Phil G.

Haven't seen much discussion on the board on this. You're all aware that the new generation of Boxsters for 2017 are going to be 4cyl turbocharged cars - with the exception of the Spyder. There's no question that this is the direction performance cars are headed - smaller displacement turbocharged engines/hybrids/electric -- to meet emission and mileage standards. Although more powerful - HP and torque, what are people's thoughts on the upcoming 981? I for one, am very glad I was able to get a build spot for one of the last 7 US 6 cylinder 981S to be built. Personally, I would not have ordered a new 4 cylinder 981, even if it's faster that the current version. Would have either found a leftover S or GTS or gone for a new Spyder, or even considered a low mileage 991.

Mark Dreyer

With two daughters in professional school this was not the ideal time to buy the new car but with no guarantee the next Spyder would have a NA engine, and a desire to finally buy my first new Porsche, I went for the 981 Spyder and couldn't be happier. I can't imagine any turbo engine sounding as good as this melodic 3.8!

tomc_mets

Wife has a 4 cylinder turbo, Benz SLK. It's a fun little car to hoon around town in, and take on trips. It's no 911, but not everything needs to be. We took the SLK on a 4,000 mile trip and averaged mid 30s MPG. I, for one, look forward to seeing what Porsche sensibilities, engineering, dynamics, etc. can do with the platform. But, as I've said before, the sucky thing is that for those who want the NA option, they'll not have that option. Less choice for consumers being forced upon us by regulators. That's hardly ever a good thing...T

Phil G.

I really wanted a NA engine as well. For me, as beautiful as the Spyder is, I really didn't need that much car. And as pretty as it is, and crazy fast, I don't love the top. It's all subjective and personal taste. The S seemed like a really nice compromise, and the 3.4L six is sweet, and with sport exhaust, should sound wonderful as well. Can't wait to get it - should be built this week. The advantage of the Spyder is that you've essentially got a 991, but better balanced.

Milehigh981

I'm sure it will be quick and efficient. It would take a lot for me to drop Porsche $$ on a turbo 4 banger .. Had the Spyder not come out, I would have stayed with the '13 S.

jeanrabelais

Good gas mileage (on paper and from experience), torque and horse power, as well as weight savings - I'm ok with it. I remember the tiny engines and wheels on the early Porsches from the 50s so this is ok with me - I'm in my forties, but these were the iconic Porsches of my youth. I remember laughing at my dad's '53 for it's bicycle like tires and small twin carb engine - nothing like the big engine and big wheeled muscle cars he also collected which we associate with speed; he almost killed me for my stupidity.

Noah Fect

I keep hearing that the S and GTS models will keep the NA 6 engine. The four-banger is primarily for markets like China where the taxes on engine displacement are insanely punitive.

Archimedes

Highly doubt this. Everything points to turbo 4s for all 981.2 trim levels. They have to further improve fuel economy and this is the only way.

Marine Blue

My opinion on the new engine will depend upon the torque and horsepower curves. I have had plenty of turbocharged cars over the years and yes they put out an amazing amount of power but what I find to be true with all of them is that they have a very narrow window where the power output is truly high. So in a manual car you would have to shift really early to stay in the powerband and you have the typical turbo lag at low rpm's. With an automatic and sport mode the car will know when to shift so you stay in the powerband but then you're another step removed from the driving process. It will be interesting to see if Porsche can pull it off.

texasviany

Turbos are cake to tune...compared to a NA engine, so I am in favor. Turbo lag is not an issue with the ability to program to ECU to maintain boost during left throttle. (Electronic anti-lag.) I had a turbo 2.0 in my Golf R...tuned it to 350HP and I beat the S*&T out of it for 30,000 miles. Tons of track miles. I only had to change the oil. I pulled the cam follower and other bits...no wear.

blacksheepSpyder

Due to emissions world wide 3.0 will be the biggest engine size. (except race cars )


There will be no spyders after spring of 16. (see the new race version of the GT4)


and all engines 4 or 6 will have one if not two turbos.


These are the statements I have read from the factory.


Thanks Obama! (and al gore )

blacksheepSpyder

for me, if they hadn't made the 3.8 spyder I would have waited a couple years and got a used 2013 BS, then drove it till the motor gave out and put an LS7 in it.... but that's not the way it worked out.

Kelderek

S and GTS might keep the 6, but with turbo. If so, it's a version of the 3.0 that's already in the new 991.

Nobody outside Porsche knows for sure, but the speculation from my dealer is:

Base 981: definately four cylinder turbo, launch 2016
981 S: possibly six cylinder turbo, launch 2016
981 GTS: very likely six cylinder turbo, launch 2017

Keadog

Got killed on a perfectly good, nearly new Miata PRHT to get one of the last GTS allocations anywhere around me.
It's the best several thousand $ I have ever lost, without question.

Archimedes

Per the other thread, all will be 4's.