2012 Porsche Boxster Latest Winter Spy Photos

New spy photos of the 2012 Porsche Boxster were captured in snowy northern Europe. The pictures show a new body for the Porsche model, with just a hint of the car's LED daytime lights.

The photographer on the scene says the Boxster prototype is definitely "lower and wider than the current generation." The front bumper appears to extend closer to the ground, and tape could be covering up changes in the side panels and sills. Thus far, the car has mainly been spied with a cloth roof. Perforated brake disks, already available on the current model, can be seen in these photos.

Previous reports mention Porsches need to reduce CO2 emissions down to about 180 g/km. As a result, Porsche is considering a turbocharged three-cylinder engine for the third generation Boxster model.

Nonetheless, the real changes could be coming to the car's performance figures. Look for more efficient numbers to come from the next-gen Boxster, which will likely weigh less than the current model, as well as a 2011 launch.

Audi RS5 Leaked

Ever since the Audi A5 mid-size executive coupe was born 3 years ago, reports of a high-performance RS variant have been teasing us. Finally, the wait is over.

Goog thing we checked our inbox today because we received an anonymous email containing 18 full-resolution photos of the Audi RS 5. Simultaneously, we also received a tip from Australian Motoring blog Ausmotive.com which just posted the same photos which are sourced from a leaked brochure. Either way, go put your bib on, because the drooling starts now.

No details about the powertrain or performance specs are revealed in the brochure. However, it does mention three types of seating and four wheel design choices. Audi's 7-speed dual clutch S-tronic transmission is the only choice - no mention of 6-speed manual. Also, no flat-bottom steering wheel is shown.

Speculation over which powerplant will drive the RS 5 has ranged from a massaged 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the S4, 4.2-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 in the RS 6 to the range topping 5.2-liter V10 from the R8. Horsepower has been logically guestimated between 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 550 PS (405 kW / 542 hp), essentially where the RS 4 leaves off with 420 PS (309 kW / 414 hp) and ending with the RS 6 and its 579 PS (426 kW / 571 hp).

The RS 5 will undoubtedly debut at the Geneva Motor Show in two weeks. According to previous reports, the RS5 hits the streets soon after in July.

Panamera Commercial with Classic Porsches: Behind the Scenes [Video]

It may be a bit of "old news," but we were so impressed by this video that we had to showcase it. This "Making of" video takes viewers behind the scenes of a recent Porsche Panamera commercial shoot.

The "Family Tree" ad used 50 different Porsche models, with 22 professional drivers on hand to make it happen. In the final version, the cars race around miles of tarmac, all centered around the new Porsche Panamera. By the end of the video, the cars have splintered off to form the shape of a tree, with the Panamera creating "another bold line on the family tree," states the narrator.

The shoot for the television ad took three days to complete, with over 160 crew members involved. "Family Tree" was directed by @Radical Media's Jeff Zwart, who specializes in automotive ads. Amongst many other spots, Zwart directed the Hyundai Genesis Coupe commercial featuring Yo-Yo Ma.

The four-seat four-door Porsche Panamera is offered in three trim levels with either a 394-horsepower 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8, or a twin turbo model producing 493 hp. Six-speed manual and ZF seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearboxes are available. A hybrid version is also speculated.