In case you missed it, Porsche has just very quietly released its first turbo four in years. For now, this 2.0-liter turbocharged four will power the base Macan, but only in some specific Asian markets. Eventually, however, that engine (or a slight variation of it) will find its way to the US and Europe. What models will use it is still unknown, but don't rule out the possibility that Porsche could very well offer it in the US-spec Macan as well.

However, don't mistake this engine for the one that's currently in development for the next Boxster/Cayman. Why? Because it's not powerful enough. In the Asian market base Macan, it'll produce just 234 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Porsche's CEO has already clarified that the upcoming turbo flat-four for the sports car pair will produce up to 395 horsepower. Heck, with an output like that it could potentially even power the next Panamera and/or Cayenne. A future 911? Doubtful, but anything is possible these days due to emissions regulations.

But the point is this: Porsche has long been known for its devotion to the flat-six, and very soon we'll need to accept the fact that turbo fours will become the new bread and butter. It makes sense for Porsche on so many levels; not so much for the Porsche purist in all of us.