Introduced for the 2013 model year, the current-generation Porsche Cayman->ke5 is getting a facelift for 2016. The Germans have been testing their updated mid-engine coupe->ke141 on public roads since September 2014, and Porsche can't keep the new sports car->ke506 away from our spy photographers. Spotted for the second time by our trusty paparazzi, the 2016 Cayenne->ke212 is still wearing the black camouflage we're already familiar with. It seems Porsche->ke1 is not yet ready to show us more of its work, although the visual enhancements aren't exactly comprehensive. Stuttgart is known for sticking to its classic design recipe, and the Cayman is no exception.

While there is little new to see, this latest test session actually brings us some vital information. According to our photographers, the prototype shown was missing that signature flat-six howl. Rather, they say it sounded like it had a four-cylinder engine under its hood. This could mean Porsche is indeed introducing its brand-new lineup of four-bangers with the facelifted Cayman and Boxster. That's sooner than we initially expected, and a good reason to get excited.

As a brief reminder, word has it that Porsche->ke1 is working on turbocharged, four-pot boxers displacing 1.6 and 2.0 liters. These will enable the Boxster->ke570 and Cayman to return better fuel economy and emit less CO2. They won't be down on power either, as these four-bangers could deliver more than 300 ponies in the range-topping trims.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Porsche Cayman.

Why It Matters

We've been eyeing essentially the same Porsche Cayman prototype from more than two months now, including the batch of sports cars Porsche hooned on the Nurburgring in August 2014. That's not exactly exciting for us petrol heads waiting to gaze at the facelifted Cayman or have a look at its new spec sheet. The important thing is the proof that development is well underway and that only a few months stand between us and the updated Cayman. After today's leak, it seems more likely that update will bring a handful of all-new, four-cylinder engines. Stay tuned for that, we'll be back with more info as soon as we have it.

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