Porsche Boxsters come in two flavors, fast and faster. The base Boxster ($45,000) sports a 240-horsepower, 2.7-liter flat six that mates to a newly developed five-speed manual transmission. The Boxster S ($54,700) is fitted with a 280-hp, 3.2-liter flat six and a six-speed gearbox. For those who prefer automatic transmissions, Porsche's five-speed automatic Tiptronic S ($3,210) is an option for either model. The six-speed gearbox used in the Boxster S can be ordered for the stnadard Boxster as part of a Sports Package ($2,680) that includes Porsche's Active Suspension.

Leather trim adorns the steering wheel rim, shift lever, handbrake lever and door handles; automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD, and a power top, power mirrors and power windows come standard.

A wide range of seating options is available: six-way adjustable seats are standard; the first of three options is full 12-way power-adjustable seats with pneumatic lumbar support; second is sport seats based on the standard seats but with more side support; and third is adaptive sport seats with full electric adjustment, plus individual adjustment of the various side supports ($3,050). Heated seats are also available ($480). A full leather interior ($2,095) is optional along with several other upholstery trim packages.

A three-spoke steering wheel comes standard, but it can be supplanted with a smaller diameter sport wheel or a multi-function wheel fitted in conjunction with the optional Porsche Communication Management system ($2,640). The optional Bose Surround Sound system is available for the Boxster ($1,665) and Boxster S ($950) along with a six-disc changer for the front trunk ($650). Night vision can be enhanced by a bi-xenon headlamp option ($990), and fitting into tight spaces made easier by Park Assist ($530). Custom paint colors are available ($4,315).

The Sport Chrono Package Plus ($920) includes a gauge atop the dashboard that charts sprints and lap times. But it also interacts with the engine management system, PSM, PASM and Tiptronic S (if those are fitted) to provide a sportier driving experience through quicker throttle response, faster shifts and higher limits to the anti-spin control thresholds.

Standard running gear for the Boxster is 6.5x17-inch wheels up front and 8x17 in back, mounted with 205/55 and 235/50 performance radials, front and rear. The S gets 8x18s at the nose and 9x18s under the tail, wrapped by 235/50s and 265/40s, fore and aft. Boxsters can be ordered with the 18-inch S wheels ($1,235). Also available are 19-inch wheels for the Boxster ($2,785) and Boxster S ($1,550), including a new 10-spoke Carrera Sport wheel. These big units measure 8x19 in front and 9.5x19 in back and roll on ultra-low-profile tires. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ($8,150) improve braking performance and reduce unsprung mass by almost 35 pounds.

Safety features on all models include a unique head airbag protection system. Frontal and side-impact airbags come standard. Safety for taller drivers was enhanced when the Boxster was redesigned for 2005 with a taller safety bar and higher headrests. The side windows were enlarged at the same time, raisting the height of the roof. Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (ABD), electronic stability control (PSM), and traction control (ASR) come standard on all Boxsters.

NEXT - EXTERIOR