Base price: $42,600; S, $51,600
Vehicle type: mid-engine, rear-drive; 2-door 2-passenger roadster
Interior volume, F/cargo (cu ft) 48/9
Wheelbase 95.2 in
Length/width/height 171.0/70.1/50.8 in
Turning circle 35.8 ft
Curb weight 2800–3000 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 17–20/26–29
Fuel-tank capacity/range 16.9 gal/287–338 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side airbags
POWERTRAIN
2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve flat-6, 228 hp; 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve flat-6, 258 hp; 5- or 6-sp man, 5-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/vented disc
ABS standard
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PORSCHE BOXSTER
Since it was introduced in 1997, the Boxster has won six 10Best trophies. But Porsche hasn’t garnered those awards by resting on its laurels. For the 2000 model year the Boxster got a performance boost, thanks to a larger, 2.7-liter engine and an “S” version with a 250-hp, 3.2-liter mill. Now for 2003, Porsche is upping the ante again. By installing VarioCam variable valve timing on the intake cams of both engines, Porsche has extracted more ponies, totaling 228 hp for the 2.7-liter and 258 hp for the 3.2-liter. While the S’s suspension remains largely unchanged for ’03, the base version gets the S’s springs and shocks for a sportier ride. Lighter 17-inch (more than a half-pound less) and 18-inch (nearly six pounds less) wheels are new options. Inside, an updated cockpit gets a glove box, a better stereo, and a cup holder; and the folding softtop now features a glass backlight.
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