German premium car manufacturer Porsche is an iconic brand and has produced some of the most enticing cars in history. Forged with the same DNA as its flagship sports cars and supercars, the brand launched the smaller and more affordable Porsche Boxster in 1996. It was this very car that bolstered the company’s profits and is now among the best sports cars.
Launched in 2005, the Porsche Cayman is based on the Boxster. In their latest generation, both models have been combined under the Porsche 718 name, and they are now known as the 718 Boxster & 718 Cayman. In this edition of the DubiCars Car Spotlight, we take a closer look at the Porsche Boxster & Porsche Cayman.
Origins Of The Porsche Boxster & Cayman
Porsche is a storied brand, most known for the production of the 911. However, In the late 80s and early 90s, the brand went through a rough patch and needed a new product to boost profits and cut costs simultaneously. As a result, a more affordable sports car was developed in order to boost sales.
The German marque created the new sports car on a new platform but used many of the components from the 996 generation Porsche 911. Read all about the history and generations of the Porsche 911 here. The new sports car was named ‘Boxster,’ a name inspired by the flat-six/boxer engine that powered the roadster.
The Porsche Boxster was a roadster (two-seater convertible). However, during the development of its second generation, Porsche decided to produce a hard-top coupe version of it. Launched in 2005, the hard-top was marketed as a completely different product with a new name — Cayman.
First Generation Porsche Boxster (986) | 1996 – 2004
The Porsche Boxster debuted in 1996 with the 986 internal designation. It was a bold move for Porsche, introducing a mid-engine convertible sports car at a more accessible price point than its iconic 911. It was Porsche’s first attempt at mid-engined cars since the legendary 718 race cars of the 1950s and 1960s.
The 986 Boxster featured a 2.5-litre flat-six engine producing around 201 horsepower. Later versions used a 2.7-litre flat-six, while the Boxster S was powered by a 3.2-litre version of the same engine. They were all lower displacement versions of the 3.4-litre flat-six used in the flagship Porsche 911.
Its balanced chassis and precise handling made it an instant hit among driving enthusiasts. Its lightweight construction, classic Porsche styling, and open-top driving experience appealed to a wide range of buyers.
Second Generation Porsche Boxster & Cayman (987) | 2004 – 2012
The second-generation Boxster model retained the silhouette of the previous generation. However, its headlamps were now inspired by the Porsche Carrera GT, which was the flagship Porsche car at the time. In 2005, Porsche launched its coupe sibling, the Cayman.
The Boxster and Cayman shared the same platform. This gave buyers the option to choose between the Boxster’s open-air experience and the Cayman’s hard-top styling while still getting the same thrilling drive experience.
The 987 Boxster and Cayman received upgraded engines, with a displacement of the flat-six ranging between 2.7-litres and 3.4-litres. This resulted in improved performance. Porsche also refined the chassis and suspension, enhancing driving dynamics and overall comfort. The 987 generation further solidified the Boxster and Cayman’s reputation as formidable sports cars.
Third Generation Porsche Boxter & Cayman (981) | 2012 – 2016
2012 marked the introduction of the 3rd generation of the Boxster and Cayman, designated as the 981 series. With this iteration, Porsche continued to refine and innovate, further elevating the driving experience.
The 981 Boxster and Cayman showcased a more aggressive design, with sharper lines and updated features. It retained the 2.7-litre and 3.4-litre flat-six engines. A racetrack-oriented version named the Cayman GT4 was introduced with a larger 3.8-litre flat-six. This Porsche 911-derived engine also made its way into the Boxster Spyder S.
Fourth Generation Porsche 718 Boxster & 718 Cayman (982) | 2016 – Present
The latest chapter in the Porsche 718 saga began in 2016 with the introduction of the 4th generation, known as the 982 series. This generation brought about the most significant change in the model’s history – the transition to four-cylinder turbocharged engines. This is also where Porsche clubbed the Boxster and Cayman under the 718 name.
This 718 name was inspired by the Porsche 718 racecars from the 50s, as those cars also were mid-engined and powered by a flat-four engine. In the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, base versions are powered by 2.0-litre flat-four engines while higher spec versions use 2.5-litre units.
In 2020, the flat-six engine made a comeback when Porsche launched the GTS 4.0 versions for both models. As the name suggests, it is powered by a 4.0-litre flat-six engine taken straight from the current-gen Porsche 911. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT.
The 982 Boxster and Cayman received updated styling, with subtle tweaks to the exterior and interior, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Porsche also introduced advanced technologies, including adaptive suspension systems and driver assistance features, further refining the driving experience.
Most Popular Porsche Boxster & Cayman Generations In The UAE
While the first generation Porsche Boxster did sell in reasonable numbers, not many remain on the UAE’s roads. The second, third, and fourth generations of the Boxster are very popular as they combine affordability and impressive performance.
Porsche Boxster & Cayman Price In The UAE
| Model | Price Range |
| New Porche Boxster | AED 385,000 – AED 405,000 |
| Used Porsche Boxster | AED 45,000 – AED 449,000 |
| New Porsche Cayman | AED 549,000 – AED 875,000 |
| Used Porsche Cayman | AED 39,000 – AED 839,000 |
Want to buy one? Get a complete inspection of the car before putting your money down on it.
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