That's the direction Ferrari is going and in all likelihood, the direction Porsche will go in order to keep up with mandated emissions and fuel economy levels. Porsche is already preparing a turbo 4 cylinder. Personally, I welcome these advances in technology because it results it faster cars that are more fuel efficient and cleaner for the environment. I'm sure there will be a lot of rants by some members of this forum as this is a controversial subject that some have already expressed their negativity about, but please don't shoot the messenger. I'm just summarizing what is pretty evident.

 

Yep, thats the future though I would kill myself if my Porsche 911 sounds like my sons Subaru 2.5 turbo flat four

 

I enjoy the Flat 6 immensely and hope it stays around as long as possible but FI is the way to go. When I had my Audi S5 folks debated that they should not replace the 4.2 V8 for the 3.0T. In the end the supercharged 6 is a much more tunable engine and more efficient than the 4.2. It will never make the noise of the 8 but a few years removed I think the Audi crowd got with the program. Their 4.0TT is a beast in the S6, S7, S8 and RS7.

With that being said I personally am still happy to have the NA motor.

 

We don't have to buy cars we don't like. If the future holds non-driver's mobile conveyances for getting from point A to point B when the government allows, one has to look for other activities to satisfy the need for involvement in a dynamic activity and challenging limits. Sailing comes to mind for those lucky enough to live near a big body of water.

 

Sailing???

Definitely damaging to the fragile ecosystem.

No, no, no you won't be having fun there either my friend! Pick another activity. Possibly Xbox?

 

Personally I can't wait for a FI 4cyl in the 911 because then the 996 will no longer be the most hated by the "purists" and maybe it's value will go back up

I would expect the Boxter/Caymen to get a Smaller FI motor before the 911 since that flat six is such a big part of the history and notoriety of the car.

It also wouldn't surprise me if they continue to offer a flat 6 option (maybe the S cars or the GT3) after they finally make the switch in the 911.

Ultimately, however, I agree that just like the manual transmission, NA motors are in their twilight years.

 

It will never make the noise of the 8 but a few years removed I think the Audi crowd got with the program.

 

Business hires smart people to get around the regulations/restrictions the stupid governments impose. For Porsche the latest auto start/stop is brilliant!! Turn it off, stick a decal over it and forget it for the life of the vehicle. Yet at the same time, Porsche can market it as a global warming saver for the Al Gorey people, and receive emission credits. By 2020, maybe the 991.x will have a button that allows you to pedal the car, except on hills where a small electric motor kicks in.

With regards to Porsche's bicycle though, it looks and is equipped like a Walmart special. This is what a (my) two wheel Porsche should (does) look like.

 

I can't imagine why they can't accomplish the fuel economy / emission standards with a turbo 6 using the 2 liter size they started out with with a clutch-able supercharger / turbocharger, but given the latest Le Mans entry I'm afraid it's going to be a 4. The trick is going to be getting rid of the second order vibrations and making it sound like a 911. I'm wish I could say I'm confident.

ChuckJ

 

I hate all things turbo... sound like **** , lag, heat soak, non linear response...but its obvious thats the direction.

I'm optimistic however that the new 918 technology will be the savior for the NA engine....NA engine + batteries to meet EPA standards....that'll take a few years of battery development, etc. but I think thats the direction....question is, how long will it take to pass that down to "regular" road cars.

 

Listen to a Mercedes CLA45 AMG. Not too bad.

 

Have you driven the modern BMW turbos? Especially with their DCT?

The Germans are building good FI motors that have a lot of low end torque that drastically minimize lag and have a great response.

Porsche themselves are no stranger to turbos either and know how to make them sound and perform well.

No turbo will ever be like a NA motor, but the newer torqy motors coupled with multi-stage turbos make them phenomenally better than the turbos of old (or the aftermarket bolt ons for NA motors).

 

Does the 991 remember that you turned it off over restarts? The 958 doesn't and it drives people nuts.

 

Yes, mine has been off for ohhh since I picked up the car, remembers setting after being turned off.

 

It remembers. The switch turns off the very good coasting feature, however, there should be a way to turn off the auto stop and turn on the coasting. I turn on auto stop feature when I am on a highway to enable the coasting. I find auto stop annoying and I get a little apprehensive if it is engaged while I am stopped waiting to make a left turn....