It has been more than two decades since Porsche last produced a 4-cylinder engine (968 – Circa 1995) and four decades since they manufactured a flat-four engine (914 – Circa 1976). This unprecedented move from a naturally aspirated flat-six to a forced induction flat-four engine has Porsche enthusiasts both rejoicing and revolting. The decision to drop cylinders and add a turbo are surely fueled by Porsche’s need to produce performance engines that burn cleaner with improved fuel economy. These smaller displacement (2.0 and 2.5) turbo engines deliver more power and torque in a lighter weight package that should raise the performance bar of the already track-friendly platform.

But everyone is asking, “How much will the new turbocharged flat-four engines benefit from an IPD Plenum?” IPD says that it is fair to assume that what performs very well on a flat-six should also perform very well on a flat-four. The better question is not, will an IPD Plenum improve performance? But how much will an IPD Plenum improve performance? R&D on the 718 Plenum has already begun and IPD is validating different designs as well as manufacturing methods. Final production pieces are expected to become available later this year. Until then, stay tuned for more developments and take a peek at the video below.