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Zuffenhausen’s Mid-Engine Sports Cars Could Return to Glory with Six-Cylinder Power

However, as with the current lineup, the flat-sixes might only be reserved for the top-spec models.

Yellow sports car rear window showing a black engine cover labeled "GT4 RS" and a rear spoiler.Porsche AG
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By Chris Chin

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Now that Porsche’s apparently reverting back to internal combustion power for the 718 Boxster and Cayman, word has it the next models could keep six-cylinder power around.

Britain’s AutoCar recently learned that the mid-engine sports cars could utilize a 911-sourced flat-six. But only for the top-spec models.

Close-up of a red car's side panel with "GTS 4.0" badge and black alloy wheel on gravel.
The pricier 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS 4.0 are among the few ways to get six-cylinder power in the range.
Porsche AG

Originally, Porsche and its parent company, Volkswagen AG, were dead-set on transitioning to all-electric power. But due to a lack of demand and a lukewarm reception of EVs, and regulatory rollbacks, both automakers and their related brands are pumping the brakes.

Instead, they’re putting the electrification efforts on the backburner and refocusing on internal combustion power.

You’ll probably have to pay up for the flat-six

Close-up of the front end of a red Porsche sports car, showing the hood with the Porsche emblem, the right headlight, and part of the front bumper and grille. The car's glossy surface reflects nearby buildings.
The 718 Cayman and Boxster will stick to ICE power, but electrification isn’t entirely ruled out.
Porsche USA

When the current fourth-generation Type 982 Cayman and Boxster debuted as the 718 series in 2016, Porsche launched them solely with turbocharged flat-fours.

Buyers can still get a 911-sourced flat-six. But only for the significantly more expensive GTS and higher-spec models.

Red sports car driving on a city street with a dark building in the background. The car is sleek and low to the ground, with a visible driver inside. The image captures motion, with the background slightly blurred.
Six-cylinder power will remain for the 718.
Porsche USA

Despite the turbo-fours producing respectable amounts of power, P-car fans still busted out the axes and pitchforks in great protest.

The current flat-four models churn out 247 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque for the base 2.0-liter version. More powerful S models increase output to 360 hp and 317 lb-ft from 2.5-liters.

Green convertible sports car driving on a forest road with yellow wildflowers in the foreground.
Part of the love for the flat-six is the sound it makes, especially with the open-top Boxster.
Porsche USA

In comparison, the previous Type 981 Boxster and Cayman produced 261 hp and 207 lb-ft from its 2.7-liter naturally-aspirated flat six. The more powerful S version bumped output to 311 hp and 266 lb-ft from naturally-aspirated 3.4 liters.

Even with similar output ranges and performance, fans still protested the standard turbo-four. Mainly because the experience isn’t the same as with the naturally-aspirated flat-six, particularly in the sound department.

Porsche’s undergoing a major “strategic realignment”

Silver Porsche Spyder RS convertible sports car driving on an open road with mountainous terrain in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The car has a rear spoiler, dual exhaust pipes, and a German license plate.
You might have to pay up for that six-cylinder.
Porsche USA

While Porsche reportedly plans to keep the flat-six around for the 718 Boxster and Cayman, rumors suggest it’ll still be reserved for the high-end models. Such includes the next-gen Spyder RS and GT4 RS models.

Such is the current situation with the 718. While the turbo-fours power the base and S models, the six-cylinder is only available for the GTS 4.0 and higher models.

the porsche boxster sits on display 07 january at
When the first Boxster launched in 1997, it featured a 911-sourced water-cooled flat-six.
MATT CAMPBELL

But Porsche isn’t giving up entirely on electrification for the 718. In the same breathe, word suggests a new flagship model could be the one that goes all-electric, according to AutoCar.

So, while the 718 Boxster and Cayman isn’t going all-electric, the range could still feature an all-electric top-spec model to lead the pack.

Green convertible sports car driving quickly on a forest road, with motion blur effect on the surrounding trees and background.
The standard Boxster and Cayman utilized flat-six up until the Type 982’s launch in 2017.
Porsche USA

Porsche’s CEO confirmed the brand’s “strategic realignment” after its parent company also made a similar change. The move involved putting its costly all-electric SSP platform on hold.

That platform was originally going to underpin the next-gen all-electric Panamera and Taycan. Putting the SSP platform on hold reportedly cost the company around €1.8 billion, or the equivalent to $2.11 billion USD.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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