You can brush off Porsche’s cosmetic makeover of the facelifted 2016 Boxster as trivial, but you cannot say the same about the changes it has in store for the engine bay.

Earlier this year, Porsche CEO Matthias Müller confirmed the debut of the firm’s new generation of horizontally opposed four-cylinder powerplants for the mid-cycle facelifts of the Boxster roadster and its sister model, the Cayman coupe.

What’s still up for debate is the lineup of four-pots and whether Porsche will replace all flat-sixes or keep some of them for the regular (non-GT4) range, depending on the market.

In regards to the former, some reports say there will be two core turbo’d four-cylinder engines with displacements of 2.0-liters and 2.5-liters in at least three versions producing up to around 360 horses, while other sources add a third, 1.6-liter unit with 210 or more horses to the mix as well.

The Cayman GT4, and possibly the Boxster Spyder, will likely continue to use normally-aspirated flat-six mills.

Much like the upcoming refresh for the 911, the 2016 Boxster will receive a number of small styling tweaks, such as revised lights and bumpers, altered air intakes on the rear fenders, and different door handles on the outside, while interior updates are expected to include a new version of Porsche’s infotainment system with a larger screen and a new steering wheel.

We’ve heard rumors that Porsche may unveil the 2016 Boxster as early as next month’ Frankfurt Motor Show, but it could end up being pushed back for early next year.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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