The pictures reveal that the baddest ever road-going version of the 911 gets a wider body, spoilers of all sorts, a carbon fiber hood and massive air intakes behind the doors along with a new set of wheels.
So, how powerful is it? The twin-turbocharged GT2's flat six is rumored to be getting output rated in the 600-horsepower range (it could even more than the V10 Carrera GT's 605 horsepower) and is targeting a 7:22 lap time at the 'Ring. Value shoppers, on the other hand, will probably still want to stick with the ZR1.
Exterior differences to keep an eye on are mostly GT3 in nature: center-lock alloys, a hood-forward nose intake, mild front fender flares, a stripped interior with door pulls instead of handles, and a full roll cage.
The prototype version seen here continues to be under camouflage, though to a lesser extent than previous. According to our spies, the new model appeared to be slightly longer and wider than the current version, something that should benefit the roadster's interior space.
As with most Porsches, the exterior looks of the new Boxster will be a subtle evolution over the previous model. However, bigger changes are expected in the interior that will most likely take styling cues from the Panamera.
Just like the upcoming successor to today's 911 (see the spy shots here), the Boxster prototype looks no different from the current model, but that shouldn't come to as a surprise to Porschephiles that are used to the company's evolutionary approach to design.
The new Boxster will share many parts with the next 911 while the German engineers will most likely try to further reduce the car's weight to improve handling as well as to boost fuel efficiency.
The spy video (and scoop shots) suggest that the 2012 model year (for North American markets) 911 will be slightly longer and wider but with a lower roofline than the current model. And even though Porsche insiders insist that almost every body panel will be new, well, it's a 911 so don't expect to see something drastically different in terms of styling.
Bad news for people with eyes or small children: Porsche is apparently looking to make a drop-top of its humpback Panamera saloon. Usually that wouldn't be terrible, except for the fact that Stuttgart seems intent on retaining the car's four doors.
Before anyone starts screaming structural bloody murder, technically it IS possible.
According to Autocar, "Advances in high-strength steel and tailored blanks (sections of steel in varying thicknesses) have reduced costs to a point where they are now being considered as part of new-model plans by many car makers."
Not surprisingly, the Cayenne's dashboard looks very similar to the Panamera sports sedan featuring a five-gauge cluster and a center stack dominated by a large screen with the climate controls positioned underneath. Flanking the gear lever on the elevated lower console are the suspension controls and numerous other buttons.
The next Cayenne will be built on a modified version of the Panamera's platform that will also be shared with the second generation VW Touareg.
Word from Germany is that Porsche's engineers have worked overtime to reduce the SUV's weight as much as 200kg or 440 lbs over the current model with obvious benefits in handling, fuel economy, CO2 emissions and of course, performance figures.
The direct-injection powerplants are expected to be carry-over units from the Panamera. A VW Group-sourced V6 petrol producing around 300-horsepower will serve as the entry-level engine, while the range will top out with Porsche's 4.8-liter V8 delivering 400HP in naturally aspirated form and 500HP in turbo spec.
The V8 models will most likely feature Porsche's seven-speed double-clutch PDK transmission as standard.
Porsche will also offer the new Cayenne with a V6 gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant as well as a V6 diesel engine.
It's no secret that Porsche is readying a replacement for the current generation Cayenne, but we didn't expect to see the German firm taking the wraps off the luxury SUV so quickly. The completely undisguised 2011 Porsche Cayenne prototypes were bagged by Carscoop reader Aaron C. in what appears be an official filming of the vehicle in Auckland, New Zealand.The Cayenne featured in these pics seem to be on par with the numerous camouflaged prototypes that have been caught on camera lately - for example, check out these spy shots of the 2011 model over at our friends at Worldcarfans.
Unfortunately, Aaron wasn't able to get better pictures of the 2011 Cayenne, but his input from the brief 'tet-a-tet' with the new SUV is very enlightening.
Here's how Aaron describes his encounter with the 2011 Porsche Cayenne:
"They were being filmed so they were uncovered and people were constantly detailing them. They were left hand drive (NZ cars are right) and they actually closed the Auckland Harbour Bridge for the film shoot. It was a huge production so must be for the official release. Security didn't allow anybody to get close."
"It all happened really fast so I can't really comment on the front but from what I saw it was signature Porsche and didn't notice any major changes to the grille. At first I didn't realize what it was, but I can tell you it is a significant improvement."
"First impressions is that it is less boxie and appears slightly smaller, almost like the current model was put on a diet and sent to the gym. Also, it sounded much deeper than the current model."
Kudos to Aaron C. for the Scoop!
