These are the first photographs of Porsche's new Boxster coupé caught testing at the Nürburgring in Germany. The new two-seater is a crucial part of the second-generation Boxster line-up that will include both coupés and roadster variants 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roadster, making the coupé the most affordable Porsche on the market, taking up where the old 968 left off when it was withdrawn in 1995. While it's too early to speculate on Irish prices at this early stage, Porsche is hoping to target the new variant 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 RX-8.
The new look builds on the familiar roadster styling, though sources within Porsche say the new Boxster will be further differentiated from the 911 than it is now.
The first of the new Boxsters to reach the showrooms will be the replacement roadster in 2005. Following around 12 months later will be this car, the all-new coupé.