Significant changes include a more aggressive design, larger air intakes, new single oval headlights, and a widened stance. The 2005 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S have more powerful engines, new transmissions, larger wheels -- 17 inch wheels for the Boxster, 18-inch wheels for the Boxster S -- and new generation high-performance tires. There's more room inside for drivers, passengers and luggage, and improvements to the interior are stunning. The Boxster and Boxster S are equipped with stronger braking systems, the latest computerized all-speed traction control, vehicle stability control -- controlled via ABS and engine mangement -- and are the first roadsters equipped with standard head-protection side airbags. Brakes are front power 298-mm x 24-mm vented disc and rear power 299-mm x 20-mm vented discs, with black brake calipers, and antilock brakes all the way around.
But the Boxster is not about stopping. Drivers like to move -- and for 2005 they get a 2.7-liter, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder "boxer" engine that generates 240 horsepower and 199 lb.-ft. of torque. This newfound power accelerates the Boxster from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds and can reach a test-track speed of 159 miles per hour. Fuel efficiency, while not a concern on the track -- but certainly something that even Porsche commuters must pay attention to -- is rated by the EPA as 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. The S is rated slightly lower, at 18/26. For the slight dip in fuel economy, the Boxster S improves upon more exciting numbers, those that go from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds thanks to a 3.2-liter "boxer" six-cylinder engine that is rated at 280 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Controlled by a standard six-speed manual transmission, this engine takes the Boxster S to a test-track speed of 167 miles per hour.
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