We've been hearing a lot of talk about Porsche's future engine choices and with inquisition usually comes some form of confirmation. Apparently, "high-ranking officials at Porsche's Weissach research and development center in Germany" have spilled the beans to AutoWeek about a four-cylinder horizontally opposed gasoline engine fitted for a future entry level Porsche model. This new engine is slotted for a spiritual successor to the 550 Spyder, but will first find its home in the third-generation Boxster and the second-generation Cayman->ke5.

Porsche's new four-cylinder engine will be built on the same architectural elements as the classic horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine currently being used in the 911 family. The new engine will use a combination of light-pressure turbocharger induction and piezo-guided direct injection. It will be offered in two different versions: an entry level displacing 2.0 liters and a larger 2.5-liter unit. The bigger version is believed to deliver up to 380 HP and will be used for the S versions of the models mentioned.

This confirmation also brings us one step closer to a confirmation for the all-new flat-8 engine that has been rumored to go into Porsche's new Ferrari competitor. It is possible that this new flat-eight can be an extension of the now-confirmed modular four cylinder engine.

Stay tuned for more details on Porsche's engine development!

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