Introduced in 1996, the Boxster was introduced as an entry level Porsche sportscar. It was the companies first purpose designed roadster in 20 years, and unlike its more famous brethren the 911, the Boxster was mid-engine and only available with RWD and two seats. However, being the experts they are, Porsche messed up with the Boxster. For almost its entire life journalists and fans alike have been quick to point to the Boxster having the potential for more, the mid-engine placement being favourable to the 911s rear mounting. This was only compounded by the addition of a hardtop version called the Caymen. In an attempt to maintain some form of hierarchy, the Boxster/Caymen never received the same kind of firepower as its older brother, in addition to other factors to ensure that it couldn't compete. This would only change with the third generation Caymen with the addition of the GT4, and subsequent GT4 RS. The Boxster however would soldier on with only GTS and Spyder variants, until finally getting the Spyder RS run out model. What the Boxster did achieve was to help kick start Porsches revival, refreshing its line up and becoming their best ever selling car...

That was, until the Cayenne turned up. First being released upon the world in 2002, the first gen Cayenne was not a looker. Not that that stopped people from buying it. The first four door Porsche was initially available with only a V8 in either S or Turbo guise. A V6 would later join the line up along with a Diesel. Evidently that wouldn't deter people either as Porsches "Third car" would become their biggest seller. Early estimates of 25,000 models a year would be conservative, with almost 35,000 cars a year being more accurate. As of 2023, over 1 million Cayennes have been manufactured across three generations. The Cayenne proved that a premium brand making mainstream cars is a recipe for success, with a little brother, the Macan, and a traditional saloon, the Panamera, following. It was also the catalyst for the SUV craze that has followed, tempting brands such as Lamborghini, Aston Martin and even Ferrari to enter the market.

Were it not for the Boxster and the Cayenne, Porsche as we know it may not exist today.