Boxster S 981 3.4L 2012-16

The Porsche 981 is the internal designation given to the third-generation of the Boxster and second generation of the Cayman models built by German automobile manufacturer Porsche. It was announced on 13 March 2012 at the Geneva Auto Show with sales starting early summer 2012.

The 981 Boxster S reflects the new design language from the 911 (991) and 918, and features revised engine and transmission specifications. The chassis had been revised: it is 40 percent more torsionally rigid, the front track is 40 mm (1.6 in) wider, the rear track is 18 mm (0.7 in) wider. The wheelbase has been extended by 60 mm (2.4 in) and there is a small weight reduction of up to 35 kg (77 lb) compared to the outgoing 987. The 981 was the first Boxster/Cayman to use electronically assisted steering and the parking brake in the car uses an electronic linkage. 

The instrument cluster features a 4.6" TFT color screen in conjunction with various sensors that can display accurate engine temperature, oil temperature and oil pressure. The Sport Chrono Package includes dynamic gearbox mounts. Another new feature was the auto start/stop system.

The Boxster S is fitted with the existing 3.4-litre engine but with revised performance, rated at 231 kW (310 hp). Equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 7-speed reworked PDK, both are available with several technical options including Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and a Sport Chrono Package that includes active transmission mounts, and makes the PDK-equipped model even faster.

Porsche claims that the new generation Boxster provides fuel savings of 15% over the outgoing model.