The Porsche Boxster (987, facelift) 2.9, produced from February 2009 to January 2012, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation Boxster. Falling within the 987.2 generation, this variant offered a compelling blend of performance and everyday usability, positioned as a step up from the base 2.9-liter model while remaining more accessible than the higher-performance S variants. It continued the Boxster’s role as Porsche’s entry-level roadster, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a pure driving experience in a relatively compact and lightweight package. The 987.2 facelift brought with it revised styling, a more refined interior, and importantly, a new generation of Porsche’s Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) engine.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Boxster |
| Generation | Boxster (987, facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.9 (255 Hp) |
| Start of production | February, 2009 |
| End of production | January, 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Roadster |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg, 7.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 221 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h | 22.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 263 km/h (163.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.2 kg/Hp, 191 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 217.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 255 Hp @ 7200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 88.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 290 Nm @ 4400-6000 rpm (213.89 lb.-ft. @ 4400-6000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 7500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MA1.20 |
| Engine displacement | 2893 cm3 (176.54 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.5 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 23 l (24.3 US qt | 20.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1335 kg (2943.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1635 kg (3604.56 lbs.) |
| Max load | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 130 l (4.59 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4342 mm (170.94 in.) |
| Width | 1801 mm (70.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1978 mm (77.87 in.) |
| Height | 1292 mm (50.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2415 mm (95.08 in.) |
| Front track | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 127 mm (5 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent type McPherson, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | McPherson, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 318×28 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 299×20 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/55 ZR 17Rear wheel tires: 235/50 ZR 17 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7 J x 17Rear wheel rims: 8.5 J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 2009-2012 Porsche Boxster 2.9 is the MA1.20 engine, a 2.9-liter naturally aspirated flat-six (boxer) engine. This engine is a significant evolution from previous Boxster powerplants, incorporating Porsche’s Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) technology. DFI improves combustion efficiency, resulting in increased power and torque while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The engine produces 255 horsepower at 7200 rpm and 290 Nm (213.89 lb-ft) of torque between 4400 and 6000 rpm. The engine features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, offering precise shifts and a direct connection to the rear wheels. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive configuration contribute to the Boxster’s balanced handling characteristics.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.9-liter Boxster with a manual transmission delivers a responsive and engaging driving experience. While not as brutally quick as the Boxster S, it provides ample power for spirited driving on both winding roads and open highways. The engine’s torque curve is relatively flat, providing good acceleration throughout the rev range. The manual gearbox is well-matched to the engine, with gear ratios optimized for performance and drivability. Compared to the base 2.9 without DFI, the facelifted model offers noticeably improved throttle response and overall performance. The relatively low weight of the Boxster (around 2943 lbs) further enhances its agility and handling. The mid-engine layout contributes to excellent balance and predictable cornering behavior.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.9-liter Boxster came standard with a respectable level of equipment, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and sport seats. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to customize their Boxster to their preferences. Popular options included Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation, upgraded audio systems (Bose or Burmester), leather upholstery, heated seats, and various cosmetic enhancements. The interior featured a driver-focused design with a prominent center console and well-placed controls. The standard dashboard configuration was relatively simple and functional, emphasizing the car’s sporting character.
Chassis & Braking
The 987.2 Boxster utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a McPherson strut rear suspension, both with coil springs and anti-roll bars. This suspension setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The chassis is constructed from a combination of steel and aluminum, contributing to its rigidity and relatively low weight. The braking system consists of ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The standard tire size was 205/55 ZR 17 front and 235/50 ZR 17 rear, mounted on 7J x 17 and 8.5J x 17 alloy wheels, respectively.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2009-2012 Porsche Boxster 2.9 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its engaging driving dynamics, refined engine, and relatively affordable price point (compared to the Boxster S). Critics noted that the DFI engine significantly improved performance and fuel economy compared to earlier Boxster models. Compared to the Boxster S, the 2.9 offered a more accessible entry point into the Porsche roadster experience, sacrificing some outright performance for greater affordability and fuel efficiency. The 2.9 also proved to be more reliable than some of the earlier Boxster models, thanks to the improvements made with the 987.2 generation.
Legacy
The Porsche Boxster 2.9 (987.2) has established itself as a desirable used sports car. The MA1.20 engine, while requiring regular maintenance (including intermediate shaft bearing checks), is generally considered to be robust and reliable. The 987.2 generation Boxster is known for its balanced handling, engaging driving experience, and relatively low running costs (compared to other Porsche models). Today, these Boxsters are sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate a pure, analog driving experience in a well-built and stylish roadster. The combination of performance, practicality, and Porsche pedigree makes the 987.2 Boxster 2.9 a compelling choice in the used sports car market.
