Doug&Julie

I was reading Robin Miller's Mailbox on Speedtv.com (because I'm still trying to be an open wheel racing fan, despite their best efforts to drive fans away) and came across this Q&A:

Q: Just read the article on Porsche’s announcement that the Boxster will be switching to a 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine in 2011... Hmmm... Anyone else find that interesting? A Porsche-badged 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine in the Indy 500 would make a great marketing tool, yes? Have any other insights on this one for us?

Scott, Dallas

RM: As I’ve been saying and writing for a few weeks, Audi is coming to Indy for sure and Porsche is likely to do the same and we’ve heard the new Indy specs are inline, 4-cylinders with turbochargers. So, yes, it makes perfect sense.

Does anybody have more info on this? I think I've heard rumors about this for some time...is this another one?

Cheers

Doug&Julie

By the way, would someone please combine the 986 and 987 forums!!!!

Doug&Julie

Hey look, I can answer my own question. Love the Google...

http://allworldcars.com/wordpress/?p=7769

http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-p...e-in-2011.html

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9081104....coming-in-2011

Lower hp but also lighter weight. Sound like Porsche if finally (and truly) digging into it's roots again!

smshirk

I thought I read something about the lighter smaller 4 cyl Boxster, plus a VW derivative in Panorama. Maybe it was an other magazine, but it didn't say it would be a Boxster replacement, just another new line. Audi had decline, since it was too close to the TT and they didn't want to take away from that group.

Doug&Julie

I hope it's not a VW lump but a boxer 4 from Porsche. (..or perhaps Subaru? )

I'm also reading that this will be the "sub Boxster" car that has been rumored. Turns out it's just a cheaper Boxster. Works for me!

smshirk

me too, I would like to see a 2200 lb car with 200 HP. I can't figure out why Mazda doesn't do that with Miatas. Lotus is making them, but I could never buy a british made car. MGs taught me a lesson I'll never forget

Doug&Julie

2200 lbs will be tough with the needs for modern safety equipment. But I'd be pretty happy with even 2500 - 2600 lbs. I enjoyed my 3100 lb / 201hp Boxster just fine, so if they can shave a few hundred pounds...great!

I wonder how they'll lose the weight?

Bob Rouleau

One of the articles implies that they would drop two cylinders off the flat six. Probably 100 lbs right there. CAFE standards are also a motiviation I bet.

Charlie C

YES, I agree!

Doug&Julie

Sounds good. Would turbo plumbing bring that back up?

I wonder if they can make a manual top? Might be kinda hard with the multi-panel folding that goes on with the Boxster.

Fewer "goodies" maybe? Little bits here and there for sure...

MikeBat

I have no problem with a 4 cylinder car, but to mess with a brand (Boxster) that has proven successful has not proven to be the Porsche way.

Have 911's become mid engine V8's yet?

Doug&Julie

Not sure I see how going with a lighter car and a turbo 4 is "messing with a brand (Boxster)". The Boxsters were designed to remind you of the 550 / RS60 spyders. Were they not 4 cylinders? Were they not "giant killers" because they were lower powered but much lighter than their overweight competition? If anything, I see this as being true(r) to the original brilliance of Porsche than anything else that has come out of Germany in a while.

Now...if it's only 50 lbs lighter, I might consider it a step backwards..

Richgreenster

I would love to see an entry level Porsche. Something around $25000 not $40000. This would make Porsche money as well as introduce alot more people to the world of Porsche that we all love so much.

Doug&Julie

I doubt we'll ever see a Porsche under $35-$40k ever again. That's what Volkswagons are for.

Rhonda@FVD

Hmmm. I have mixed feelings about this mini me of a boxster. Although the power to weight ratio will most likely be excellent, and tuning a turbo is very gratifying...I still think the biggest joy you get from a boxster is the sound. To me the mid engine, boxer motor sound is pure joy. I owned a passat with the 2.0 Liter VW/Audi motor and although it was a very smooth, powerful motor, the sound is extremely lacking. I vote that they drop 2 cylinders off of the flat 6!!

However, it sounds like Dr. Wiedeking is living up to his beloved "revenue per unit" philosophy on this one. What better way to capture a young up and coming Gti owner? Give them a powerplant they know and handling that will keep them coming back for more.