Porsche is developing a new four-cylinder engine set to power entry-level model

High-ranking officials at Porsche's Weissach research and development center in Germany have confirmed that engineering work is progressing on a four-cylinder horizontally opposed gasoline engine, details of which were first revealed by Autoweek earlier this year.

The new boxer unit--which is earmarked to power a new mid-engine, entry-level model that insiders describe as a spiritual successor to the iconic 550 Spyder--looks set to become an integral part of Porsche's future model plans. Insiders suggest it will also be offered on the third-generation Boxster and the second-generation Cayman later on in their respective model cycles.

Based around the same architectural elements--including 4.65-inch bore center spacing--as Porsche's classic horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that was just upgraded for service in the new 911, the new four-cylinder unit uses a combination of light-pressure turbocharger induction and piezo-guided direct injection.

Two versions of the new engine are under development: a base 2.0-liter and a larger 2.5-liter unit. The 2.5-liter unit is said to make up to 380 hp in its highest state of tune.

By Greg Kable