Will Boxsters Have 4-cyl Turbos in 2011?

Doug&Julie · 11-13-2008, 04:05 AM

I was reading Robin Miller's Mailbox on Speedtv.com (because I'm still trying to be an open wheel racing fan, despite their best efforts to drive fans away) and came across this Q&A:

Q: Just read the article on Porsche’s announcement that the Boxster will be switching to a 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine in 2011... Hmmm... Anyone else find that interesting? A Porsche-badged 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine in the Indy 500 would make a great marketing tool, yes? Have any other insights on this one for us?

Scott, Dallas

RM: As I’ve been saying and writing for a few weeks, Audi is coming to Indy for sure and Porsche is likely to do the same and we’ve heard the new Indy specs are inline, 4-cylinders with turbochargers. So, yes, it makes perfect sense.

Does anybody have more info on this? I think I've heard rumors about this for some time...is this another one?

Cheers

Doug&Julie · 11-13-2008, 04:33 AM

Hey look, I can answer my own question. Love the Google...

http://allworldcars.com/wordpress/?p=7769

http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-porsche-boxster-to-get-four-cylinder-engine-in-2011.html

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9081104.007/report-four-cylinder-porsche-boxster-coming-in-2011

Lower hp but also lighter weight. Sound like Porsche if finally (and truly) digging into it's roots again!

JMatta · 11-13-2008, 01:58 PM

Doug, I think your conclusion is a logical one. Porsche can make a pretty powerful small motor that's efficient and still go racing. I hope open wheel revamps the whole format; it's like watching NASCAR without fenders at the present time. I went to my first IRL race this year and couldn't stand the sound of the Honda motors, after being a turbocharged Champ Car fan for years.

While attending the historic races, I still enjoy listening to a TAG Porsche turbo F1 motor...at 1.5 ltr, it put out alot of power and dominated for two seasons back in the eighties. It was, however, a six cylinder, but showed how power can be extracted from a small displacement motor.

racer · 11-13-2008, 04:40 PM

No. I imagine only the potential new bottom rung Porsche would come with a 4. The Boxster (the name is derived from a Boxer motor, remember?!?!) would stay with a mid displacement 6. The inline 4 that's mentioned is no doubt a derivitive of VWs 2.0L 4cyl turbo that comes in the GTI/GLI and a host of other Audi/VW models.

I also don't think Porsche will come back to Indy. Burned twice now by "indy" sanctioning, I don't think they will do it for the 3rd time. Audi? perhaps. What does Porsche gain by racing against Audi though... nothing.. just another way to spend money.

Doug&Julie · 11-14-2008, 03:29 AM

Well the articles are all saying it will be a Boxster (not another "sub-model"), so I'm hoping that means a new boxer 4 motor. Someone on Rennlist mentioned that the M96 motors were designed to essentially be able to lop off two cylinders. And we know Porsche knows how to turbocharge. So I'm still hopefull.

If it is the VW lump, then I....well, I won't say I won't care, but....

Porsche virgin · 11-14-2008, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

...the M96 motors were designed to essentially be able to lop off two cylinders...

While driving?

I see, it is a "feature" of these motors.

exc911ence · exc911ence's Garage

I like the idea of a forced-induction flat 4 engine in the Boxster/Cayman or even in a smaller and less expensive lower end model slotted below them.

Add lightness!

vanwyk4257 · vanwyk4257's Garage

Just stumbled across this thread. If the car is significantly lighter and there is some tuner potential to the motor/forced induction it could be a force to be reckoned with. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

mistertate · mistertate's Garage

Nice picture Porsche Virgin, I've got one exactly like that from a 996 C4 that someone had the brilliant idea of supercharging. Supposedly this is not a cylinder deflection problem but a problem with the headgaskets weeping and hydrolocking.

Jay H · 11-24-2008, 03:24 PM

I would bet Porsche is only entertaining this 4 cylinder option to meet fuel consumption standards that are set to increase in the future.

Yes, Porsche is good at turbo charging, but I've driven enough low hp turbo motors to know that the normally aspirated flat 6 in my Boxster has a more linear power delivery than all of the turbo cars I've had in the past, including VW/Audi's latest and quite good 200 hp 2.0 liter turbo.

Jay
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