Press Release: Porsche's 1997 Boxster

07/09/96

PORSCHE RELEASES ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON 1997 BOXSTER

Emphasis on Performance, Convenience and Safety

RENO, Nev., July 3 -- In expectation of the official
North American debut this coming January, Porsche has disclosed further
information on its much anticipated 1997 Boxster sports car.
    Designed and developed by Porsche engineers in just three and one
half years, the new Boxster is a thoroughbred two-seat roadster.  It
promises to set new standards for performance, maintenance, safety and
convenience in the open-top sports car market.
    The Boxster's new 2.5-liter, centrally mounted, water-cooled,
six-cylinder engine produces an impressive 204 (DIN) horsepower.  It
propels the car from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 6.9 seconds, and,
due to optimized aerodynamics resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.31,
to a top track speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).  This power is transmitted
to the rear wheels either through a five-speed manual gearbox or a new
optional five-speed Tiptronic "S" automatic system.
    The new engine is conceived for maximum ease of maintenance and
repair.  Its auxiliary units (e.g., air conditioner, generator) are
driven by a single self-adjusting drive belt, while camshafts and
intermediate shafts are controlled by chains which should not require
replacement for the life of the car.  The engine's two metal catalytic
converters also optimize emission control.
    With its mid-engine layout providing a low center of gravity, the
Boxster is well-balanced weight distribution makes handling more agile
and secure.  Steering is enhanced by an axially-adjustable steering
wheel which adapts steering to the driver's needs and provides the
precision required for demanding driving.
    The Boxster sets standards and represents the state of the art in
passenger protection for cabriolets and roadsters with its extra-strong
chassis and programmed deformation zones, careful use of new, highly
stable materials, integrated roll protection system and dual airbags
with new gas generator technology.  The model's large internally-vented
front and rear disc brakes with multi-cylinder brake calipers,
incorporating racing's monoblock construction for the first time,
provide outstanding deceleration even under heavy use.
    Porsche's latest model links the performance characteristics of a
sports car with the practicality and functionality required for daily
driving.  The Boxster's interior is characterized by the high quality of
materials used and the ergonomic layout and design of the controls and
instruments.
    Due to the flat and short boxer design of the engine as well as its
centrally-mounted position, the new car has a remarkable amount of
storage capacity.  It features two full-size luggage compartments in the
front and rear, as well as an interior baggage compartment behind the
seats.  With a total volume of 9.1 cubic feet, two suitcases will fit in
the front compartment and two golf bags in the rear.  The Boxster can
carry a useful load of up to 682 lbs. (310 kg).  In addition, Porsche
has developed an exclusive optional Boxster roof storage system which is
capable of holding up to 165 lbs. (75 kg), and can be used with the top
up or down.
    The Boxster's new electric soft-top mechanism opens and closes the
standard folding top in an unbeatable 12 seconds.  For its pioneering
utilization of magnesium die-cast parts in this mechanism, the Boxster
recently received first prize from the International Magnesium Agency
(IMA) in Ube, Japan, an unusual achievement for a car yet to be released
to the market.
    An optional removable hardtop is also available.  Designed
simultaneously with the Boxster, it harmonizes perfectly with the
overall appearance of the car.  Weighing just 55 lbs. (25 kg), it is
both quick and easy to fit.
    Concurrent with its introduction at major American auto shows, the
new Boxster will appear in North American Porsche dealership showrooms
in January of 1997.