2012 Porsche Boxster Spied on its way to Nurburgring

With the facelifted Boxster only just revealed at last November's Los Angeles Auto Show you'd think that Porsche's development team would take it easy for the time being. Apparently not as our always eager for a scoop spies have caught the all-new next generation Boxster out on its way for testing at the Nurbugring race track. At a first glance it looks like not much has changed but a closer view reveals that the prototype features a more curvalicious rear-end and slightly altered proportions.

Of course, since we are talking about Porsche -the maker of the 911 that has kept the same shape for decades- don't expect to see something totally new. What other carmakers would call a facelift will be dubbed by Porsche as an all-new design. However, what you should expect to see is a totally revamped interior blending styling elements from both the next-generation 911 (998) due in 2011 and the new Panamera.

And what about under the skin? As with the current Boxster, its replacement will share many parts with the 911 while Porsche's engineers will definitely try to further reduce the car's weight. Interestingly, it is said that Porsche may also utilize the new aerodynamic systems like the front air intake mechanisms that it's preparing for the new 998.

Porsche sources imply that the 2012 Boxster's engine and transmission lineup that includes manual and PDK twin-clutch gearboxes will be carried over from today's model with minimal improvements. Currently, the facelifted Boxster is offered with a 2.9-liter direct-injection straight six that cranks out 250HP and a 3.4-liter straight six also benefiting from direct fuel injection that delivers 310HP.

There has been talk about the possibility of Porsche offering an entry-level four-cylinder engine due to the stricter CO2 emission regulations that are being enforced in several key markets, but this has yet to be confirmed. If the rumors turn out to be true, we'd suspect that the four-pot unit would come from Porsche's German stablemate, Audi.

The new Boxster will most likely make its world debut sometime in 2011 with sales following towards the end of the year or early 2012.