German Car Zone

LLN:

Porsche will give its Boxster range a new entry-level powerplant for the 2011 model year, according to a U.K. media report. Insiders say a new four-cylinder Boxster will be he “most economical Porsche ever.” Economical in price — but also in terms of fuel economy.


The new engine will arrive as part of the redesigned Boxster lineup. The revamped sports car is said to be “significantly” lighter than the existing models. The turbocharged four-banger will deliver over 200 horsepower, informants to Britain’s Autocar magazine claim.

The Cayman coupe will also likely receive a four-cylinder model, but timing will depend on when the next-generation Cayman is launched.

It’s not known how this latest information ties in with rumors about a revived Porsche 914 positioned below the Boxster and Cayman. It’s possible that model is also in the works, or perhaps the four-cylinder Boxster will fill that niche.

Thomas Krickelberg, Porsche’s head of powertrains, recently admitted the six-cylinder Boxer engine was designed to have cylinders removed if the need ever existed.

“[There are] the discussions about global warming and the need to reduce fuel consumption,” Krickelberg told Drive. “The target was to have a six-cylinder because that is the criteria of the 911 and the Boxster. But there is still the option to reduce the number of cylinders.”

The result of lopping off two cylinders would be a Boxer four displacing about 2.4L.

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It's the beginning of the end

I'm afraid, that it is the beginning of the end of an era, we grew up with. Now let's get on with the new one. Eco-friendly performance car that is.

4-pot Porsche, who would ever think of this...

My friend, the 356, 912, 914, 924, 944 and 968 all had four-cylinder engines.

I guess this is the industry trend. My only problem is that an "economically priced" Boxster might end up becoming a poser car for 23 years old realestate agents who dream about flashing Porsche keys at a busy Friday night restaurant.

Blasphemy for a this time we live in,that's just wrong...

Yes, but after all the latest 911s, the Cayman, the Boxter, the Cayenne and the Panamera... Anyway, it's not what i would expect from a car manufacturer like Porsche...

Turbocharged 4 cylinder MIGHT not be too bad ish.

Yeah, 1.4TFSI Boxter....

Exsqueeze me!

What about this:


Not only the best four cylinder engine in the world but one of the best engines in the world - period. This sort of engine in a Boxster wouldn't be too bad at all...

^Any details Martin?