Wheels and Tires: Description and Operation
44 - Wheels and Tires
The wheels of the new Boxster (987) series have been redesigned and made larger. The larger wheel/tire dimensions have been specially developed to further increase performance. The wheels have been designed to appear flush with the vehicle's body. For the first time, all the wheels are produced by flow forming process. This is a light weight construction technology which reduces weight by rolling out the wheel rim.
Boxster II Wheel - Standard on Boxster (987)
The Boxster now features a 17" wheel, size 6.5J x 17 on the front axle and 8J x 17 on the rear axle. The 5 double spoke design lends the 17" Boxster wheel a highly dynamic appearance.
Boxster S Wheel - Standard on Boxster S (987), Optional on the Boxster (987)
The 18" Boxster S wheel is 8J x 18 on the front axle and 9J x 18 on the rear axle. Its appearance is characterized by 5 very striking spokes which split into 2 narrow ribs at the end.
19" Wheels (Optional)
Three 19" design versions are available (I no.) for both the Boxster and the Boxster S. They come in the Boxster specific sizes on the front and rear axles.
The 19" Carrera S wheel is based on the standard Carrera S wheel.
The 19" Sport Design wheel is characterized by 15 fine mesh spokes. The delicate styling provides a striking race car look.
The 19" Carrera Classic wheel is elegant in appearance. Its 5-spoke design is very slender and allows for a good view of the brakes.
44 - Tires
NOTE: The tires are provided with an N specification code on their sidewall. The complete code "N..." must be located on the respective makes of tire on the sidewall in the vicinity of the tire type designation. All the tires used on a vehicle must of the same make, the same specification code and the same speed rating.
A new tire generation with larger rolling circumferences has been developed for the new Boxster/S series to complement the new wheels. The primary aim in developing this new generation has been to achieve a marked improvement in the tires performance, thereby lending the Boxster an even sportier character.
The tire circumference has been increased by 2.5% on the front axle and 5% on the rear axle. The larger rolling circumference increases the side wall height/tire width ratio in comparison with the previous Boxster (986) model to guarantee an appropriate level of comfort despite the larger wheels. At the same time, the tire widths on the rear axle of the new Boxster/S have been increased from the predecessor's 16" / 225 mm to 17" / 235 mm.
In the absence of the predecessor models 16/17" basic tires, the new 17/18" summer tires now serve as the comfort oriented tires. They offer high quality, sporty handling combined with good driving comfort. The 19" summer tire replaces the previous 18" tire when the focus is on sportiness and agility. It offers a substantial increase in performance.
The new tires have permitted a noticeable increase in the amount of force that can be transmitted both in the longitudinal and transverse direction. This results in a high level of agility and, at the same time, driving safety. A reduction in the braking distance is possible with the new tires, particularly the 19" tires. These improvements are made possible above all by the specially selected rubber compound for the tires and the new tread design.
Tire Repair System
SAFETY: The decision as to whether to continue slowly to the next workshop or repair the tire on the spot using the tire sealing compound is the responsibility of the driver.
The new Boxster/S (987) do not have a spare wheel or a jack. Instead, they are equipped with a tire sealing compound and an electric air compressor.
The introduction of the tire sealing compound means that most damage can be handled without having to go to the trouble of changing the damaged tire on the spot. Small punctures such as caused by a nail or screw can be temporarily repaired by filling them with the tire sealing compound, thereby enabling the vehicle to be driven at a reduced speed (up to max. 50 mph/80 km/h) to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer without damaging the wheel or the vehicle.