PORSCHE BOXSTER S 2010 2.G Information Manual

· 46 ·· 47 ·
Three-spoke sports steering
wheel with gearshift switches.
In conjunction with the optional
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK),
the standard three-spoke sports
steering wheel features t wo
ergonomic switches. One press
with the thumb and the PDK
shif ts up. One pull with the index
finger and the PDK shif ts down.
Either the right or left hand can
be used.
When combined with the optional
Sport Chrono Packages (p. 56),
an additional display is located
above the airbag module telling you whether the SPORT, SPORT
PLUS and Launch Control func
-
tions are activated.
Three-spoke sports steering
wheel with gearshift paddles.
If you wish, you can now change
gear motorsport-st yle. The
paddles are made from a strong
alloy and are ergonomically
located behind the steering wheel
spokes. Pull the right-hand paddle
and the PDK shif ts up. Pull the
left-hand paddle and the PDK
shifts down.
Visually, the steering wheel is
distinguished by its distinctive,
high - qualit y t win -spoke design
and silver-coloured galvanised
spoke cover. The airbag module
is finished in the same colour
as the steering wheel rim.
Displays in the left and right-
hand steering wheel spokes tell
you whether the SPORT, SPORT
PLUS and Launch Control func -
tions are activated. Another

feature reminiscent of the world
of motorsport is the top centre
marking on the steering wheel
rim.
Boxster | Drive
Gear selector for PDK.
The gear selector for PDK im-
presses not only with its unique
design, but above all with its
superior functionality enabling
you to change gear manually.

Press forwards to shift up, pull
backwards to shift down. Even if
the gear selector is set to auto -
matic mode, you can still change
gear manually using the switches
on the steering wheel.
Six-speed manual gearbox.
Fit ted as standard is a six-speed
manual gearbox which is per -
fectly matched to the character -
istics of the engine. The shif t
throw is short and precise, the
tuning is sport y – as befits the
character of the Boxster models.
The dual-mass fly wheel mini -
mises engine noise and the con -
trol cable mechanism prevents
vibrations from being transmit ted
to the gear lever.
Three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift switches Three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles Gear selector for PDKGear lever for six-speed gearbox
Hill-start assist.
Standard for manual and Porsche
Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmis-
sions it assists the driver in
making a comfortable, smooth
and roll-free start on an incline.
The system detects you have
braked to a halt on an incline.

Provided a gear is engaged, the
brake pressure is maintained
approximately t wo seconds once
the footbrake is released. The
vehicle is therefore temporarily
prevented from rolling backwards.
Brake pressure is reduced if
sufficient revs have been gener -
ated depressing the accelerator
pedal (for manual transmission,
the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed and the clutch engaged).

· 48 ·· 49 ·
Chassis
Having inner fire is one thing.
Being able to transfer it to the
right place is another. Unbridled
energy must be correctly
channelled.

The Boxster chassis is tuned
for high performance,
transferring power to precisely
where it belongs: the road.
The result is powerful dynamics.
Excellent agility. Pure driving
pleasure. And outstanding road-
holding.
Chassis

· 50 ·· 51 ·
Boxster and Boxster S
Suspension.
The suspension of the Boxster
models has been tuned to match
the high performance of the
engines.
Light weight coil- over McPherson
struts are combined with lateral
control arms to ensure excellent
driving dynamics and safet y on
all road surfaces. The axle kine-matics are designed for high
performance, as is the generous
wheel track. Light weight con
-
struction throughout keeps the
overall weight and unsprung
masses low, with almost all mov -
ing parts made from aluminium.
The mid-engine design, in com -
bination with the complex chassis
technology, results in minimum
roll and pitch movements on
cornering, braking and accel -
eration.
The chassis of the Boxster
models ensures high safet y
reserves irrespective of load,
and easily controllable load
transfer when cornering. Corner -
ing stabilit y is exemplary, even
in high-speed bends. The same
applies to straight-line stabilit y.
Steering.
What use is a perfect suspension
setup without perfectly tuned
steering? For Porsche, this would
be inconceivable. The solution
is a steering system which is as
precise and immediate as the
chassis itself and, thanks to the
power assistance, steering ef fort
is reduced to a comfortable
level. Around the straight-ahead
position, such as during motor -
way driving, the ratio is less
direct but with no loss of agilit y
or feedback.
Boxster | Chassis
The greater the steering angle,
the more direct the steering
ratio. This is particularly notice-
able when turning tight corners
or parking. The car has a turning
circle of just 11.1 m.
Front axle with McPherson struts and lateral control arms (Boxster S)
Rear axle with McPherson struts and lateral control arms (Boxster S)

· 52 ·· 53 ·
Wheels.
A range of sophisticated wheels
ensures both models deliver
exceptional driving performance,
without compromising on ride
comfort. The Boxster is fit ted with
17-inch wheels in an open five-
spoke design, and the Boxster S
has 18-inch wheels with a
dynamic sport y look. Wheels up
to 19 inches are available for both
models on request. All available
wheels are equipped with anti-
theft protection. A selection of
alternative wheels is featured
on page 108.
Specifically for the cold season,
winter t yres and snow chains
are available from the Porsche
Tequipment accessory range.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
(TPM).
The optional Tyre Pressure Moni -
toring (TPM) sends warnings to
the on -board computer’s display
screen in the event of low t yre
pressure.

The driver can check the pres -
sure in all four t yres via the instrument cluster. The system
updates quickly and reliably

each time the engine is started, whenever the t yre pressures
are corrected or a wheel is
changed – ensuring a high degree
of comfort and safet y.
Boxster | Chassis
Boxster with 19-inch Carrera Sport wheel and Boxster S with 19-inch Carrera S II wheel
18 - inch Boxster S II wheel
17- inch Boxster III wheel

· 54 ·· 55 ·
Boxster | Chassis
Compression in ‘Normal’ mode –
working piston and bypass, sporty-
comfortable tuning Rebound in ‘Spor t ’ mode –
working piston only, sporty-
comfortable tuning Rebound in ‘Spor t ’ mode –
working piston only, sporty-
hard tuning
Compression in ‘Normal’ mode –

working piston and bypass, sporty-
hard tuning
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM).
The optional PASM is an elec -
tronic damping control system.
On the Boxster models, the
suspension has been tuned to
match the high power of the
engine. PASM actively and con -
tinuously regulates the damping
force for each wheel according
to the road conditions and driving

st yle. In addition, the suspension
is lowered by 10 mm.
The driver can select bet ween
t wo dif ferent modes: ‘Normal’
which is a blend of performance
and comfort, and ‘Sport ’ where
the setup is much firmer. The
PASM control unit evaluates the
driving conditions and modifies
the damping force on each of
the wheels in accordance with
the selected mode.
Sensors monitor the movement
of the vehicle body, for example,
under heav y acceleration and
braking or on uneven roads. The
control unit tunes the dampers

to the optimum hardness for the
selected mode to reduce roll and
pitch still further and to increase
contact bet ween each individual
wheel and the road.
In ‘Sport ’ mode, the suspension
is set to a harder damper rating.
On uneven roads, PASM imme-
diately switches to a softer
rating within the ‘Sport ’ setup
range, thereby improving con-
tact bet ween the wheels and the
road. When the road surface
improves, PASM automatically
reverts to the original, harder
rating.
If ‘Normal’ mode is selected and
the driver’s st yle becomes more
assertive, PASM automatically
switches to a harder rating within
the ‘Normal’ setup range.
Damping becomes harder, and
driving stabilit y and road safet y
are increased.
Mechanically locking rear
differential.
Are you a fan of sport y driving?
In your spare time, do you
enjoy the occasional outing on
the racetrack? Then you
shouldn’t do without the optional
mechanically locking rear differ -
ential available in conjunction
with 18-inch or 19-inch wheels.
It further enhances the traction
of the driven rear wheels on
uneven roads and when acceler -
ating out of tight bends. Road
holding at the limits of perform -
ance is even more impressive.
The car holds its course bet ter
and so PSM intervenes less often.
In other words, sheer driving
pleasure and faster lap times.

· 56 ·· 57 ·
Sport Chrono Package.
The Boxster combines open -top
driving with performance which
at Porsche has its origins on the
racetrack.
As an option, for both models we
offer the Sport Chrono Package
which enables even sportier tuning
of the chassis and engine and
guarantees even more driving
pleasure.
Selecting the SPORT but ton

on the centre console activates
‘Sport ’ mode, which makes
throt tle the response significantly
more immediate, adjusts the
rev-limiter to a harder set ting,
and tunes the engine dynamics
for performance driving.
The optional Porsche Active

Suspension Management (PASM)
also switches to ‘Sport ’ mode,
which of fers harder damping and
more direct steering and, there-
fore, bet ter road holding.

With the optional PDK in auto -
matic mode, gearshif t points are
delayed until the upper rev range.
The shif t times are shorter, the
gear changes sportier. At low rates
of deceleration, the system
initiates a swif ter, brake-induced
downshift. In manual mode, gear
changes are faster and more
dynamic.
In ‘Sport ’ mode, the PSM (p. 63)
intervenes later for increased
longitudinal and lateral dynamics.
PSM now affords greater
manoeuvrabilit y under braking
and exit acceleration, especially
at low speeds.
For maximum dexterit y, PSM can
be set to standby while the car is
still in ‘Sport ’ mode (p. 63). For
safet y, it is set to intervene auto -
matically only when ABS assist -
ance is required on both the front
wheels.
A key component of the Sport
Chrono Package is the swivel-
mounted in the centre of the
dashboard with analogue and
digital display.
In combination with the optional
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK),
the Sport Chrono Package of fers
t wo additional functions that
are activated by the SPORT PLUS
but ton.
First, ‘Launch Control’, which
ensures you achieve the fastest
possible rate of acceleration
from a standing start – on the
race track, for example. ‘Launch
Control’ is operated via the
SPORT PLUS but ton with the ‘D’
or ‘M’ drive position selected.
Whilst the driver depresses the
brake pedal with the left foot,
the right foot depresses the
accelerator pedal to the floor.
With the accelerator in the kick -
down position, the system
detects the driver’s request for
Launch Mode and revs the
engine to an optimum speed of
approximately 6,500 rpm.
Boxster | Chassis
Engine torque increases and the
clutch closes slightly. The mes -
sage ‘Launch Control ’ appears
in the display on the PDK steer -
ing wheel. The driver now quickly
releases the brake – and pre -
pares for maximum acceleration.

Second, the ‘motorsport- derived
gearshif t strategy’. Using this,
PDK is geared up for maximum
shif t speed, the shortest possible
shif t times and optimum shif t
points for maximum acceleration
– ideal for the racetrack.
Sport Chrono Package Plus.
On request, the optional Porsche
Communication Management
(PCM, p. 83) can be combined
with the Sport Chrono Package
Plus. In addition to the functions
of the Sport Chrono Package,
it includes a personal memory
function in the PCM and a per-
formance display for evaluating
lap times.
Throttle response
in ‘Normal’ mode
Throttle response

in ‘Sport’ mode
Both sets of characteristics
are dependent on engine
speed.
Pedal travel (%)
(%)
Torque
(as percentage of maximum)
Sport Chrono stop watch
Comparison of electronic and throttle maps for ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ mode
‘SPORT’ but ton and ‘SPORT PLUS’ but ton on centre console

· 58 ·· 59 ·
Safety
Resolve apparent contradictions.
Reconcile extremes. Remain
superior. In every way. These

typical Porsche characteristics
make the Boxster unique in the
roadster segment.

Firstly, it represents uncompro mising
sports performance. Secondly, it
offers high levels of safety – both
active and passive.
For example, with Porsche

Stability Management. Or the
powerful braking system.
Because no-one ever said that
inner fire is dangerous.Safety

· 60 ·· 61 ·
Active safety.
Uncompromising sports per-
formance. Comprehensive safet y.
At Porsche, these qualities have

always been inextricably linked.
Just as in the Boxster models
where the body, chassis and
brakes constitute a single inte -
grated system with generous
safety reserves.
The chassis setup allows for an
extremely sport y driving st yle
with exceptional cornering control.
The variable ratio steering is
direct and precise with excellent
feedback from the road.

The braking system ensures
maximum deceleration and

stabilit y. A high power-to -weight
ratio and responsive throt tle
enable easier overtaking and
evasive manoeuvres. Porsche
Stabilit y Management (PSM,

p. 63) fit ted as standard helps
to stabilise the vehicle in critical
driving scenarios, even in
unfavourable weather conditions.
Also contributing to active
safet y is the ef fective headlight
concept which guarantees
excellent vision at night (p. 64).
Boxster | Safet y
Braking system.
The Boxster and Boxster S have
a braking system with four-
piston aluminium monobloc brake
calipers fit ted front and rear.
Offering excellent rigidit y, they
are compact and save on weight.
Their superior responsiveness,
for fast and sensitive braking, sets
them apart.
A brake booster reduces pedal
ef fort whilst maintaining powerful
braking. A special ventilation
system, whereby the entire wheel
brake is cooled through openings
in the front end and special
channelling systems, increases
the stabilit y of the brakes during
heav y use.

Both the Boxster and Boxster S
have internally vented brake
discs at the front with a diameter
of 318 mm, whilst the rear discs
measure 299 mm. The result is
impressive braking performance.
The brake discs on the Boxster S
are 4 mm thicker than those
on the Boxster, which increases
stabilit y even further. To distinguish them visually,

the brake calipers on the Boxster
have a black anodised finish
while those on the Boxster S are
painted red.
For reduced weight, bet ter cool -
ing and optimum braking in the
wet, the brake discs are cross-
drilled.
Boxster Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB)Standard brake unit (Boxster) (top)
Standard brake unit (Boxster S) (bottom)
A purist concept doesn’t allow for reserves.
Except when it comes to safety.

· 62 ·· 63 ·
Porsche Ceramic Composite
Brake (PCCB).
On request, we can equip your
Boxster S with a brake system
that has already had to cope
with the harshest requirements
of motorsport: the Porsche
Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).

The ceramic brake discs have
a diameter of 350 mm front and
rear – for extremely powerful
braking. The brake discs are
formed from a specially treated
carbon -fibre compound that is
silicated in a high-vacuum process
at approximately 1,700 ˚C. Not
only are the resulting discs much
harder than standard discs, they are more resistant to heat.
The low thermal expansion of

the brake discs prevents defor -
mation under heav y braking.
Furthermore, the ceramic brake
discs are totally resistant to
corrosion and offer more favour -
able noise-damping properties.

Six-piston aluminium monobloc
fixed calipers on the front axle
and four-piston units at the rear
provide a high and constant
brake pressure. The pedal
response is fast and precise with
only moderate input required.
All the necessary ingredients
are there for a short braking
distance, even in the toughest
conditions. Moreover, safet y
under braking at high speeds is
increased thanks to the excel-
lent fade resistance of PCCB.
The key advantage of PCCB
is that the brake discs are
approximately 50 % lighter than
standard discs of similar design
and size. A factor that helps
to reduce unsprung and rotating
masses on the vehicle. The
consequence of this is bet ter
road holding and increased
comfort, particularly on uneven
roads, as well as greater agilit y
and improved handling.
Please note that circuit racing,
trackday use and other forms of
performance driving can signifi -
cantly reduce the service life of
even the most durable brake
pads and discs. We recommend
that all brake components be
professionally inspected and
replaced where necessary after
every track event.
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM).
PSM, which comes as standard,
is an automatic control system
that stabilises the vehicle at the
limits of dynamic driving per-
formance. Sensors continuously
monitor driving direction, speed,
yaw velocit y and lateral accel -
eration. Using this information,
PSM computes the actual direc -
tion of motion. If this direction
deviates from the desired course,
PSM initiates braking inter-
ventions targeted at individual
wheels in order to stabilise the
vehicle.

Under acceleration on wet or
low-grip road surfaces, PSM
improves traction using the ABD
(automatic brake differential)
and ASR (anti-slip regulation)
functions, giving an agile
response. When ‘Sport ’ mode is
selected on the optional Sport
Chrono Packages (p. 56), the
PSM intervention threshold is
raised to enable greater driver
involvement – particularly at
speeds of up to approximately

70 km/ h (45 mph). The integral
ABS can further reduce the
braking distance.
Boxster S Boxster SBoxster S
Boxster | Safet y

· 64 ·· 65 ·
Boxster | Safet y
Dynamic cornering light Night-time illumination (front)Night-time illumination (rear)
For an even sportier drive, PSM
can be deactivated. However,
it is automatically reactivated for
your safet y if either of the front
wheels (in ‘Sport ’ mode, both of
the front wheels) requires ABS
assistance. ABD remains perma -
nently active.
PSM includes t wo additional func -
tions: precharging of the brake
system, and brake assist. If you
suddenly release the accelerator
pedal, PSM automatically readies
the braking system. With the
braking system having been
precharged, the brake pads are
already in light contact with the
brake discs. Maximum braking
power is therefore achieved
much sooner. When sudden brak -
ing is detected, the brake assist
function applies maximum brake
pressure to all four wheels.
Lights.
The Boxster models are all fit ted
with halogen headlights with
LED position lights integrated
separately into the front light unit
with integral fog lights above the
outer air intakes.
LED technology is also used in
the taillight unit to provide bet ter
illumination and respond more
quickly to driver input. Further
benefits are that LED bulbs are
energy saving and have a longer
life than conventional bulbs.

The design is unmistakable, both
day and night.
Bi-Xenon headlights with
dynamic cornering lights and
LED daytime running lights.
Available as an option for both
Boxster models are Bi-Xenon
headlights which include dynamic
cornering lights and LED day time
running lights.
Bi-Xenon headlights are brighter
than halogen headlights so that
they of fer improved visibilit y and
they illuminate the road more evenly. In fact, they are so effec
-
tive that separate fog lights are
no longer necessary. A headlight
cleaning system is built-in.
Dynamic cornering lights of fer
particularly effective illumination
of the road ahead, especially
through bends. Sensors continu -
ously monitor the speed, lateral
acceleration and steering lock
and, from these variables, calcu -
late the course of the bend.
This determines the angle
of the dynamic cornering lights,
with the lights able to swivel
into the corners up to a limit of
15 degrees, even with main
beam switched on.