2004 PORSCHE® BOXSTER® S

An “S” badge on a Porsche signifies a truly special model, not merely an upgraded trim or option package, and the 2004 Porsche Boxster S is indeed a truly special vehicle.

The 2004 Porsche Boxster S is powered by a 3.2-liter engine that generates a stunning 258 horsepower (SAE) at 6,200 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque, with 85 percent of that torque available as early as 2,000 rpm. Equipped with its standard six-speed manual transmission, the Boxster S accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 5.7 seconds.

To handle the engine’s power, the Boxster S is equipped with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the five-speed Tiptronic S automatic as an option. With the manual transmission, the Boxster S will reach 165 mph (264 km/h) on the test track. With the Tiptronic S, it can accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.4 seconds and achieve a top track speed of 160 mph (258 km/h).

The Boxster S is also fuel efficient, with city/highway figures of 18/26 mpg (12.8/8.2 l/100km) with the manual gearbox and 17/26 mpg (13.6/8.2 l/100km) with the Tiptronic S.

To cool its powerful engine, the Boxster S has a third front air duct that feeds a front-mounted radiator. The Boxster S engine exhales through twin exhaust pipes. The Boxster S rides on an optimized sport suspension. Compared to the standard Boxster, the Boxster S suspension features higher-rate springs and shock damping, longer rear lower control arms that increase toe-in stiffness, larger wheel bearings that increase camber stiffness to provide high-speed cornering stability, and standard, lightweight 17-inch wheels with 205/50 Z-rated tires in front and 225/40 Z-rated tires in the back.

Optional lightweight 18-inch wheels with 225/40 front and 265/35 rear tires are available.

The Boxster S has 12.53 x 1.10 inch (318x28 mm) front and 11.78 x 0.95 (299 x 24 mm) rear brake discs just like those used on the Porsche 911® Carrera®. The Boxster S also has red-colored brake calipers.

Inside its cockpit, the Boxster S has distinctive titanium-colored trim and unique gray-faced gauges.

The 2004 Porsche Boxster S comes equipped with extensive standard comfort and convenience equipment, including fog lamps, a heated windshield washer system, heated power side-view mirrors, a power top with glass rear window, remote door and front and rear trunk locks (with its mid-engine architecture, the Boxster has both front and rear trunks that offer a combined 9.1 cu.-ft. (258-liters) of storage space) and a transponder key anti-theft system with immobilizer.

Also standard are leather-faced seats with power recliners; leather-covered three-spoke steering wheel, gearshift knob, door armrests and handbrake handle; a telescoping steering column; one-touch controls to open or close the windows; automatic climate controls with a dust/pollen filter and charcoal odor filter; a digital radio with in-dash CD player; dual cupholders that pop out of the dashboard; a large, lighted and locking glove compartment with a 305 cu.-in. (5.0-liter) capacity; and LED interior orientation lights.

Optional equipment includes a Bose® digital sound system, Porsche Stability Management, leather upholstery, heated seats, Bi-Xenon headlights, a three-piece wind deflector, rear park assist, a navigation system and a removable aluminum hardtop.

The Bose audio system features equipment custom-engineered for the Porsche Boxster S. The Bose automotive music system combines balanced stereo, a panoramic sound stage, deep bass and smooth frequency response to produce lifelike music reproduction even in the challenging environment of a car interior. The Bose sound system employs digital amplifiers to provide clean, uncolored sound at any listening level. In the Boxster, an array of 10 advanced loudspeakers blends seamlessly into cabin trim, raising and widening the sound stage and ensuring balanced stereo. Powerful bass speakers are concealed in customized enclosures to furnish superb performance within limited cabin space.

Porsche’s Communication Management system (PCM®) consists of a tuner, CD player, Global Positioning Satellite navigation system, and trip computer, all linked through Media-Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) digital databus. The MOST system incorporates light-wave conductors that exchange data between the individual components without loss of quality and at ultra-high speeds.

PCM includes a 5.8-inch (147 mm) color screen with its 16:9 aspect ratio and 12-position keyboard for easily and efficiently entering radio frequencies. The system assures excellent audio quality.

The navigation module provides features such as road junction zoom-in, dynamic navigation to avoid congestion, map scrolling so you can see beyond your current position, tour planning with the ability to memorize as many as eight destinations in a row and a CD-ROM system that can be used for the navigation system or for music.

The optional three-piece wind deflector reduces buffeting and noise during top-down driving. The optional aluminum hardtop is fully lined and includes a glass rear window with defroster. An innovative roof transportation system that attaches to the convertible roof (open or closed) or the optional hardtop also is available and is suitable for carrying skis, kayaks, bicycles or other equipment weighing as much as 165 lbs.

In addition to those options, the Porsche Exclusive program offers a wide array of optional features installed at the factory, including custom interior trim packages and individual trim items. The Porsche four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty covers all Exclusive options, and Porsche dealers can include the cost of the options in the lease or finance contract.

The Tequipment (“Tech-quipment”) program offers a line of accessories available only from authorized Porsche dealers. Tequipment options include items such as special wheels, an aero body kit, instrument panel trim kits, CD changers, and custom floor mats. Customers can order Tequipment options at the time of purchase, or can return to the dealership for installation later.

While installation of Tequipment may require some modifications to the car, such modifications do not affect the standard limited warranty. Tequipment items come with a two-year warranty when installed by a certified technician at an authorized Porsche dealership.

Every new 2004 model year Porsche car sold in the United States and Canada is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile (80,000 kilometer), bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, which includes Porsche’s roadside assistance program. The galvanized body and 26-step paint and anti-corrosion process enable Porsche to warranty each car against rust perforation for 10 years and unlimited mileage.

In addition, Porsche guarantees the paint finish for three years – also without a mileage limitation.

Story by Porsche Edited by Maximum-Cars.com