Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster

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4 3,429 views Jun 16, 2009

2009 audi tts 016

The 2.0L TFSI engine in the Audi TTS delivers 265hp (198kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque

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To overcome this, European media is reporting that Porsche is looking to expand its Boxster range with a cheaper base model. If the reports are true then Porsche is strongly considering a new Boxster model powered by the same engine found in the Audi TTS.

Currently, the base Boxster features a flat-six engine that outputs 255hp (190kW) and 213lb-ft (290Nm) of torque. Introducing the new TTS engine as it is found in the Audi model would give the Boxster an additional 20hp (15kW) and 44lb-ft (60Nm) of extra torque, as well as allowing the car to be sold for a cheaper price.

According to Auto Motor and Sport, the idea of putting the TTS engine into Boxster has already been discussed by a joint Audi-Porsche product planning committee, and if Porsche decides to go ahead with the plan then we might see a raft of new Boxster owners swayed by the cheaper price tag. In Europe, the cheapest Boxster runs for around €46,500 ($64,000), but with a TTS engine in place it has been estimated this figure could go down to €40,000 ($55,000).

However, some obstacles may stand in the way of a Porsche-Audi tie-up, especially the issue of brand cannibalization between the two. There is also the issue that many Porsche purists will have with an Audi engine, rather than a Porsche engine, sitting under their bonnet.

The story doesn’t end there, however. The same reports also claim Porsche is considering adding a new roadster model to its lineup that will be positioned below the Boxster. For more information on this vehicle, check out our previous story by clicking here.