Porsche developing four-cylinder boxer engine

The quest for lowering fuel consumption has taken a dramatic step with Porsche confirming it will be introducing a four-cylinder boxer engine to its Boxster and Cayman range. If that wasn’t dramatic enough, the four-pot hasn’t been ruled out for the 911 either.

It’s expected the engine would be turbocharged to meet performance targets and would use 8–12% less fuel than the current six-cylinder engines found in Porsche’s two entry level models. We won’t be seeing the thrifty engine in the short term future, but Euro markets could have a four-cylinder Porsche in their showrooms by the end of 2012.

The news has been confirmed by Wolfgang Durheimer, the current head of Porsche research and development, “We have a four-cylinder boxer (horizontally-opposed) engine under development. It can be applied to the Boxster and Cayman.

“I think four-cylinder boxer engine in a Porsche sports car is viable as long as the performance level does not suffer. If you are talking about performance you need a turbo.”

While Porsche has used four-cylinder engines in the past, it has, in modern times, forged an enviable reputation with its iconic flat six motors. Durheimer has given die-hard 911 fans reason to lose sleep by hinting the new four-cylinder could find its way into the company’s hero model, “It also could be applied if necessary to the 911. Our decision is, on the 911 side, we’ll stay with the 911 flat (six-cylinder engine), but there are opportunities for the future.”

[Source: Drive.com.au | Thanks to Wayne for the tip]