Porsche considering return of four-cylinder engines
The iconic 911 must be feeling like a bit of an outsider at Porsche. The German automaker keeps on throwing all sorts of different models into the mix to keep the 911 company, but the little rear-engined sportscar continues on as it always has. In recent years, Porsche has launched a mid-engined V10 supercar (Carrera GT), a mammoth SUV (Cayenne), a pair of junior sportscars (Cayman and Boxster) that have encroached on its territory, and is even gearing up to launch a four-door sedan (Panamera). New reports indicate that Stuttgart is even considering trying its hand at four cylinders again.
Now before you go and cringe, realize that Porsche has a long history of four-bangers. The most recent were the 944 and 924 models of the '70s and '80s, but remember that even the original 356 had four cylinders. In any event, Porsche says it's not looking to launch a four-cylinder model anytime soon, but that should the need arise, it would be prepared to lob a couple of cylinders off the 911's boxer six to make a flat four with a likely displacement of (drop the remainder, carry the one...) 2.4 liters. With the current socio-economic climate, Porsche might find demand for a four-banger before it can say Zuffenhausen.
[Source: drive.com.au]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
RGS 10:37AM (9/10/2008)
"The most recent were the 944 and 924 models of the '70s and '80s."
Even more recent was the 968 of the '90s.
Reply
JD 11:26AM (9/10/2008)
Yeah, I thought they would remember that...... it's kind of notable, being the 2nd largest 4 cylinder ever made in production. 3.0 is huge!
Also, I think a modern 944 would be kickass. I love mine. Looks a little dated, but it's still sharp in my eye.
Dondonel 12:21PM (9/10/2008)
924/944 had inline 4 engines, most of them mass produced by VAG. That was not ok. If they are to use 4 cyl engines in the future, I hope the new ones will be Porsche designed flat 4s.
blogged to death 1:31PM (9/10/2008)
To clear up some misinformation.
The 944 S2 (16v 3.0) was produced from 1989-1991 - largest 4 cylinder engine. The 968 was produced from 1992-1996 and had the same 16v 3.0 but with variable valve timing. The 16v was an adaption of the standard 944 2.5 liter with a unique dohc design - most of the engine remained a sohc unit but an extra cam was added and a chain to run the 2nd cam from the first one.
The 924 had a VAG 2.0 engine in it. The 944 and 924S had a true Porsche designed and built engine - basically the 928 v8 literally lopped in half. That is why they have dual balance shafts to keep the engine smooth. 2.5 liters 8v sohc.
The 944 and 924S were perfect 50/50 weight distribution - engine front / tranny rear. Had a liveable backseat (bigger than 911) and could carry children comfortably up to 80-90 lbs and it had a hatchback that created lots of storage room. I've owned 5 different 944s and now race one.
Torrent 10:37AM (9/10/2008)
I mean GM Turbo Ecotec 4 in the Solstice GXP and a mess of other GM cars beats Boxster, so I guess it makes sense.
Reply
Roman 10:42AM (9/10/2008)
You must be absolutely crazy to even believe a word of what you just said.
Red 11:18AM (9/10/2008)
This would actually make a lot of sense in lieu of the recent talk of VW's budget priced MR Miata competitor. In order to not step on the Boxster/Cayman's toes, VW and Audi would stick with four cylinder engines. I'm not sure how this would work out for Audi and VW if Porsche were to go this route, but if Porsche green lit it, I'd put money on all three using a variation of the same MR platform designed for four-cylinder engines.
Looks like we've got three more affordable mid-engined rear wheel drive cars coming. Good for consumers I suppose.
BigMcLargeHuge 11:50AM (9/10/2008)
Actually he's not crazy,
The Cobalt SS and Solstice GXP give a Boxter a run for its money.
why not the LS2LS7? 12:25PM (9/10/2008)
Roman, it not only beats it, in some cases it smokes it, depending on the Boxster. You do realize the original Boxster was 6.6 seconds 0-60, right? Even the current non-S is 5.8, while the Solstice GXP is 5.5.
That's gonna happen when you have a 261HP turbo 4 versus Porsche's 245HP 6.
JD 12:40PM (9/10/2008)
BigMcLarge- you know that there are plenty of cars that can "give the boxster a run for it's money", right? If you're looking at 0-60, 0-100, whatever you want, my Mazdaspeed 3 is quicker.
It just means that the boxster is not all muscle.But if you think the Cobalt SS gets cross-shopped with a boxster, you're crazy. Solstice? Maybe, but the Boxster is a huge step up from the pontiac in so many ways. Like quality, engine sound, and much more. You can't classify cars by their 0-60 times or hp ratings, sorry.
why not the LS2LS7? 1:45PM (9/10/2008)
You said "quality" in describing a Porsche.
That was funny.
Red 2:19PM (9/10/2008)
@JD,
The Boxster had it's rear handed to it by Honda's S2000 on several occasions. Though it may not have the prestige, after sitting in them back to back several years ago, it's obvious the only thing seperating them is the nameplate.
Porsche, especially the Boxster, isn't infallible.
BigMcLargeHuge 2:35PM (9/10/2008)
JD,
Come up with more excuses please. Still doesn't change the fact that Torrent was 100% correct.
Todd in Sonoma 4:23PM (9/10/2008)
Re: the Boxster is not infallible.
The Boxster is actually the best buy in the Porsche line-up. You get 90% of a 997 at 50% of the price, and they put the engine in the right place.
There will always be faster cars, and there will always be cars that handle better (but not much better.) But, the Boxster is the best all-round sportscar, in my opinion.
omar 7:58PM (9/10/2008)
@camper,
Porsche is all about quality, this is what makes them amazing cars.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24970425/
no_slushbox 8:38PM (9/11/2008)
The Toyota MR-2 Spyder did 0-60 faster than the previous generation non-S Boxster, had a slightly longer wheelbase, AND very possibly had better driving dynamics.
Oil changes cost $35 at the dealer and 4-wheel alignments $100.
Unlike the original Boxsters it also had a glass rear window.
G.D. 10:43AM (9/10/2008)
Righteous. Anyone who has listened to a tuned, turboed flat four will welcome this news.
Reply
Derek 10:51AM (9/10/2008)
More 4 cylinder, turbocharged engines. I've been saying this for years now. Make them diesel if you like. Plenty of torque, good amount of power, enough for *most* people.
That said, since when did people driving Porsche's start worrying about fuel economy?
Reply
Will 10:58AM (9/10/2008)
Porsche drivers began to care about fuel economy when it became the trendy thing to do, just as a Prius is used in Hollywood as a fashion statement by celebs. I was at the Porsche/Audi dealership getting my car serviced the other day and a guy was shopping for his second new Porsche and mentioned to the salesman that his wife owned a Prius, trendy purchases don't always have to be expensive (see also the Smart Car).
GeoSB8K 10:52AM (9/10/2008)
I would love to see this happen. I have a 911 now but I've also had a 944 Turbo and it was a great car. I would love to see what a current 4 cylinder turbo from Porsche would do. I hope they decide to bring it back.
Reply