Porsche Boxster Certified Car Key Locksmith Services

When Porsche launched the Boxster in 1996, it was met with mixed reviews. Critics and customers questioned whether this new, more affordable roadster could live up to the Porsche name. But just three years later, in 1999, Porsche silenced skeptics with the introduction of the more powerful Boxster S, and the model quickly proved to be a commercial success.

Born out of necessity, the Boxster was Porsche’s answer to serious financial trouble in the early 1990s. The 911 was expensive to build, and the front-engine, transaxle-layout 928 and 968 models were also costly. Porsche needed a car that could attract a broader audience and be more affordable to manufacture. The Boxster, with its mid-engine layout and shared components from the 911 (headlights, hood, doors, and fenders), offered a solution that cut costs without compromising performance.

The original 1996 Boxster produced 204 PS (201 hp), which was decent for the time, but not enough to truly excite purists. That changed with the 1999 Boxster S, featuring a 3.2-liter flat-six that transformed the car into a genuine rival in its class. No longer seen as a “poor man’s Porsche,” the Boxster established itself as a serious, driver-focused sports car.

After six successful years, Porsche gave the Boxster a much-needed facelift in 2002, enhancing both its styling and performance. This paved the way for the second-generation Boxster (987), unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Showalongside the new 997-generation 911. The 987 featured a completely new platform, distinct bodywork, and a significantly upgraded technology package  -  including six airbags, PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), and the Sport Chrono Package.

The interior was also refined to provide more comfort and functionality, aligning with Porsche’s vision of the Boxster as a daily-drivable sports car. With an improved chassis and retuned suspension, the Boxster 987 further distanced itself from its earlier criticisms.

In 2008, during the global financial crisis, Porsche introduced a refreshed version of the 987 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Despite the tough economic environment, the update helped maintain momentum. The new Boxster included better equipment, more power, and compliance with the stricter Euro 5 emissions regulations set to take effect in 2009.

Then in 2012, Porsche debuted the third-generation Boxster (981) at the Geneva Motor Show, again offering both the base and Boxster S variants. While the earlier models carried the internal codes 986 and 987, the 981 marked a new era. This generation brought a stiffer chassis, longer wheelbase, improved weight distribution, and a reworked interior, further elevating the car’s status.

In performance terms, the 981 Boxster S was a standout  -  it even lapped the Nürburgring faster than the 993-generation 911 GT3, a milestone that forever erased the “entry-level” label. It kept the twin-exhaust layout, but nearly every other detail was upgraded, resulting in a more refined, powerful, and desirable sports car.

The Boxster, once underestimated, had become a cornerstone of Porsche’s modern success  -  combining daily usability, accessible price points, and thrilling mid-engine performance. From a model that saved the company in the '90s to a fan favorite, the Boxster’s evolution underscores Porsche’s adaptability and relentless engineering excellence.