Porsche’s decision to develop a new four-cylinder engine stems from its need to improve fuel efficiency and emissions ratings across its model line.

The new engine will come standard in the Boxster and Cayman models. There has been talk of a four-cylinder 911, but that’s rather unlikely.

The new engine features a horizontally opposed, “boxer” engine, denoting a flat configuration where the pistons move synchronously in and out, as opposed to in an alternating rhythm. For a displacement, we’ve heard 2.5 liters thrown around as the magic number, but that may be subject to change.

Expect the new engine to come in either direct injected or turbocharged variants. Engine output would probably max at around 395 hp, which is higher than the current output of even the most powerful Boxster and Cayman model variants.

There has also been talk that an entire new family of flat four engines will be developed. The 2.5L variant mentioned above would be the most powerful, but 1.6L and 2.0L variants are also reportedly in the early stages of design. A 1.6L variant would put out 210 hp, the 2.0 would produce 286 hp, while the aforementioned 2.5L would have a base output of 360 hp.

Since the next generation of Cayman and Boxster aren’t due for quite some time, it’ll be at least near the end of the decade by the time this engine sees production, unless the engine appears in the face-lifted versions due to be released in 2016; this is possible but less likely.

Porsche also employs a 2.0L straight four in its upcoming Macan crossover, but that one isn’t anywhere near as powerful or as advanced in terms of efficiency.

Courtesy of Speedville.com

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Hastings offers very broad piston ring coverage for medium duty diesel engines, from Dodge to Ford to GM, Mercedes to Nissan. This includes replacement rings for the very popular 5.9L and 6.7L B-Series Cummins diesel engines. Each ring set is engineered for the requirements of modern diesels. Look for our familiar blue and gold box.

For more info: www.hastingsmfg.com.

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Victory Lane fell silent this weekend as the performance automotive community lost a pioneering racer, hot rodder and entrepreneur. “Speedy” Bill Smith, founder and owner of Speedway Motors, died May 30 at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska just weeks before his 85th birthday. He is survived by four sons, their wives, ten grandchildren, and an extended family of Speedway Motors employees and thousands of loyal customers.

A Lincoln, Nebraska native, Smith got hooked on cars early in life and began buying, fixing and selling Model Ts for profit as a teen. Soon he was racing – first motorcycles, then cars – while attending classes at Nebraska Wesleyan University. After earning a degree in education, Smith followed his automotive passion and opened Speedway Motors in 1952, aided by a $300 loan from his wife Joyce.

A combination of passion, tenacity and innovation allowed Smith to grow a small 20×20 storefront into a flourishing mail-order business and manufacturing empire. During its 62 years in business, Speedway Motors has grown to become one of the largest manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the performance aftermarket. Working side-by-side with his beloved wife and all four sons, Smith built what is recognized as America’s Oldest Speed Shop.

Smith’s countless contributions to rodding and racing have been recognized by dozens of organizations, with Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement honors coming from the likes of SEMA, NSRA, Goodguys, IMCA and USAC. He actively supported organizations and sanctioning bodies that shared his mission to make rodding and racing safe, fun and affordable.

A desire to preserve racing history led “Speedy” Bill, his wife Joyce and their sons to establish the Museum of American Speed in 1992. This world-class collection of racing engines, cars and automotive artifacts has allowed the Smith family to give back to the automotive community and share their profound love of racing and rodding with future generations.

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Motor State Distributing has announced the addition of the Energy Release product line to its quality brand selection of automotive chemicals.

For over two decades, Energy Release has developed and manufactured a premium line of automotive chemicals. Proprietary high tech formulas have set new standards for the automotive performance industry. Energy Release additives mix exceptionally well with lubricants such as oils, greases, hydraulic fluids, gear lubes, machining and cutting fluids.

The Energy Release product line consists of antifriction metal conditioner, grease products, fuel conditioners, and maintenance chemicals. Used by racing teams in the World of Outlaws, Indy Racing League, NHRA, NASCAR, Monster Truck, Motorcycle, dirt bike and snowmobile venues.

Motor State Distributing stocks the complete Energy Release product line available for immediate shipment.

For more information http://www.motorstate.com

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