The Book of 911

From Porsche:

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) 

today announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for its new- 

generation mid-engine 2009 Boxster and Cayman models, as well as updated 

pricing on its 2009 911 and Cayenne models. 

The new Boxster and Cayman models go on sale in the U.S. in March of this 

year. 2009 Boxster pricing in the U.S. starts at $46,600 for the base version, 

$56,700 for the Boxster S, $50,300 for the base Cayman and $60,200 for the 

Cayman S. This represents about a 1.8 percent increase from the previous- 

generation Boxster and Cayman lineup for 2008. 

The 2009 Boxster and its fixed-roof sibling, the Cayman, offer new, more 

powerful flat-six engines, which are even more fuel efficient than the powerplants 

they replace. Exterior changes include distinct refinements that subtly update the 

classic sports car design. Both add significant new standard and optional 

features for the 2009 model, including Porsche Communication Management 

with Touchscreen operation, XM Radio, Bluetooth and iPod interface to name a 

few. 

For the first time, the Boxster S and the Cayman S use Porsche’s new Direct 

Fuel Injection (DFI), and all four models can be ordered with the company’s 

innovative 7-speed double-clutch gearbox Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe 

(PDK). PDK is a state-of-the-art, race-inspired technology that is essentially two 

transmissions in one: it can be driven as a full automatic or it can be shifted 

manually via shifters on the steering wheel or through the shift lever. The result 

is superior performance with improved fuel efficiency. 

The newly developed boxer engines in these models are also more fuel efficient 

and more powerful. The 2.9 liter flat six cylinder develops 255 hp in the Boxster 

and 265 hp in the Cayman. The 3.4 liter power unit in the S versions, which 

benefits from Porsche’s Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), now delivers 310 hp in the 

Boxster S and 320 hp in the Cayman S. 

In addition to 2009 Boxster and Cayman pricing, PCNA announced a mid-model- 

year price increase of less than 1.0 percent for its entire 2009 model lineup. The 

average price increase per model is $900 and includes all 911 sports cars and 

Cayenne SUVs. The new prices take effect on February 3, 2009.

There is wide-spread speculation that with oil prices as high as they are, Porsche will need a smaller engine to meet increased demand for fuel efficient cars. Further, even if the market does not directly accommodate a 4-cylinder model, increased government restrictions on overall fuel efficiency may force the company to launch a 4-cylinder model. 

Leftlane News reports that Porsche is currently developing this 4-cylinder car. Think Porsche 914, if you like, but of course it may not be an entirely new model.

LeftLane News has posted new shots of what is probably the 2011 Porsche Boxster, and that 4-cylinder engine may show up in this car.

“Porsche will give its Boxster range a new entry-level powerplant for the 2011 model year, according to a U.K. media report. Insiders say a new four-cylinder Boxster will be he “most economical Porsche ever.” Economical in price — but also in terms of fuel economy.

The new engine will arrive as part of the redesigned Boxster lineup. The revamped sports car is said to be “significantly” lighter than the existing models. The turbocharged four-banger will deliver over 200 horsepower, informants to Britain’s Autocar magazine claim.

The Cayman coupe will also likely receive a four-cylinder model, but timing will depend on when the next-generation Cayman is launched.

It’s not known how this latest information ties in with rumors about a revived Porsche 914positioned below the Boxster and Cayman. It’s possible that model is also in the works, or perhaps the four-cylinder Boxster will fill that niche.

Thomas Krickelberg, Porsche’s head of powertrains, recently admitted the six-cylinder Boxer engine was designed to have cylinders removed if the need ever existed.

“[There are] the discussions about global warming and the need to reduce fuel consumption,” Krickelberg told Drive. “The target was to have a six-cylinder because that is the criteria of the 911 and the Boxster. But there is still the option to reduce the number of cylinders.”

The result of lopping off two cylinders would be a Boxer four displacing about 2.4L.”

http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-porsche-boxster-to-get-four-cylinder-engine-in-2011.html

Check it out here: LeftLane News on the Porsche Boxster for 2011