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Nov 21, 2003 15:32 ET
Special Edition Boxster(R) S Celebrates 50
Years of the 550 Spyder
ATLANTA, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche(R) has announced the
creation of an exclusive 2004 Boxster S model designed to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder.
To be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in
Detroit in early January 2004, the new "50 Years of the 550
Spyder" Boxster S reflects the spirit of one of Porsche's most
famous models.
The Boxster is styled after the 550 Spyder, with similar
bodylines, mid- engine roadster configuration, low weight, excellent
agility, and a high level of driving pleasure. The new commemorative
Boxster S further reflects this classic Porsche model with
performance enhancements and additional styling cues not previously
available on Boxster models.
For added performance, the new Boxster S edition is equipped with
the most powerful engine ever offered in the Boxster model line.
Rated at 264 horsepower (SAE), the 3.2-liter flat-six cylinder power
plant propels the car from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.7 seconds,
and to a top track speed of 165 mph (266 km/h). Sportier suspension
settings, 5 mm-wide wheel spacers on all four wheels, and standard
18-inch Carrera wheels improve handling, while a 15 percent shorter
shift travel in the standard six-speed manual transmission provides
quicker gear shifting.
As most 550 Spyders were painted silver, the new special edition
Boxster S is finished in GT Silver Metallic, a color only found on
the Carrera GT and "40 Years of the 911" models. The soft
top is in Cocoa, a dark brown color used by Porsche for the first
time. For additional visual emphasis, wheel spokes are painted in
Seal Grey, a colored Porsche crest adorns each wheel hub cover, and
the monoblock brake calipers have an aluminum paint finish. Other
exclusive exterior styling features include silver-painted grills
above the rear strut openings, a specially created stainless steel
tailpipe, chrome plated and polished Boxster S lettering on the rear
deck lid, and safety bar padding that matches the car's interior.
Cocoa and GT Silver dominate the car's special interior with
matching carpet and floor mats featuring the Porsche script logo.
The center panels of the standard heated seats, handbrake lever,
gear lever gate, ball-shaped aluminum gearshift knob, inside door
handles, and padded sport steering wheel are covered in Cocoa
colored leather. The rear section of the center console, handbrake
lever, grooved bar on the dashboard, switch panel, and the back of
the safety bars are painted in GT Silver Metallic. Instruments are
uniquely styled with black faces surrounded by chrome plated
decorative rings.
Other standard features include Porsche Stability Management (PSM),
an on- board computer, Litronic headlamps with dynamic beam angle
adjustment and a cleaning system, and a wind stop. The Tiptronic(R)
S automatic transmission system, GT Silver seat back shells, and
Dark Gray natural leather interior (at no extra cost and with
corresponding black top and carpets) complete the short list of
options.
Named after its corresponding internal design project number, the
550 Spyder was the first Porsche sports car created exclusively with
racing in mind. Among its numerous racing successes was a class
victory in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana -- the famed Mexican road
race. Triumphs such as this contributed to the Porsche brand fame
and its current familiarity among the general public.
Production of the new Boxster S edition is limited to 1953 units
to commemorate the 550 Spyder's introduction at the 1953 Paris Motor
Show. A limited-edition plate on the center console indicates the
Anniversary car's production number. The new Boxster S model will go
on sale in the United States and Canada in March 2004 at a price of
$59,900 US and $85,300 CAN.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga.,
and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive
importers of Porsche vehicles for the United States and Canada. A
wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG,
PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles,
parts, service, marketing and training for its 204 U.S. and Canadian
dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in- class
service.
Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
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