Spy shots: Next-generation Porsche Cayman test-mule

Porsche’s facelifted Cayman and Boxster range has been on sale for several months now but engineers are already working on the next-generation of the platform, which is due to spawn a brand new Cayman and Boxster by late 2011. This timeline coincides with last year’s announcement by Porsche that its contract with Finland’s Valmet Automotive will end around the same time. Instead, the new models will be manufactured under a deal with Austria’s Magna Steyr.

Telltale signs that a new platform is residing under the familiar 987 sheet metal are the extended wheel arches, which suggest a wider track. This means the new car should be slightly bigger than the current model, while handling and dynamics should also see an improvement. The roll-cage fitted on this test car is another indication that the new platform is still in the early stages.

It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the familiar flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards.

However, a rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder platform for the next-gen Boxster recently began making the rounds. Such a design premise might offer more room to launch a detuned entry-level Carrera also aimed at improving emissions ratings. Even the current six-cylinder Boxster and Cayman, the most efficient in Porsche's line, emit about 222g/km of CO2 - about 100g/km more than the projected 2015 limits.

Whatever Porsche has in store for the new car, we’ll have to wait until its arrival in 2011 to find out.