The engine of the Boxster is brand-new in every respect. While naturally being a "classic" Porsche power unit in flat-six configuration, it has obviously been updated to reflect the signs of the times, now featuring a water cooling system and four-valve technology.

Specifications - 1997
Engine:	Horizontally opposed 6 cylinder, DOHC 4valves per cylinder, all aluminum, water cooled Bore and stroke: 85.5mm x 72.0mm Displacement: 2.5L. or 2,480cc Horsepower: 201@6,000 rpm Torque: 180 lb-ft @4,550 rpm Compression ratio: 11.0:1 Cd: .31 (top up) Fuel system: DME controlled FI Induction: 2-stage resonant induction, w/Varioram
Drivetrain:	5 speed manual, or 5speed Tiptronic-S
Suspension:	FRONT: MacPherson struts, aluminum transverse and longitudinal links, coil springs REAR: Transverse & Longitudinal links, toe link, coil spring
Body:	Unit steel
Dimensions:	Curb weight: 2,550 lbs Wheelbase: 94.5" Length: 162.7" Width: 68.5"
Brakes and Wheels:	Dual circuit, power assist, internally vented discs, ABS-5 16x6.0" front,16x7" rear aluminum alloy
Fuel Economy:	17/25 mpg
Performance:	0-60mph: 6.0 seconds (Tiptronic: 7.1s) Top Speed: 155 mph (Tiptronic version: 152 mph)

These systems, which really reached maturity in the 911 GT1 racing car, help the regular production Boxster to minimize both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. And with an output of 150 kW or 204 bhp at 6000 rpm, the engine ensures ample power and performance from its 2.5 litreIn the design of the six-cylinder horizontally-opposed power unit Porsche's engineers have again established several new benchmarks. The flow of coolant is the same as on Porsche's racing engines, applying the cross-flow principle to keep all cylinders and combustion chambers at the same, consistent level of temperature.

There is a separate coolant circuit around the cylinders as opposed to the cylinder heads. bridge. Camshaft opening times are kept variable by adjusters in the drive chains (applying Variocam, a Porsche patent). Featuring automatic chain tensioners and hydraulic play compensation, the entire valve drive system is absolutely maintenance free.

Fuel injection and ignition are both masterminded by Bosch Motronic M 5.2. Fuel supply is sequential through one jet per cylinder, meaning that it follows the same rhythm as the firing order of the engine. The amount of fuel injected per cycle is determined by hot film air mass metering in the intake manifold and, of course, by oxygen sensors featuring particularly accurate stereo control.

The ignition system is all-electronic, featuring solid-state technology and six individual coils without any mechanical ignition components or distributors. To adjust the engine to fuel grades inferior to 98 RON SuperPlus, the electronic ignition control unit incorporates cylinder specific anti-knock management retarding the ignition on a cylinder about to knock.

Focusing on the power transmission of his car the Boxster purchaser has the choice of either a five-speed manual gearbox or, at extra cost, five-speed automatic transmission.

The Tiptronic S transmission on the Boxster differs from its counterpart in the 911 not only through the number of gears, but also through the configuration and use of the selector lever.

Featuring wheel supports and guidance components made of aluminum, the suspension of the Boxster is truly progressive. By consistently using standard parts common to the Boxster and the 911, both axles, based on the McPherson principle, offer an economic and, at the same time, compact, space-saving solution.

The brake system incorporates the latest achievements in racing technology, with the Boxster being the first production car to feature light alloy, four piston brake calipers in monoblock design. These extra strong multi piece calipers come straight from the 911 GT1 and are also used in Formula 1. The brake discs are inner vented front and rear, and the anti-lock brake system (ABS 5) is fitted as standard.