Porsche has had its ups and downs when creating cars without using six-cylinder engines. We'll leave the Cayenne and the upcoming Panamera out of the discussion for now, though those models are scheduled to get hybrid powertrains in addition to V6 and V8 power. Starting with its 356 model, along with its many racing variants, the automaker has amassed quite a history of successful boxer-style four-cylinder engines. That history book may well get a new chapter as the European Union continues to clamp down on carbon emissions and the United States government takes a hard line on fuel consumption.

Rumors indicate that the firm's entry-level Boxster model may get a new four-cylinder engine in a bid to help improve the automaker's overall eco-reputation. According to reports on Autocar, the new engine as installed in the next-gen Boxster will be the most economical Porsche ever. Currently, the smallest engine available in the Boxster is a six cylinder unit that displaces 2.7-liters and emits 222g/km of CO2 into the air. Porsche can surely do better than that.  [Source: Autocar]  [Source: autobloggreen.com Read the Full Article]