Porsche's next-generation Boxster has been spied in testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.
Development on the new model is now at an advanced stage and the latest set of pictures show the Boxster in less disguise than in previous spy shots. Although it may look similar to the current model, every panel is new, as is its fabric roof.
See the latest Porsche Boxster spy pictures
All new parts will also be lighter than the ones they replace as part of Porsche's drive to reduce the weight of its cars to achieve better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Porsche is employing a similar strategy with the next 911, too.
The new Boxster, due to be launched within the next 12 months, will be longer and wider than the current model in order to make room for a new entry-level ‘baby Boxster’ based on the Audi R4 and VW BlueSport.
The larger dimensions will boost interior space and high-speed stability. The front end will also undergo styling modifications to increase the Boxster's pedestrian impact safety protection.
The next Boxster will also be a showcase for Porsche’s downsized petrol engines. Boxster model line director Hans-Jurgen Wohler told Autocar earlier this year that a four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged three-cylinder engine were under consideration for the car.
“A Boxster with a four-cylinder engine, or maybe even a three-cylinder turbo, could produce between 180bhp and 200bhp and emit just 180g/km of CO2,” said Wohler. “Given the Boxster’s history - that it started with a 200bhp 2.5-litre engine - I think this is possibly something that customers could accept.
“We are under a great deal of pressure from the EU law makers to reduce emissions, but we don’t know yet how much we’ll have to come down by,” he added.
Pics: Carparazzi
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Re: New Porsche Boxster spy shots
The pair Cayman-Boxster is one of the best cars.
The next ones will probably lose this wonderful compromise efficiency-use-pleasure.
Re: New Porsche Boxster spy shots
Really? Classier than a Merc SL, or a 997, or a Jag XK, or an Aston V8V or DB9/DBS? Classier than any of the real classics, like an XK120/40/50, or an E-type, or a Triumph Stag, or an E46 3-series drophead? Or a Mk1 Z4? Or a Z8? Or even one of the old 327s and 328s? REALLY? Come on, pull the other one. The Cockster is undoubtedly a brilliant car in many ways, but the interior really isn't brilliant and the exterior styling is bog awful. It just says 'poser' and 'badge snob'.
If you have to restrict it to cars in production today, let's leave it at the XK, the Astons, the 997 and the SL. Still think they're all classier than the Cockster.
Re: New Porsche Boxster spy shots
Say what you like, the Porsche Boxster is still the classiest convertible sports car on our streets. I hope it's great to drive. And on the car tested, is the rear at last shorter than the front end, or is it an optical illusion issuing from the camera angle?