Porsche is developing a new range of horizontally opposed 4-cylinder powerplants for its SUV and sportscar ranges. According to the reports, the automaker is currently working on a range of smaller-displacement engines with fewer cylinders. Like other automakers, the Zuffenhausen-based brand is chasing the holy trinity of enhanced performance, increased fuel economy and decreased weight. The all-new Boxer 4-cylinder engine will get turbocharging as standard and will be offered in three displacements ranging from 1.6 through 2.0 and 2.5 liters. The 1.6 liter engine is rated at 157kW, whereas the bigger 2.0 liter version churns out 213kW of power with 400 newton meters of torque. The 2.5 liter is said to pump out 268kW of power with 470 newton meters of torque.
By way of comparison, the current Boxster comes standard with a selection of flat-six engines, starting with a 2.7 liter 195kW/280Nm in the base model. The Boxster S has a 3.4 liter 232kW/360Nm version throbbing away behind the passenger and driver, while the range-topping Boxster GTS has 243kW/370Nm on tap from its 3.4-litre motor.
First to receive the new family of smaller motors will be the Cayman coupe, Boxster roadster and surprisingly, the Cayenne SUV. The new flat-four powerplants will initially be teamed up with either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch seven-speed automated transmission. Indeed, the automaker has already introduced a four-cylinder version of its Macan SUV, with that model – to be marketed in China and some other markets using an inline 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine with 174kW/350Nm sourced from Volkswagen Group catalogue.