In the automotive world, it’s no secret that different car models often share parts. This is especially true when it comes to Porsche. The fifth generation of the 911 (996) and the 986 Boxster, along with the Cayman, are prime examples. They share dashboard clusters and similarly shaped gauge faces, differing only in details such as the font of the digits and speed range. The same applies to the 997 and the 987 Boxster and Cayman.
Interestingly, when we began producing replacement gauge faces, we were frequently approached by Boxster and Cayman owners. Their most common question? Whether they could use 911 gauge faces in their vehicles (spoiler: no:) They have a different speed range). It turns out that many Boxster and Cayman owners find the original gauge faces outdated and would love to replace the cursive font with something more contemporary.
The Case for a Modern Design
Two decades later, the italic font used in the 986/987 Boxster and Cayman does indeed look dated, often drawing comparisons to the much-maligned Comic Sans. This cursive style is perceived as more unserious and casual.
In contrast, the block-style font of the 20-years old 911 is still seen as modern and continues to resonate with design trends today. Over the years, there has been a clear shift towards sleeker, cleaner, and more readable fonts in automotive design. Less is more!
Why Fonts Matter
Fonts play a crucial role in the design and perception of a car’s interior. The playful OEM Boxster/Cayman font used on the gauge faces can give the impression of being overly stylized and unprofessional.
Recognizing this, we offer gauge faces for the 986 and 987 Boxster and Cayman gauge faces with the modern blockstyle font. A clear, modern font aligns the dashboard of the Boxster and Cayman with the timeless elegance and contemporary feel.
In conclusion, swapping out the gauge faces of your Porsche Boxster or Cayman for those with a blockstyle font is a simple yet impactful upgrade. It modernizes the look of your dashboard and aligns it with current design trends. Whether you’re a long-time Porsche enthusiast or a new owner, this upgrade offers a subtle yet significant enhancement to your vehicle’s interior.