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Porsche Boxster 981 (3rd Gen)

The third generation of Boxster was the 981 generation and frankly it is our favorite here at Stuttcars. Changes includes a body shell that was 17 percent lighter than that of the 987 thanks to an increased usage of aluminum construction, along with strategic use of high-strength steel in key areas. This kept the curb weight to around 3,000 lbs, despite being a larger car than its predecessor. The 981 Boxster was powered by the MA1-series flat-six, which were quite similar to those used in the 987.2. The base engine’s displacement was actually reduced by 200cc to 2.7 liters, but this was more than made up for by replacing the base 987.2’s port fuel injection system with DFI, which allowed a higher compression ratio of 12.5:1. The 981’s chassis and suspension were similar to the 991. Check out all of our 3rd Generation Porsche Boxster Research. 

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Technical Information

Porsche Boxster – Inspection & Buying Checklist

30 Point Porsche Boxster Buying & Inspection Checklist In this guide, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive 30-point checklist, covering everything you need to check irrespective which generation Porsche Boxster you are looking to buy. We’ve even created a free, printable PDF version for each generation Boxster that you can...
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Maintenance & Service Schedule

Porsche Boxster (981) Maintenance & Service Schedule

2013-2016 Porsche Boxster Maintenance & Service Schedule The Porsche Boxster (981), produced from 2012 to 2016, refined the mid-engine formula with improved reliability, sharper handling, and a more modern design. While Porsche originally recommended oil changes every 10,000–15,000 miles, many owners today opt for 5,000–7,500-mile intervals to better protect the...
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Common Problems

Porsche Boxster – Common Problems & What to Look For

Common Problems with the Porsche Boxster: What Every Buyer and Owner Should Know The Porsche Boxster, first introduced in 1996, has become an iconic mid-engine sports car, offering exhilarating performance, precise handling, and top-down driving enjoyment. Over four generations—986, 987, 981, and 718 (982)—the Boxster has evolved significantly, improving in...
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Porsche Video

VIDEO: AutoTopNL Reviews The 981 Boxster Spyder

Following in the footsteps of the nineteen fifties and sixties 356 Speedsters, 550 Spyders, different 718 Spyders and the two thousand ten Boxster 987 Spyder, the Boxster 981 Spyder is by far the most powerful of them. While the 987 Spyder had a Cayman S engine (a little bit more powerful than Boxster...
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For Sale

FOR SALE: Low Mileage 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder

Following in the footsteps of the nineteen fifties and sixties 356 Speedsters, 550 Spyders, different 718 Spyders and the two thousand ten Boxster 987 Spyder, the Boxster 981 Spyder is by far the most powerful of them. The power-to-weight ratio of the original 718 Spyder 1.7- and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder models...
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Porsche Boxster 981 (3rd Gen)

Porsche Boxster Black Edition (2016)

The mid-engine roadster is powered by the 2.7 liter flat-six engine with 265 hp. Its color concept remains consistent with the soft top and supplemental safety bar which are both finished in black. The wind deflector reduces undesirable turbulence when the soft top is down. 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels and the Bi-Xenon™ headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) set distinctive highlights, while standard two-zone air conditioning and heated seats provide a higher level of comfort for both driver and passenger. The Porsche Communication Management system is included as standard.
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Porsche Video

VIDEO: Porsche 981 Boxster Spyder review

VIDEO: Porsche 981 Boxster Spyder review
Porsche 981 Boxster Spyder review The Porsche Boxster S has always been considered the poor man’s Porsche, though the latest iteration gives its big brother, the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera (991), a run for its money on the latest episode of Car and Driver: Abroad....
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Porsche Video

VIDEO: Porsche Boxster GTS On Stunning Roads

The greatest driving road in the world? Porsche Boxster GTS on Majorca
The greatest driving road in the world? Porsche Boxster GTS on Majorca Our search for the world’s greatest driving road heads to the Spanish island of Majorca. Can a top-down day in the superb Porsche Boxster GTS lapping up the Mediterranean sun possibly top our time exploring Romania in a...
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The Story

Porsche Boxster 981 – The Story

Porsche Boxster 981
3rd Generation Porsche Boxster (981) Story & History Boxster 981 (2013 – 2016) Official photos: 2012 January 12, GTS 2014 March 19 / Premiere: 2012 March 6 at Geneva motor show, GTS 2014 April 20 at Auto China in Beijing / Market launch: 2012 April 14 (as a 2013 model),...
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Sales Brochures

Porsche Boxster (MY2012 – 2016) – Sales Brochures

Porsche Boxster (MY2012 - 2016) – Sales Brochures
Porsche Boxster (Third Generation) Sales Brochures If you’re a Porsche Boxster fan or a collector of factory literature, we’ve got an exciting resource for you! We’ve gathered every sales brochure for the 2012–2016 Porsche Boxster (Type 981) and made them available for free download. These brochures cover the third-generation Boxster,...
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Porsche Boxster 981 (3rd Gen)

Porsche Boxster GTS (2015 – 2016)

The two most powerful and fastest mid-engine sports models from Porsche are ready and raring to go: with uprated engines and excellent PASM chassis the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS set new benchmarks for sportiness in their segment. 3.4 L naturally aspirated flat 6 is good for 330 hp. Sport Chrono package is standard. This means that in conjunction with the optional Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) and the active Sport Plus button, the Boxster GTS sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
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Porsche Boxster 981 (3rd Gen)

Porsche Boxster Spyder (2015 -2016)

Following in the footsteps of the nineteen fifties and sixties 356 Speedsters, 550 Spyders, different 718 Spyders and the two thousand ten Boxster 987 Spyder, the Boxster 981 Spyder is by far the most powerful of them. The power-to-weight ratio of the original 718 Spyder 1.7- and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder models was better though already 55 years earlier. Visually the Porsche Speedsters and Spyders are characterized by their unique side view silhouette - the result of the low windscreen and low roofline when the temporary canvas top is fitted.
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Porsche Boxster 981 (3rd Gen)

Porsche Boxster S (2013 – 2016)

Unlike its Boxster brother, the S version of the mid-engined Porsche roadster offered a 3.4-liter unit from its predecessor, but with some improvements and a lower vehicle mass. It offered 311 hp and enough torque to push the car to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds if the car was fitted with PDK (automatic dual-clutch). The two-seat roadster featured a clean design interior, with influences from the Carrera GT super sports-car. The Boxster S was the sweeter of the two models.
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Porsche Boxster 981 (3rd Gen)

Porsche Boxster (2013 – 2016)

The third generation Boxster was a bigger car than the 987 it replaced, but it was also lighter and more powerful. The 2013 model year Boxster went through a downsize program and received a 2.7-liter boxer engine, which was 0.2-liter smaller than its predecessor. With 261 bhp @ 6700 rpm and 206 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm the base Boxster still felt underpowered to many. The base 981 Boxster got a 6-speed manual gearbox or you could opt for an optional 7-speed reworked PDK. The base car is plenty fast but if it were our money, we would opt for the more powerful Boxster S.
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