Tweaked and Redesigned 2012 Boxster Will Be a Different Beast

Porsche likes to do things by millimeters and percentage points. When they plan a new car, they move every panel a few millimeters here and there and call it a new look, then add 5% extra power, take 0.1 seconds off the acceleration time and they are done. But it looks like the next Boxster, which should arrive next year, things are going to change.

According to CAR Magazine, the new soft-top convertible is being designed from scratch. The 981 will feature a new cab-forward design to better distinguish the model from the 911. The model will also grow by 60 mm (2.36 inches) at the wheelbase and 37 mm (1.46 inches) in total length... Oh boy, millimeters again! It will sit 10 mm (0.39 inches) lower to the ground, and the front overhang will be reduced by 25 mm (0.98 inches).

There are also some changes that involve kilograms, as the Boxster will go on a diet, resulting in a 15 kg (33 lbs) loss to 1320 kg (2904 lbs) for the standard model while the Boxster S will tip the scales at 1340 kg (2948 lbs).

Inside sources suggest that the Boxster will also feature unique styling cues on its front and rear fascias, its own headlamps and taillights, a new side air intake design and a steeper windscreen. But don’t hold your breath, you’ll probably still recognize it from a distance.

There are, however, big changes coming when it comes to the powerplant, which will see a 2.5-liter flat-four with twin-turbocharging for a total of about 360 bhp. The old 2.9-liter will stick around for a while but it will get a bump up in power of about 13 bhp. The Boxster S will get it’s 3.4-liter ticked and fettled with to produce 315 instead of 306 bhp.

The 2012 Boxster is expected to be unveiled at next year’s Detroit show in January.