Spy Shots: 2008 Porsche Boxster facelift

Posted Sun Jun 24 2007 11:56 PM by James Martinez

More images of the 2008 Porsche Boxster have turned up, this time with the car undergoing performance testing at Germany’s Nurburgring track. Like the facelifted 911, which is due to hit the market by the end of the year, Porsche’s new Boxster is only expected to get a few minor changes to its exterior.

New additions to the ’08 model include a revised front bumper with LED daytime running lights and more circular air intakes. The headlights too, which feature some camouflaging tape, are also likely to come in for a change, as will the rear bumper. The final change is the new taillights, which also gets the LED treatment. Click ahead to see more images of the new Boxster from our friends at

Reader Comments

Mon Jun 25 2007 9:29 AM
Justin says

Still looks like a poor mans 911. Porsche should have never shaped the Boxster like the 911.
Mon Jun 25 2007 7:02 PM
biturbo says

Plus it looks 99% the same! World laziest designers, Porsche...
Mon Jun 25 2007 8:52 PM
HECTOR says

Hey, at list it's not a chick-mobile like the BMW Z4 or the MB SLK,,, Plus I hear the thing handles very well indeed.
Thu Jun 28 2007 7:41 AM
Paul says

Poor man's 911! My Boxster cost near 50 grand! - yes the 911 is one helluva car, and, yes, if I could stretch to a 911 turbo....However, don't describe the Boxster as a "poor man's 911."
I feel this is gross injustice to a car which handles as well as any car I have ever driven and could give the 911 a run for it's money on a twisty B road. The Boxtster is every inch a differing vehicle in it's own right. I know individuals who CAN afford a 911 but bought the Boxster instead for reasons of their own in relation to handling, looks etc.
By the way what does the author of the Poor man's 911 comment drive?
Be interesting to know.
Thu Jun 28 2007 11:41 AM
Pressman says

Paul, I think the point Justin was trying to make was that the Boxster is a great car, it\'s just styled to look like a \"poor man\'s 911\". If the styling was totally different it might be able to stand up on it\'s own two feet.

I somewhat agree with his sentiments.
Wed Jul 4 2007 6:57 AM
paul says

Hi Pressman. point taken. I didn't entirely disagree with Justin as you can se from my comments. However, Porsche perhaps takes the view "If it aint broke...." The styling may be similar - as we know component sharing among car makers extends not only to their own range but to other makers too. (VW/ Audi, Mazda/Ford etc) Perhaps this is one reason styling, design etc is very similar?
It does "Stand on its own 2 feet" as a dynamic roadster with road holding second to none.
I cannot disagree that similarites are evident. Maybe you have to look beyond the aesthetic to see the differences. It is, however, the best selling Porsche . Some might argue it would be being the "Entry level" model of the range. You have to be a little objective I guess.
By the way, what about the Cayman S? Put a LSD on that particular baby and 911 owners will be drowning themselves in 98 octane!
The Poor man's 911 comment? Still not sure about that one - never did find out what Justin drives. Only curious, just hope its not a bloody Saxo with a body kit!! (Sure he has better taste and sense!)
Thanks for the feedback. Regards, Paul
Wed Jul 4 2007 7:39 AM
Justin says

Hi Paul,
My comments were never meant to be offensive to Boxster owners, I was simply trying to make the point that Pressman clarified on my behalf. I know the Boxster is a great car, but you\'ll often see journalists and celebs pass over it because their opinion is that it\'s trying to be a 911. How often do you see people like Clarkson deride the Boxster simply because \"it\'s not a 911?\"

If the Boxster had more of its own identity and the styling was not to derivative I could see more people buying it. Appearance is a factor is most purchases and I believe Porsche is making a mistake here. FYI, I\'m 25 and drive a 350Z.

Anyway, congratulations on your car, I\'m sure you are very pleased with it. I plan to own a Porsche one day...
Tue Jul 8 2008 8:19 PM
911??? says

poor man's 911 - yeah, sure. grow up smell the coffee and join the 21st century. The 911 is an evolutionary dead end that remains alive only because posers and the easily sold to keep it alive. The boxster and cayman handle better pound for pound and with the right power output would take the mickey out of the 911 on a handling circuit. So less of the poor man's 911 and start appreciating the car that saved porsche from almost certain death in the 90s

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