Everyone knows by now that Porsche is preparing the next generation for every model in their line-up. And the Porsche Boxster is no exception to that. Not only will the sports car receive a redesign, but it will also sit on a longer platform, around 173 inches (4394.2mm) longer overall.
The reason for the lengthening is really quite simple. Porsche currently working on a "Baby Boxster" that will be a two seat model based on the Volkswagen BlueSport concept shown at the Detroit auto show in 2009. This baby will need to sit on the bottom of the Porsche lineup, so the bigger Boxster will indeed need to become bigger, or longer in this case. We have to remind you that Volkswagen needs both Porsche and Audi to sell versions of the BlueSport to make the project financially viable.
The next generation Boxster will also be lighter than the old model, which would then equate to better handling and a more fuel-efficient engine. There are also rumors saying the next Boxster will get a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood.
Expect the new Porsche Boxster to be unveiled at the end of 2011.
Porsche is delving deeper into its electric research with the help of three electric models based off of the Porsche Boxster. Their goal is to combine greater efficiency with even lower fuel consumption and emissions to further development their hybrid concepts such as the 918 Spyder, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, and the new Cayenne S Hybrid. The Cayenne is the first of these hybrid models to run on electric power alone.
Porsche hopes that by testing these three electric Boxsters, they will be able to receive further information on the electric drive components and battery systems for future all-electric vehicles including the Panamera S Hybrid which they hope will enter the market early next year. For right now, there are no production models in sight, but it won’t stay that way for long. Michael Macht, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG, says, "We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche."
So are more electric Porsches in our near future? Let us know what you think.
Hit the jump to see details on each of these electric vehicles in the press release.
AutoCar had the chance to get behind the wheel of the new Boxster Spyder. What does the British magazine think of the new model? See the video and find out in only 90 seconds!
The Boxster Spyder is powered by a 3.4 Liter direct injected flat six engine that delivers a total of 320 HP, 10 HP more than the current top of the line model in the Boxster lineup. This allows the Boxster Spyder to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 166 MPH.
There’s no misprint on the title, in case you’re wondering.
What you’re looking at is a Porsche Boxster that has been given a full-on body reconstruction using a Carrera GT bodykit. While there’s nothing completely out of line with the car, it does seem a little strange - with a tinge of desperation, too - to turn a Boxster, which is the cheapest lot among Porsche’s sports car segment, into what is arguably one of the most high-powered Porsche supercars in a long time. Design-wise, it’s not that bad to look at compared to what we’ve seen in the past. Still, we find it a bit odd given the size difference between the Boxster and the Carrera GT.
But if you’re one of those people who find this car attractive, then we’re happy to say that the owner is actually selling it for a pretty cheap price of just 50,000 euros, or about $65,000 worth in Benjamins.
Rumors about a future Baby Boxster are getting stronger and stronger. Today Car and Driver comes with new rendering and speculations on the future car.
The 2014 Baby Boxster will be a two-seat mid-engine Porsche that’s smaller and more affordable than the current Boxster. It will take on models like the Audi TT, the Nissan 370Z Roadster, or the Mazda Miata.
As you might have guessed, its design will be inspired by the Volkswagen BlueSport concept unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show. It will come to be with the use of Porsche’s adaptation of Volkswagen’s mid-engine platform and will have an aluminum hood and aluminum doors to keep the weight below 2700lbs. Porsche is currently deciding whether to go with a 2.0L flat four turbo engine producing 300hp or the cheaper 2.0L inline four cylinder turbo engine. Either way, the engines will be mated to a six speed manual gearbox or, as an option, the dual-clutch seven speed transmission.
