A 914 Redux? Porsche Four-Cylinder Roadster Rumored

2009 Porsche Cayman

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Ever since Volkswagen showed its BlueSport concept roadster--and ever since Volkswagen and Porsche engaged the clutches on their ego-driven takeover drama merger talks--enthusiasts have chatted up and dreaded the notion of a new four-cylinder Porsche convertible.

It's fair enough to assume the Porsche 914 might get a successor in today's new green era. Will Porsche also put four-cylinders in the potent Boxster convertible and Cayman coupe, too?

Reports from car sites around the Web suggest it's a growing possibility. Australia's Drive says Porsche board member Klaus Berning has given the most direct hints to date, saying a four-cylinder Porsche hasn't been confirmed, but also has not been excluded from future product plans.

"Never say never," Drive quotes Berning.

The 2010 Porsche Panamera and 911 are probably safe, but Porsche's already working on a hybrid Cayenne SUV, has a diesel Cayenne, and is fitting its engines with direct injection to boost fuel economy by more than 10 percent. In the past, the classic Porsche 944/968 lineup also sported four-cylinders, albeit in an age where 3000-pound coupes were considered obese, and a 5000-pound SUV wouldn't even be considered.

A turbocharged engine could be sourced from the Volkswagen parts bin, which will become a Porsche parts bin if the everlasting wrangling between the two companies ends. But the 911 and its boxer flat-six engine will remain sacrosanct.

[Drive]