Fresh Boxster Shows Its Face

However, traditional touches such as the twin central exhausts and fuel filler flap in the front wing remain. The Boxster's nose is smoother, the front bumper lower and there's a greater definition to the rear wheelarches.

Inside, the car is significantly different. It gets a new dash with four circular air vents similar to those of the Audi TT, while the steering wheel and centre console are also updated. Wider, more supportive seats are a further addition.

Under the skin, the Porsche features a new platform designed to deliver a sensational driving experience. Larger wheels and a wider track increase grip, while new gearboxes - a five-speed in the Boxster and a six-ratio in the S - give a shorter-shift travel. The new Porsche is also tipped to be one of the safest cars in its class, as the first roadster to offer head airbags that deploy from the top of the door rails. Initially, two engines will be offered - a 240bhp 2.7-litre unit in the standard car and a 280bhp 3.2-litre in the Boxster S.

There's also talk of a 300bhp-plus variant, which will join the line-up in late 2005. The standard model sprints from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 159mph, while the figures for the S are 5.5 seconds and 167mph. Both cars hit UK showrooms on 27 November, with the Boxster at ΂£32,320 and the S costing ΂£38,720.