Circa 1996 was a profound year for Porsche as it coincided with the launch of its roadster, the Boxster, following the showcase in 1993 of the concept model at the then Detroit Motor Show. At the time, the 911 (996 generation), the first water-cooled 911, was standing in the wings of the upper echelons of the company’s sports car hierarchy, however, there was an opportunity for the Stuttgart outfit to expand its product portfolio. And so, the Boxster was conceptualised and it occupied an enviable position as it was Porsche’s proper stab at the modern premium roadster segment. It also opened up the brand to a younger audience and helped to turn around the company’s financial woes.
At the time, it was frowned upon by some quarters as the Boxster was considered somewhat of a hairdresser’s car, a poor man’s 911, which was unfounded to be honest. With a mid engine layout, it offered a balanced handling disposition next to none, which is something that is remains prudent to this day. 25 years in and the Boxster is coming of age and, to celebrate the moniker, the company has introduced a commemorative edition of the model dubbed the Boxster 25.
Based on the current GTS 4.0 variant, the limited edition Boxster 25 – with only 1 250 units earmarked for production – the model features a number of unique items to make it stand out. These count a front valance splitter finished in Neodyme, essentially a copper-like shimmering brown, that also adorns the 20-inch wheels and side air intake vents. Other bespoke items include the Porsche inscripted aluminium fuel cap and the Boxster 25 embossed roof. The model will be offered in only three hues; GT Silver, Metallic Black and Carrara White. Cabin appointments, meanwhile, are from the highest quality drawer, with Boxster 25 motifs peppered on the tachometer and a number plaque on the passenger side of the dash fascia to remind you of the model’s pedigree.
Propulsion comes courtesy of a 4.0-litre, normally aspirated flat six with 294 kW and 420 Nm through either a six-speed manual or PDK transmission driving the rear wheels. With a redline of 7 800r/min, the special-edition model reaches a top speed of 293 km/h and, in combination with the PDK gearbox and standard Sport Chrono package, sprints from zero to 100 km/h in four seconds. Other standard features include Porsche Active Suspension Management sports suspension (PASM), which is 10 mm lower, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential. These collectively are said to yield remarkable ride comfort and sporty, dynamic handling.
According to Porsche SA, order books for the model are now open and the base price, with the 3-years/100 000km Drive Plan, is R1 660 000. The first unit is touted to dock in Mzansi in the third quarter of 2021 and, with such limited production numbers, sadly, the local outfit will not be able to honour all orders. So, should you want one, then you’d better place your order pretty pronto.
