2011-2012 Boxster Photos

[vincesf]

A turbo 4-cylinder should work nicely in the 988/981 version of the Boxster. A 325 hp 6 cylinder would also work nicely for the 988/981 Boxster S. Would love to see a Club Sport version that strips some of the sound deadening materials for another 150 lb. weight savings, as they are planning later this year for the Cayman. Heck, I would even like a plexi-glass engine cover. My only criticism at this point are the dash vents, which I am hoping have no resemblance to the production vents, and yes I too like a more comprehensive array of real gauges, which appear to be present on this version of the prototype.

Whatever the outcome, Porsche has a very tough act to follow as some owners will claim that they ruined the styling or that a 4-cylinder engine represents a step down. Quite frankly, if the car is significantly quicker, more efficient, and becomes even more nimble, it will be difficult to find fault with the new 988/981. It has "best in class" written all over it, just like the 986/987 has been for over 12 years.
vincesf

[blue2000s]

Too early to tell on the gauges. Maybe it's the same gauge pod as the next 911 on this proto. Maybe they just use the gauges for the development mules, although all that info can come through the ECU more accurately and recorded on a laptop. I agree though, gauges are better than idiot lights and I would like to see them on the car, I just don't think it's very likely.

I've read that the internal designation for this car is 981 as opposed to 988 and the new 911 is 991. Not that it really matters.

[Quickurt]

I love the new center console height!!
It puts the shift knob at nearly the same height as the column stalks, but looks like it tapers down toward the back as to not interfere with your elbows, as does the ridiculously high center console on the S2000.
Once you get used to the shifter being right next to the steering wheel, you will never want to go back to having to drop your hand so far. The closer the shifter to the wheel, the less time it takes to shift and return to two hands on the wheel. I found when driving a Civic SI, that had the shifter on a stalk coming out of the dash, having the shifter that close had the side benefit of convincing you to keep your hand on the wheel, to be closer to the shifter.
When going up through the gears, in normal driving, I tend to leave my right hand near, or on, the shifter instead of returning it to the steering wheel. This may never bite me..................

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Quickurt

I love the new center console height!!
It puts the shift knob at nearly the same height as the column stalks, but looks like it tapers down toward the back as to not interfere with your elbows, as does the ridiculously high center console on the S2000.
Once you get used to the shifter being right next to the steering wheel, you will never want to go back to having to drop your hand so far. The closer the shifter to the wheel, the less time it takes to shift and return to two hands on the wheel. I found when driving a Civic SI, that had the shifter on a stalk coming out of the dash, having the shifter that close had the side benefit of convincing you to keep your hand on the wheel, to be closer to the shifter.
When going up through the gears, in normal driving, I tend to leave my right hand near, or on, the shifter instead of returning it to the steering wheel. This may never bite me..................

Alfa started that a long time ago. It may be functional, but it's not as cool looking as the standard location.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/attachments/alfa-romeo-cars-sale-wanted/110273d1216735064-1990-alfa-spider-veloce-convertible-alfa-interior.jpg

[jmatta]

The dash on this car looks identical to the one on the Panamera test mule posted in earlier spy shots. I don't think it has anything to do with actual production interiors.

[RandallNeighbour]

jmatta, I hope you are right. Those vents going all the way up the dash toward the windshield are awful!

I was hoping the 2012 model would look like that orange one I saw on the cover of whatever magazine... a cross between a 987 and a CGT. That was a fine looking car for sure.

This one isn't worth the upgrade in my opinion.

[blue2000s]

Those vents would never see production, the reflection in the windshield would be horrible.