Details Emerging On Next Boxster Engine with Twin Turbo Overhaul

This past week, details have begun to surface regarding the next generation Porsche Boxster, and what type of motor will be powering the iconic roadster. Current speculation is that Porsche will dial back from the current flat six and introduce a range of flat four motors. The most likely scenario going into production would be a 2.0L and a 2.5L.

Currently the Boxster features three engine platforms, all of which are naturally aspirated. The base model features a 2.7L flat six motor, which is capable of producing 265 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. The Boxster S features a 3.4L flat six motor, which is capable of producing 315 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Finally the GTS model features a 3.4L flat six motor, which cranks out 330 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The difference in fuel efficiency between the 2.7L and the 3.4L is not significant either. The 2.7L averages 20 miles per gallon in the city, and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Meanwhile the 3.4L averages the same 20 miles per gallon in the city, but only 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Potential Next Generation Porsche Boxster Setup
As the details begin to emerge on the next line of Porsche Boxster motors, so has the speculation on the setup and power numbers. Currently, there are rumors that three motor layouts will be offered, a 1.6L, 2.0L, and a 2.5L. The 1.6L has been rumored to have been scrapped, as it was originally intended for a potential separate prototype vehicle that never made it beyond the development phase. Knowing this, we will focus on just the 2.0L and the 2.4L for now, until more details emerge. Both motors appear to be getting twin turbos, and direct injection, which will really help make up for the lost displacement of the current flat 6 motors. The 2.0L would produce 286 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque; meanwhile the 2.5L would produce a whopping 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque.

The additions of the turbos are the driving force behind the significant increase in horsepower and torque, and would provide its engineering teams endless possibilities when it comes to delivering more power in future models. With these types of numbers, it would easily obliterate the current Boxster setup.

Porsche Going Green?
With more and more focus being brought to green technologies, and driving motor efficiency, it is no surprise that Porsche is scaling back from the flat six motor in the Boxster. It appears that the next wave in performance is already upon us, as Tesla, BMW, and others have put a focus on maximizing performance, while also focusing on maximizing fuel efficiency.

The bigger questions are, is this Porsches first step in that direction? And can it implement smaller motors in some of the other heavy hitters in its vehicle lineup?

I believe this weekend’s 24 Hours at Le Mans will be vital in this development. If the 919 Hybrid’s v4 can hold up to the challenge of the grueling road course, it could provide a gateway to developing the motor further to be used in everyday applications.