The 981 is the third-generation Boxster and second-generation Cayman, built roughly 2012–2016. The Boxster (981) was announced at the March 2012 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale as a 2013 model year car; the Cayman (981c) followed for model year 2014. The generation was replaced by the turbocharged 718 (982) line, making the 981 the last Boxster/Cayman with a naturally aspirated flat-six across the whole range.
Versus the previous 987, the 981 chassis is around 40% more torsionally rigid, with a 60 mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks. It was the first Boxster/Cayman with electric power steering and an electronic parking brake.
Variants and engines
- Boxster / Cayman (base): 2.7 L flat-six (MA1.22). Boxster ~265 PS, Cayman ~275 PS. 0–100 km/h around 5.6–5.8 s.
- Boxster S / Cayman S: 3.4 L (MA1.23). Boxster S ~315 PS, Cayman S ~325 PS.
- Boxster GTS / Cayman GTS (2014+): 3.4 L tuned higher — Boxster GTS ~330 PS, Cayman GTS ~340 PS — plus revised styling.
- Boxster Spyder (2015): 3.8 L, ~375 PS, lightweight, 6-speed manual only.
- Cayman GT4 (2015): 3.8 L derived from the 991 Carrera S engine, ~385 PS, 6-speed manual only, with 991 GT3-derived brakes and suspension.
Transmissions were a 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch, except the GT4 and Boxster Spyder, which are manual-only.
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