Latest rumor out there suggests that Porsche may once again be considering a 4-cylinder engine. Obviously this is a response to the current fuel situation.
Now before everyone panics, remember that until 1965 all Porsches were 4-cylinder cars. Only when the 911 replaced the 356, did a 6-cylinder appear. It was called the 911-6, and was sold along side the 911-4. Also, 4-cylinder Porsches remained in the lineup for another 20+ years.
As to what models it might be found in, that's up in the air. Certainly a new 911-4 is possible. My guess however would be that the Boxster to be the most likely candidate, as being the base model, it is most subject to customers with fuel price concerns.
One of the beauties of a boxer configuration is that it is relatively easy to lop off a pair of cylinders. If they did that to the 3.6 H-6, you would end up with a 2.4 H-4.
BMW too
It looks like BMW is looking at 4-cylinder engines again, this time being turbocharged.
"This will be a high tech 4-cylinder engine; obviously turbo charged," said Jim O'Donnell, a BMW spokesman. "We can't really confirm or deny when it is going to come into the US, if it is going to come into the US until after the election and the government makes it clear what is going to be the platform that manufacturers have got to work to."
ateixeira says:
07:18 AM, 09/11/08
In the long-term they probably have to. Oil ain't getting cheaper.
It would make sense to sell a 4 cylinder 1 series, for instance, especially if it still performed well. BMW has done well with its newest turbos, too.
It's harder for Porsche, though I'll admit a lower-priced Boxster would certainly catch my attention.
orangutan says:
07:21 AM, 09/11/08
Doesn't BMW already have 4-bangers in Europe?
rsholland says:
08:13 AM, 09/11/08
BMW doesn't have 4-cylinder turbos.
blueguydotcom says:
08:42 AM, 09/11/08
BMW needs to bring it exceptional 4 cylinder diesels here. Also they have some solid 4 cylinder petrol engines too.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/pricesandspecifications/0,,1156_181236422__bs-MQ%3D%3D%40bb-S08%3D%40sit-bmwuk,00.html
They could easily plop a 2.0 with a turbo into the 1 ans 3, giving drivers more than 250 hp (like Audi/VW), while also giving us great mileage.
estreka says:
03:33 PM, 09/11/08
You know, I honestly thought the Boxster initially came only with a 4-banger, especially given the paltry 201hp. I stand corrected.
BMW should reintroduce 4-cylinder engines in the US. A turbo 125i with 250hp weighing around 2900lbs would be tons of fun.
autoboy16 says:
08:24 PM, 09/12/08
Would this replace the 128i and 328i? Or would this be like adding a 120i and 320i?
I wonder why there is still no 1series hatch in the US? It still makes perfect sense!
Oh porsche most likely would use the 2.0T from the A4 and tweak it here and there. This is a good engine for PDK too since VW already uses DSG with it.
I wonder if Lexus will also do this? An Is250 but an I4 insead of a v6...
-Cj