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Porsche Boxster

The Porsche Boxster has evolved through five generations since its launch in 1996. Early 986 and 987.1 models used the M96 and M97 engine families, while later 987.2 and 981 models adopted Direct Fuel Injection engines that eliminated the IMS bearing issue. The current 718 generation introduced turbocharged four-cylinder engines before the return of naturally aspirated flat-six power in the GTS 4.0 and Spyder models.

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Two silver Porsche Boxster convertibles parked outdoors, with the front one showing a license plate 'RET 17', under bright sunlight. The image has bold yellow text that reads 'Porsche Boxster' at the top and '25 Years! Which One Is Best?' at the bottom.
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Model Generation Years Engine / Power Key Notes
Boxster9861996-19992.5L Flat-6, 201 hpM96 engine. IMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
Boxster9862000-20022.7L Flat-6, 217 hpM96 engine. IMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
Boxster9862003-20042.7L Flat-6, 225 hpM96 engine. IMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
Boxster S9862000-20023.2L Flat-6, 250 hpM96 engine. IMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
Boxster S9862003-20043.2L Flat-6, 258 hpM96 engine. IMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
Boxster S Special Edition98620043.2L Flat-6, 262 hpSpecial edition 986 Boxster S.
Boxster987.12005-20062.7L Flat-6, 236 hpEarly 987 generation. IMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
Boxster987.12007-20082.7L Flat-6, 241 hpUpdated 987.1. IMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
Boxster S987.12005-20063.2L Flat-6, 276 hpIMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
Boxster S987.12007-20083.4L Flat-6, 291 hpIMS and bore scoring concerns. Tiptronic automatic available.
RS60 Spyder987.120083.4L Flat-6, 303 hpLimited special edition.
Boxster987.22009-20122.9L DFI Flat-6, 252 hpDFI flat-six. No IMS bearing. PDK dual-clutch automatic introduced.
Boxster S987.22009-20123.4L DFI Flat-6, 306 hpDFI flat-six. No IMS bearing. PDK dual-clutch automatic available.
Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2987.220093.4L Flat-6, 299 hpSpecial edition 987.2 Boxster S.
Spyder987.22009-20123.4L Flat-6, 321 hpLightweight performance model.
Boxster9812012-20152.7L DFI Flat-6, 260 hpDFI flat-six. PDK dual-clutch automatic available. Widely regarded as one of the sweet spots.
Boxster S9812012-20153.4L DFI Flat-6, 310 hpNaturally aspirated flat-six. PDK dual-clutch automatic available.
GTS9812014-20153.4L Flat-6, 325 hpHigher-output 981 performance model.
Spyder98120153.8L Flat-6, 385 hpUses Carrera S engine. Manual only.
Boxster718 (982)2016-Present2.0L Turbo Flat-4, 296 hpTurbocharged four-cylinder era. PDK dual-clutch automatic available.
Boxster718 (982)2016-Present2.0L Turbo Flat-4, 247 hpChina-market version.
Boxster S718 (982)2016-Present2.5L Turbo Flat-4, 345 hpTurbocharged four-cylinder era. PDK dual-clutch automatic available.
GTS718 (982)2017-20192.5L Turbo Flat-4, 359 hpTurbocharged four-cylinder GTS.
GTS 4.0718 (982)2020-Present4.0L Flat-6, 394 hpFlat-six returns. Manual and PDK available.
Boxster T718 (982)2020-Present2.0L Turbo Flat-4, 296 hpDriver-focused trim. Manual and PDK available.
Boxster 25 Years718 (982)2020-Present4.0L Flat-6, 394 hpAnniversary special edition.
Spyder718 (982)2020-Present4.0L Flat-6, 414 hpGT4-derived engine. Manual transmission.