Report: Porsche working on a new turbocharged flat-four for Cayman, Boxster, and maybe new base 911

Porsche has had a strict tradition and history of sticking to boxer engines, with very few inline- and vee- configured motors in between, until recently. But now, the rumor mill suggests that Porsche may be introducing a completely new turbocharged boxer-four, which will supposedly be the base engine for the Boxster and the Cayman—and maybe even a new base 911 (they should call it the 912 then!).

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The current Boxster and Cayman have been powered by compact, low displacement horizontal sixes.

Details haven’t been specific, but AutoBlog reports that the engine is most likely to be spawned off Porsche’s current 3.8L boxer-six, which currently sees duty in the Porsche 911. Direct injection, turbocharging, and Porsche’s patented VarioCam Plus valvetrain system are expected to be in the mix, with displacement ringing in at 2.5L. Power is estimated to hover around the 350hp and 360 lb-ft of torque mark, with a redline of around 7,500 RPM.

So you can probably bet that these future flat-fours will sound something to the tune of a gussied up Subaru WRX. Channeling the power to the rear wheels will either be a choice of Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch cog swapper, or a traditional six-speed manual rower.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoBlog