The anticipation for the future generation Porsche Boxster is gaining momentum with spy shots aplenty of the sports car doing its rounds out on the streets. Unfortunately, any interior shots have been obsolete, but AutoExpress was able to snag one just in time to keep that momentum going. Their spy shot illustrates the fact that the future Porsche Boxster will be taking a page out of the Panamera and 911’s new updated interiors. The interior will feature an extended transmission tunnel with a bank of switches located behind the gearlever. These switches control the electric folding roof and the PASM active dampers, among other things. The satellite navigation system will receive a new, larger color screen and the seat will get softer leathers and higher grade metals and plastics.

The 2012 Porsche Boxster->ke570 will be built on a platform that is longer than the current one. This lengthening is vital to the lineup if Porsche wants to be able to squeeze in the future baby Boxster. As far as power goes, the Boxster will use a slightly revised version of the 310-HP 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine, but rumors suggest that it might receive an advanced four-cylinder engine producing about as much horsepower as the current 2.9-liter six.

Along with the engines that are expected to be carried over, expect the short-throw six-speed manual and Porsche’s->ke1 seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission to also carry over. The PDK works well, but we do have some complaints. The transmission can be somewhat awkward to operate in manual mode when using the steering-wheel-mounted buttons, not to mention the paddles can feel a bit cheap. We hope that this is corrected on the next-generation model, and with the updated interior, that may very well be the case.

Expect the future Porsche Boxster to be revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

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