Porsche history · 2005–2012
Porsche 987 Boxster & Cayman: History, Specs & What to Know
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Porsche 987 is the second-generation Boxster, launched in 2005, and the first Cayman coupe, which followed with the Cayman S for 2006. The 987.1 used 2.7- to 3.4-liter flat-sixes; the 987.2 from late 2008 brought direct injection on S models and up to 330 hp in the Cayman R. Boxster S output reached 310 hp.
The 987 refined the Boxster and added a hardtop coupe, the Cayman. The Cayman S came first; Porsche brought the standard Cayman to market in 2006 at $49,400.
Porsche unveiled the second phase, often called the 987.2, at the Los Angeles show in November 2008 with larger engines and direct fuel injection on the S models. Lightweight specials — the Boxster Spyder and the Cayman R — closed out the generation before the 981 arrived for 2013.
987 history: what changed, year by year
- 2005 — Second-generation Boxster (240 hp) and Boxster S (280 hp) launch.[1],[2]
- 2006 — Cayman S (295 hp) arrives; the standard Cayman follows at $49,400, and the Boxster range is updated.[2],[3]
- Nov. 2008 — 987.2 Boxster and Cayman unveiled in Los Angeles: 2.9-liter base engine and 3.4-liter direct-injection S engine.[2],[3]
- 2010 — Boxster Spyder goes on sale (320 hp).[2],[3]
- 2011 — Cayman R (330 hp); Boxster reaches 255 hp and Boxster S 310 hp.[1],[2]
How many 987s were made?
| Model / variant | Years | Units | What the figure counts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | to Jan 2021 | ≈ 357,000[4] | produced across four generations (as of Jan 2021)Porsche says 'more than 357,000'. |
More model-by-model totals: Porsche production numbers.
987 variants and engines
| Variant | Years | Engine | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster / Boxster S (987.1) | MY2005–2008 | 2.7 L / 3.2 L, then 3.4 L flat-6 | 240–245 / 280–295 hp (US)[2] | |
| Cayman S (987.1) | MY2006–2008 | 3.4 L flat-6 | 295 hp (US)[2] | |
| Cayman (987.1) | MY2007–2008 | 2.7 L flat-6 | 245 hp (US)[2],[3] | |
| Boxster / Cayman (987.2) | MY2009–2012 | 2.9 L flat-6 | 255 / 265 hp (US)[2] | |
| Boxster S / Cayman S (987.2) | MY2009–2012 | 3.4 L flat-6, direct injection | 310 / 320 hp (US)[2] | |
| Boxster Spyder | MY2011–2012 | 3.4 L flat-6, direct injection | 320 hp (US)[2] | |
| Cayman R | MY2011–2012 | 3.4 L flat-6, direct injection | 330 hp (US)[2] | US MSRP $66,300 (2012). |
Full trim-by-trim figures (US hp, torque, 0–60, weight, launch MSRP): Porsche 987 Boxster & Cayman specs.
987 engine and drivetrain facts
What to check before you buy a 987
- 987.1 cars (2005–2008) use M96/M97 engines with the documented IMS-bearing and bore-scoring issues; get inspection or replacement records.[5]
- Rear main seal leaks are documented on early 987s; check for oil between engine and gearbox.[5]
- On PDK-equipped 987.2 cars, ask for gearbox service records.
- Confirm Spyder, Cayman R and Black Edition claims from the VIN and factory record.
Documented problems, recalls and pre-purchase checks: 987 bore scoring · Boxster & Cayman known issues.
How to verify a 987's factory options
Every 987 carries a 17-character VIN, so a build sheet can show the car's factory paint, interior and options — including Sport Chrono, PASM, sports exhaust and manual or PDK.
See exactly how this 987 left the factory.
The CarWhere build sheet decodes a US-market Porsche VIN into its factory record: paint, interior, option codes and equipment as built. $9.99, and the free availability check shows whether build data exists before you pay.
Porsche 987 Boxster & Cayman FAQ
What years is the Porsche 987?
The 987 Boxster ran from the 2005 to 2012 model years, and the 987 Cayman from 2006 to 2012. The 987.2 update arrived for the 2009 model year.
What is the difference between the 987.1 and 987.2?
The 987.2 (2009–2012) brought a 2.9-liter base engine, a 3.4-liter direct-injection engine on S models and the PDK option. The 987.1 used 2.7-, 3.2- and 3.4-liter engines from the M96/M97 family.
When did the Porsche Cayman come out?
The Cayman S launched as part of the 987 generation for the 2006 model year, and the standard Cayman followed in 2006 at $49,400 in the US.
Does the 987 have IMS bearing problems?
The documented IMS-bearing issue applies to 987.1 cars (2005–2008 model years). The 987.2 uses a newer engine design.
Related Porsche history
Specs, production and buying research
Sources
Production counts, power outputs and dates on this page come from the sources below. Where sources disagree, the page says so or uses Porsche's own figure.
- Opening Gambit (Christophorus 398: 25 years of the Boxster) — Porsche Newsroom
- Porsche Boxster & Cayman specs by generation (US-market figures, each sourced on the page) — CarWhere Research
- Porsche Historical Background: 1948-2025 — Porsche Cars North America (Porsche Newsroom)
- New limited-edition anniversary model: Boxster 25 Years (Porsche Newsroom USA) — Porsche Newsroom
- Porsche Boxster & Cayman known issues by generation (each issue sourced on the page) — CarWhere Research
Independent reference published by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Porsche, 911, Carrera, Targa and Boxster are trademarks of their owner.