Porsche moving to lightweight, turbo-four platform for 2011 Boxster?

A new rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder next-gen Boxster has begun making the rounds. Though there has been nothing in the way of official confirmation, with the recent decisions to slow the onset of the EU's tough CO2 regulations and its graduated application, there is plenty of reason to disbelieve the reports. On the other hand, an all-new, high-tech turbocharged boxer four inside a redesigned and even lighter Boxster platform is an interesting idea.

The thought also coincides with possible rumors of a revived 914 that could be co-branded by both VW and Porsche, targeted at different market sectors. Expected power output for the turbocharged four-pot would be just over 200hp (149kW), reports Autocar. That means that in order to provide sufficient performance, the car would have to feature Lotus Elise-like lightness, weighing in between 1,800 and 2,000lb (800-900kg).

Such a design premise might offer more room to offer a detuned entry-level Carrera also aimed at improving emissions ratings. Even the current Boxster and Cayman, which with their 2.7L flat sixes are the most efficient in Porsche's line, emit about 222g/km of CO2 - about 100g/km more than the projected 2015 limits. That could leave Porsche struggling to make its emissions mark.

On the other hand, sacrificing that much performance may not be acceptable to Porsche, and its acquisition of the VW Group could help it maintain the current Porsche lineup unchanged, instead shunting its efforts toward improved fuel efficiency into VW and other marques more amenable to such a change.

If the new turbo-four Boxster does arrive on the scene, the insiders don't expect it before 2011.