2010 PORSCHE BOXSTER S Information Manual

· 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.

· 66 ·· 67 ·
Boxster | Safet y
Passive safety: engineered
design.
The deformation zone at the
front of the vehicle contains a
system of longitudinal and lateral
members which absorb the
energy in the event of an impact.
The fuel tank and fuel lines are
safely positioned outside the
deformation zone. Together with
the rigid side structures, high-
strength steel elements in the
doors provide exceptional side-
impact protection. The reinforced
windscreen frame and the roll-
over bars positioned behind the
seats provide an ef fective barrier
if the car overturns. Energy-
absorbing materials are used at
key points throughout the passen -
ger compartment.
Both Boxster models are fit ted
as
standard with an airbag system

comprising t wo full-size front air -
bags as well as dedicated head
and thorax airbags (POSIP, p. 67)
on each side. This arrangement
ensures optimum upper-body

protection, even when the hood is
open. For added comfort and
safet y, the three-point belts have
integrated force limiters and
pretensioners.
Roll-over protection.
The front area of the cockpit is
protected by a robust steel
element integrated invisibly into
the windscreen frame. The rear
roll-over bars are made from high-
strength steel and are located
behind the seats. Their flat tened
form ensures high safet y, and
harmoniously follows the lines of
the seat backrests. The upper
seat-belt anchorage points are
at tached to the bars for greater
accessibility and comfort.
Porsche Side Impact
Protection (POSIP).
Both Boxster models are equipped
with Porsche Side Impact
Protection (POSIP) as standard.
This consists of t wo airbags on
each side. The outer bolsters of
the seats contain a thorax air-

bag and each door contains a head
airbag. Each has a volume of
around 8 litres, ensuring high
protection in the event of a side
impact, even when the hood is
open. The passenger cell is also
shielded by side impact protec -
tion beams in the doors.
Child seats.*
For our youngest Boxster pas-
sengers, the Porsche Tequipment
range of accessories includes
child seats and the necessary
preparation. This comprises an
ISOFIX fixing bracket for mount -
ing the Porsche child seats, and
a key switch to deactivate the
passenger airbag.
Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP)
*
Not to be used in conjunction with
spor ts bucket seats.
Sheet steel
Tailored Blanks
High-strength steel Aluminium Super high-strength steel
Super high-strength austenitic
stainless steel I

· 68 ·· 69 ·
Comfort
Does appearance count more than
inner values? Are good looks
most important? We’ve never been
convinced of this.

The inner values of the Boxster
ensure measurable performance.
For us, function always takes
priority.

The pure, dynamic design
language of the Boxster models
is carried into the interior.
Every control is intuitively placed.
The focus is on ergonomics.
Because you have to be able to
exploit the full sporting potential.
Comfort