WE HAVE SNAPPED the world's first photographs of the new Boxster coupé as it took to the track at the Nürburgring in Germany. The new two-seater is a crucial part of the second-generation Boxster line-up that swells to include both coupés and roadsters by the end of 2006. The fixed-roof Boxster will be priced below the roadster, making the coupé the most affordable Porsche on the market. At an expected price of just under 38,000 Euros, it takes up where the old 968 left off when it was axed in 1995. Such a keen price launches Porsche into new territory, pitting it against top-end coupés such as the Audi TT V6 and Mercedes SLK, as well as cheaper Japanese newcomers like the Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX8.

Data captured from the test mule spotted at the Ring has been cross-referenced with sources deep within Porsche to produce our artists impression of what the new car will look like when it goes on sale in three years' time.
The new look builds on the familiar roadster styling, though sources say the new Boxster will be further differentiated from the 911 than it is now.
Headline styling changes are concentrated at the front end including new oval or probably less likely twin, Carrera GTinspired headlamps, repositioned indicators and larger air ducts in the spoiler feeding air to the mid-mounted radiators. Rear styling is a gently evolved version of today's Boxster.
The engineering mule wears heavy disguise, designed to make it look like a 911.

However, a series of details clearly mark it out as a prototype for the Boxster coupé. Most prominent of these is the two-seat layout, long wheelbase (the current Boxster's wheelbase is 65 mm longer than the 911 owing to its mid-engined layout), muscular hip line, short rear overhang and small rear spoiler. The latter is designed to replicate the downforce provided by the retractable device used on today's seven-year old model,
The first of the new Boxsters to reach the showrooms will be the replacement roadster in 2005, which retains a canvas roof rather than a folding hardtop like the Mercedes SLK. Following around 12 months later will be this car, the all new coupé.

Codenamed 987, the new Boxster is described as a gentle evolution of today's highly praised model. Key components such as its rear-wheel-drive platform, suspension, steering, brakes and electric system will be carried over with only minor changes or upgrades, according to Porsche insiders.