A few shots of a 2012 Boxster prototype were caught cruising the area of Michigan (USA). Some details have emerged that the base engine will not be a six-cylinder as in the current car, but a flat-four. Familiar as this forecast may be to the faithful, increasing concern over fuel economy and widespread interest and innovation in engine downsizing make it an ideal time to bring it to fruition. Also, Porsche is reputed to be working on a car to slot below the Boxster, which would create additional need for such an engine. It’s likely to be a shortened version of Porsche’s flat-six rather than an all-new piece.

The new Boxster will now be built at Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant, recently acquired from Karmann. Manufacturing politics aside, as long as Porsche’s mid-engined wonder ends up being built somewhere, we’ll be happy.



Click the title for the source