Porsche may add four-cylinder engines to 911
#1
Super Moderator
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-smod2.gif)
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Posted on Tuesday 9 September 2008
source
Porsche may add four-cylinder engines to 911
For better or worse, the governmental and social concern with fuel efficiency is a real and serious consideration for the world’s major carmakers. Porsche being increasingly numbered among them with is full line of vehicles and strong sales, it is beginning to consider how it might make concessions to improve emissions without gutting the performance of its vehicles. One idea near the top of the list is the inclusion of four-cylinder engines in its lineup.
A Porsche engineer has stated at an Australian press conference that Porsche is not averse to using four-cylinder engines, should the need arise. Thomas Krickelberg, Porsche’s head of powertrain development, revealed that the six-cylinder engines found in the 911 had been designed so that they could have the number of their cylinders reduced if there was a “strong need to do it”.
Addressing motoring press attending an Australian launch of the Porsche 911, Krickelberg cited “global warming and the need to reduce fuel consumption” as being the most likely motivating factors in any decision to reduce the number of cylinders in the famous Porsche flat-six.
Krickelberg noted that reducing the number of cylinders would be relatively easy, as the engine was designed to be versatile. He also commented on the necessity to produce socially responsible cars, as well as impending CO2-limiting legislation that could force Porsche to drastically change their current approach to engine technology. Already the German manufacturer is developing a hybrid Porsche Cayenne to placate customers who want to be seen as more socially responsible.
Porsche’s legendary flat-six has provided the powerplant for several generations of the 911, but even Porsche may be forced to abandon its trademark engine in response to global events. A flat-four or four-cylinder boxer engine has been used successfully by Subaru in its Impreza and WRX among other vehicles. The WRX also uses a turbocharger to boost power. Presumably, Porsche could also follow this route, if the need arose, to reduce the number of cylinders in its cars but maintain similar power levels.
For better or worse, the governmental and social concern with fuel efficiency is a real and serious consideration for the world’s major carmakers. Porsche being increasingly numbered among them with is full line of vehicles and strong sales, it is beginning to consider how it might make concessions to improve emissions without gutting the performance of its vehicles. One idea near the top of the list is the inclusion of four-cylinder engines in its lineup.
A Porsche engineer has stated at an Australian press conference that Porsche is not averse to using four-cylinder engines, should the need arise. Thomas Krickelberg, Porsche’s head of powertrain development, revealed that the six-cylinder engines found in the 911 had been designed so that they could have the number of their cylinders reduced if there was a “strong need to do it”.
Addressing motoring press attending an Australian launch of the Porsche 911, Krickelberg cited “global warming and the need to reduce fuel consumption” as being the most likely motivating factors in any decision to reduce the number of cylinders in the famous Porsche flat-six.
Krickelberg noted that reducing the number of cylinders would be relatively easy, as the engine was designed to be versatile. He also commented on the necessity to produce socially responsible cars, as well as impending CO2-limiting legislation that could force Porsche to drastically change their current approach to engine technology. Already the German manufacturer is developing a hybrid Porsche Cayenne to placate customers who want to be seen as more socially responsible.
Porsche’s legendary flat-six has provided the powerplant for several generations of the 911, but even Porsche may be forced to abandon its trademark engine in response to global events. A flat-four or four-cylinder boxer engine has been used successfully by Subaru in its Impreza and WRX among other vehicles. The WRX also uses a turbocharger to boost power. Presumably, Porsche could also follow this route, if the need arose, to reduce the number of cylinders in its cars but maintain similar power levels.
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: GA
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think it is amazing that from the get go, Porsche designed their engines to operate as 4 cylinders or 6. Simply amazing!
If they can create the same performance without scuffing the 911 name, then go for it!
If they can create the same performance without scuffing the 911 name, then go for it!
#4
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My uncle has a '69 (I think it is a '69) 912. Thats a fun car. No reason why there couldn't be a fun and efficient 4 cylinder 911. Especially with all the technology out there now to do it with.
#6
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stuttgart
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Bring back the old glorious days when Porsches zoomed across the highways in 4-cylinders! ![Cool](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/cool.gif)
Given the pressure the EU is placing on makers of sportscars, this is a potentially wise move by Porsche. I've said it before but my experience with modern-day 4-cylinders has been very pleasant. The refinement is definitely there, it's doable. In Porsches case, a nice throaty sound would make it complete (preferably the air-cooled sounds of the older Porsches with 4-bangers).
I wonder how Ferrari or Lamborghini will respond to this. Their 4-cylinder heritage is virtually non-existent. Well, Lamborghini can claim to have produced 4-cylinders for their tractors.
![Cool](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/cool.gif)
Given the pressure the EU is placing on makers of sportscars, this is a potentially wise move by Porsche. I've said it before but my experience with modern-day 4-cylinders has been very pleasant. The refinement is definitely there, it's doable. In Porsches case, a nice throaty sound would make it complete (preferably the air-cooled sounds of the older Porsches with 4-bangers).
I wonder how Ferrari or Lamborghini will respond to this. Their 4-cylinder heritage is virtually non-existent. Well, Lamborghini can claim to have produced 4-cylinders for their tractors.
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
#11
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
i have no problem with it. who cares how many cyl. a car has as long as it does the job. porsche can easily make good power out of a turbocharged boxer 4 cyl. they've been turbocharging cars with great success for decades. any doubters, ask anyone with a wrx or sti....
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I doubt it happens. If anything rumors of a car BELOW the Boxster have swirled for years. I believe the 911 hasn't had a 4 cylinder since the 901.
Lets think about it. Porsche LAUNCHED a 911 Turbo in the gas crazy 1970s and they couldn't sell enough.
I applaud them for thinking of the enviornment but the 911 is to much of an icon for a 4 today. If anything the 911 might be a V-8 next go round as the Flat 6 can't get any bigger.
Lets think about it. Porsche LAUNCHED a 911 Turbo in the gas crazy 1970s and they couldn't sell enough.
I applaud them for thinking of the enviornment but the 911 is to much of an icon for a 4 today. If anything the 911 might be a V-8 next go round as the Flat 6 can't get any bigger.
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Los Angeles/Vancouver
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
also hardcore porsche fans prefer NA over FI any day
they are already sad that porsche doesnt do aircooled engines anymore
so taking away NA would be even more devastating to the perception of 911 to these porsche connoisseurs/purists
but yeah true porsche purists will think back to even the 356 days when flat-4 rules the day
its incredible how well porsche can do with flat-4s though
back then, 912 had 90hp but could do 30mpg!
Last edited by UberNoob; 09-10-08 at 11:52 AM.