718 Boxster

Make
Porsche
Segment
Compact

We last saw a prototype of the Porsche Boxster Spyder undergoing some final winter testing in the snow, but now our spies have sent us some new photos of the roadster being put through its paces at the Nurburgring, in what promises to be the most focused 718 Boxster yet. Once again, the prototype has been spotted virtually undisguised wearing very little camouflage, giving us a clear look at its aggressive styling. At the front is a bumper that looks similar to the 918 Spyder, along with a vent below the hood and LED running lights.

The prototype is riding on lightweight alloy wheels with high-performance brakes sporting distinctive yellow calipers. Compared to the previous Boxster Spyder, the exhaust pipes are also larger and located in a different location. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but this could well be the last naturally aspirated Boxster 718 ever made. Rumors suggest the new Boxster 718 will be powered by the same 4.0-liter flat six engine as the latest 911 GT3, detuned to produce around 430 horsepower instead of the 500-hp used in the GT3. That's still plenty of power for a compact sports car, and a welcome increase over the current 365-hp Porsche 718 Boxster GTS range topper.

Recent photos also revealed the 718 Boxster Spyder will be fitted with a six-speed manual, but a dual-clutch gearbox will most likely be available as an option too though this hasn't been confirmed. Then again, Porsche could decide to sell both the 718 Boxster Spyder and its coupe sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4, with manual gearboxes only. Judging from these latest spy shots, development of the new Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder appears to be nearly complete, so expect an official reveal to happen sometime this summer.