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Porsche may add four-cylinder engines to 911

 
13 5,589 views Sep 9, 2008

Report: Porsche to post $17 billion profit, exceeds revenues

Report: Porsche to post $17 billion profit, exceeds revenues

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For better or worse, the governmental and social concern with fuel efficiency is a real and serious consideration for the world's major carmakers. Porsche being increasingly numbered among them with is full line of vehicles and strong sales, it is beginning to consider how it might make concessions to improve emissions without gutting the performance of its vehicles. One idea near the top of the list is the inclusion of four-cylinder engines in its lineup.

A Porsche engineer has stated at an Australian press conference that Porsche is not averse to using four-cylinder engines, should the need arise. Thomas Krickelberg, Porsche's head of powertrain development, revealed that the six-cylinder engines found in the 911 had been designed so that they could have the number of their cylinders reduced if there was a "strong need to do it".

Addressing motoring press attending an Australian launch of the Porsche 911, Krickelberg cited "global warming and the need to reduce fuel consumption" as being the most likely motivating factors in any decision to reduce the number of cylinders in the famous Porsche flat-six.

Krickelberg noted that reducing the number of cylinders would be relatively easy, as the engine was designed to be versatile. He also commented on the necessity to produce socially responsible cars, as well as impending CO2-limiting legislation that could force Porsche to drastically change their current approach to engine technology. Already the German manufacturer is developing a hybrid Porsche Cayenne to placate customers who want to be seen as more socially responsible.

Porsche's legendary flat-six has provided the powerplant for several generations of the 911, but even Porsche may be forced to abandon its trademark engine in response to global events. A flat-four or four-cylinder boxer engine has been used successfully by Subaru in its Impreza and WRX among other vehicles. The WRX also uses a turbocharger to boost power. Presumably, Porsche could also follow this route, if the need arose, to reduce the number of cylinders in its cars but maintain similar power levels.



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Comments (13)

  1. By www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 9/9/2008 11:41pm PDT

    The rebirth of the 912 for a third time. Should be interesting but I'm not sure a gut less wonder would sell to well?
     
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  2. By James Posted: 9/9/2008 11:49pm PDT

    Gutless? Hardly. The 944 Turbo made 247 bhp. Mitsubishi and Subaru make 300-bhp turbo fours. Porsche should easily surpass that. Having less weight on the hind end should also help the 911's handling.
     
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  3. By www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 9/10/2008 12:22am PDT

    James- I guess you have never driven a 912? I made no mention of the 944 Turbo. Besides the 944 failed in the long run as people soon realised what it was. A Porsche badged Audi who (Audi) did not at the time want to produce it so it became a Porcshe.

    Besides adding Turbo's adds dollars to the sticker price especially how Porsche prices its cars. They charge extra to have the crest on the wheel hubs even chrome bezels on the instrument clusters are an option!

    A bargain car is not something Porsche succeeds at making which is problematic considering the new laws will be based on cars sold not the fact that you make a car that meets the standard.

    It anything build a stripped out speedster based on the Boxster or 911 aka 356 speedster. I would not mind betting that they would not be able to build them fast enough. Now when I mean stripped I mean stripped. Sound deadening, AC, cup holders, radio, traction, control, ABS, basically the lot. The seats for instance would be carbon fiber shells covered in leather and only on the side you sit on. You get my idea etc....
     
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  4. By Dane Posted: 9/10/2008 6:23am PDT

    A 912e....... Sounds like a cool winner....

    The best thing about the gas prices is that there are so many interesting vehicles coming our way... Without this, we would be excited about the new Ford Flex - a suburban sized mini- Weeeeeee!!!

    What's next??? New music??? Rid the radio of fake Nirvana bands, music is re-invented and rap will find it's place like disco did - the clubs???

    Time for a change - I am ready.... Make mine a Ford FIesta ST!!!!!
     
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  5. By Bob Posted: 9/10/2008 7:59am PDT

    Turning Porsches into Subarus!
     
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  6. By Jim Posted: 9/10/2008 8:47am PDT

    A 4 cyl Boxster/Cayman would seem to make more sense from a price, market position point of view.
     
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  7. By cirquo Posted: 9/10/2008 9:34am PDT

    Hence, Porsche's ever seeking drive to by VW which makes prodces VW, Audi, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamoborghini, etc. which will diversify Porsche's options for engines, never the less the popular 2.0 Turbo 4cyl. which kicks butt and drives like a 6 cyl. That engine tuned the right way could work for Porsche in the long run to perfoem like one. Just hindsight thinking.
     
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  8. By cirquo Posted: 9/10/2008 10:11am PDT

    Hence, Porsche’s ever seeking drive to buy VW which produces VW, Audi, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamoborghini, etc. which will diversify Porsche’s options for engines, never the less the popular 2.0 Turbo 4cyl. which kicks butt and drives like a 6 cyl. That engine tuned the right way could work for Porsche in the long run to perform like one. Just hindsight thinking or hisyory coming around to repeat itself.
     
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  9. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/10/2008 4:22pm PDT

    Why not make an entry level car with 4 cylinders to test the waters.
     
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  10. By rnsaza Posted: 9/10/2008 5:03pm PDT

    could be a winner! In 911 or Boxter/Cayman.
    A GDi 4 pot boxer turbo might make for an interesting car.
     
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  11. By Wizards Lore Posted: 9/11/2008 6:14pm PDT

    please Porsche leave the 911 alone.
    Imho this is what the Boxster shoudl have been released as anyway ...hi po 4 cyl engine for entry level customers....then try and get them to graduate the through tthe Porsche family tree....
    the 911 should never ever ever have a 4 cyl engine...always a 6 cyl ...do not mess with perfection !
     
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  12. By Don Posted: 9/11/2008 7:36pm PDT

    Porsche has already got the most fuel efficient sport cars on the road...well, except for the Cayenne.
     
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  13. By NaBUru38 Posted: 9/12/2008 9:21pm PDT

    Yeah, the Boxster/Cayman is the right car for a small engine. Perhaps the upcoming Audi RS4's 2.5L?
     
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