Boxster S 986 3.2L 2003-04

In 2002, the 986 model range underwent a subtle refresh. The plastic rear window was swapped out for a smaller glass window featuring a heating element. Inside, updates included the addition of a glove compartment, a new electro-mechanical hood and trunk release mechanism and an upgraded steering wheel. Porsche also enhanced the exhaust pipe and air intake systems. Further refinements included replacing the front headlight's amber indicators with clear ones, updating the rear light cluster with translucent grey turn signals to replace the amber ones, and changing the side marker lights on the front wings from amber to clear, except for American market cars, where they remained amber. The bumpers were subtly revised to offer a more defined, chiseled appearance, and new wheel designs were introduced as well.

Introduced in 1999 the Porsche 986 Boxster S offered a 3.2ltr flat six-cylinder engine to top the Porsche 986 model lineup.

The Porsche 986 represents the inaugural chapter of the Boxster legacy, a sleek mid-engine two-seater roadster crafted by the renowned German automaker Porsche. Unveiled in the latter part of 1996, the Boxster, drawing inspiration from the 1993 Boxster Concept, marked Porsche's triumphant return to creating roadsters from scratch, a tradition last seen with the iconic 550 Spyder. Its nomenclature blends "boxer," a nod to its horizontally opposed engine, and "speedster," a tribute to Porsche's heritage dating back to the 356.

Initially propelled by a 2.5-liter flat six-cylinder engine, the base model underwent a revamp in 2000, upgrading to a 2.7-liter engine, while introducing the Boxster S variant boasting a robust 3.2-liter powerhouse. By 2003, both variants received enhancements in aesthetics and engine performance. The 986 paved the way for the 987 series, which retained the beloved Boxster roadster while introducing the Cayman fixed-roof coupé body style.

Beyond its sleek design and dynamic performance, the 986 played a pivotal role in Porsche's resurgence. Amidst a challenging period marked by an aging product lineup and dwindling sales in the early 1990s, the Boxster emerged as Porsche's saving grace, heralding a commercial renaissance. From its debut in 1996 until the arrival of the Cayenne sport utility vehicle in 2003, the 986 Boxster reigned as Porsche's top-selling model, solidifying its status as an industry icon.