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.
Reader Comments
Tue Sep 9 2008 11:41 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
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?
Tue Sep 9 2008 11:49 PM
James says
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.
Wed Sep 10 2008 12:22 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
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....
Wed Sep 10 2008 6:23 AM
Dane says
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!!!!!
Wed Sep 10 2008 7:59 AM
Bob says
Turning Porsches into Subarus!
Wed Sep 10 2008 8:47 AM
Jim says
A 4 cyl Boxster/Cayman would seem to make more sense from a price, market position point of view.
Wed Sep 10 2008 9:34 AM
cirquo says
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.
Wed Sep 10 2008 10:11 AM
cirquo says
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.
Wed Sep 10 2008 4:22 PM
NoNameDenton says
Why not make an entry level car with 4 cylinders to test the waters.
Wed Sep 10 2008 5:03 PM
rnsaza says
could be a winner! In 911 or Boxter/Cayman.
A GDi 4 pot boxer turbo might make for an interesting car.
Thu Sep 11 2008 6:14 PM
Wizards Lore says
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 !
Thu Sep 11 2008 7:36 PM
Don says
Porsche has already got the most fuel efficient sport cars on the road...well, except for the Cayenne.
Fri Sep 12 2008 9:21 PM
NaBUru38 says
Yeah, the Boxster/Cayman is the right car for a small engine. Perhaps the upcoming Audi RS4's 2.5L?
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