Some engine-car combinations are timeless. Lift the lid on a dreary family hatchback and you know you'll find a straight-four. Peer into the engine bay of a top-of-the-range Lamborghini and you can be certain you'll see a V12.
And, of course, if you look in the back of a Porsche and you can be convinced you'll find a straight-six. Well, it seems as if things are about to change as Porsche is developing a new four-cylinder engine which will power the Boxster, the Cayman and possibly even the 911.
According to reports from Porsche fansite flat6news.com, the new flat-four unit will be an all-aluminium engine based on the 3.8-litre flat-six (pictured above) found in the 911 Carrera S.
The new engine will reportedly be 2.5-litres, turbocharged and will develop more than 350bhp and 360lb-ft of torque. A naturally aspirated version will also supposedly find its way into a new sub-Boxster entry-level sports car, which is due out in 2015.
So, what are your views on Porsche's new four-banger? Is it a necessary response to an increasing need for fuel efficiency and low emissions, or a cynical devaluation of one of the industry's most illustrious marques?
Leave your comments below.
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