Both interior and top are also available in Black. An interior package in Brushed Aluminium, 14-way electrically adjustable sport seats, door sill trims with “Boxster 25" lettering and the heated GT multifunction sport leather steering wheel are also included as standard equipment on the special edition model.

The 4.0-liter flat-six engine, which is shared with the 2021 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 model, offers exceptional throttle response, power delivery and a rich exhaust note. The high-revving 394 hp naturally aspirated powerplant, which is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), creates an especially emotional driving experience. The special-edition model reaches a top track speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission and, in combination with the PDK gearbox and standard Sport Chrono package, sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

The Boxster carries a very special meaning for Porsche as it marked a new orientation of the sports car manufacturer’s model strategy and provided a way forward through the difficult economic times of the mid-1990s. This was reflected in the first water-cooled production flat-six engine and also in the intelligent carry-over parts concept that started with the launch of the agile mid-engine roadster. This concept was incorporated into the 996 generation 911, which was launched a year later, and made it possible for Porsche to return to profitable production.

The attractively priced two-seater captured the hearts of new, younger customers right from the start. Visually, it incorporated features of the renowned history of the brand. The appearance of the Boxster concept car shown in Detroit rekindled fond memories of the legendary 550 Spyder and the 718 RS 60 Spyder racing car. It was received so well by the public in January 1993 that the Porsche Executive Board intervened in the ongoing design development of the production model and advised, without further ado: “Build the concept car just like that”. As time would tell, it was a wise decision.

Other standard features include Porsche Active Suspension Management suspension (PASM), which lowers the ride height 0.39 inches as compared to a standard 718 Boxster, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential. They combine remarkable ride comfort and agile handling. The PASM Sport Suspension with a ride height reduction of 0.78 inches compared to a standard 718 Boxster and particularly sporty calibration is available as an option.

The new Boxster 25 years is available for ordering now and expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms this Spring as part of the 2021 model year with a starting MSRP of $98,600 excluding $1,350 for delivery, processing and handling.

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