The Boxster prototype

[tazzieman]

End page article in recent Thoroughbred & Classic Car mag talked about the original show car , and the writer's disappointment at the final vehicle several years later.. Mostly due to proportions & styling.

Other stuff about the development , which some may find interesting, and no doubt some have read before.

http://www.carscoops.com/2014/05/how-porsche-fooled-rivals-by-disguising.ht

We now know that Porsche experimented with a V8 engine in the 911, so the sports car manufacturer has decided to share another secret from the 911’s life. Well, it’s actually more related to the Boxster than the 911, as in the early 1990s, Porsche started testing the layout of the future mid-engined sports car within the body of a 911.

That was done in order to hide the car from curious and especially rival eyes the fact that the company was developing a mid-engined model. The rear windows of the car were blacked out so than nobody could spot the engine located behind the front seats.

[Timm]

I really like a Boxter prototype. Very reminiscent of the 550.

[tazzieman]

I really like a Boxter prototype. Very reminiscent of the 550.

That was the point of the mag article. The guy who wrote it pointed out the finished and subsequent models veered away from that original 550 (&718) look.
Modern cars are very "fussy" compared to the simplicity & purity of the originals.

[Russ]

for a concept i think that picture in the article turned out pretty close to the 986 boxster

[ANF]

+1 the only thing they really changed was the taillights and the engine vents, otherwise very close to the concept.

[tazzieman]

+1 the only thing they really changed was the taillights and the engine vents, otherwise very close to the concept.

I'll quote the article later ; the writer saw significant differences. He was a designer (Jag XJ8,  coming off the 220 supercar project)

[tazzieman]

From the pen of Jag XJ220 designer Keith Helfget

From the pen of motoring writer Bill McKinnon reviewing the latest 718 in today's paper

Direct all mail to the above journalists!

[ANF]

Having seen the original Boxster concept in the flesh my recollection is not one that it was markedly different (apart from what I mentioned above) - each to their own interpretation

[sandy468]

[tazzieman]

I see quite significant differences. I would buy the prototype shape (if I was into convertibles). And put some Vitaloni mirrors on it.

[michel]

+1 @tazzieman and I don't like cabs