The Last Stand: Only Two Cars Left with Turbocharged Flat-Four Engines

Here's a fun fact that'll make gearheads weep: there are only three cars left in the world with turbocharged flat-four engines. That's it. Three.

We're talking about the Subaru WRX and the Porsche 718 twins—the Boxster and Cayman. Since those Porsches are basically identical except for the roof, let's call it two cars that are keeping this quirky engine configuration alive.

What Makes Flat-Fours Special

Most turbocharged four-cylinders line up their pistons in a neat row, moving up and down like a marching band. Flat-fours split them into two banks that face each other, looking like boxers throwing punches—which is why Subaru calls theirs a "boxer" engine.

It's a cool setup, but it never really caught on in the sports car world. While everyone else went with inline layouts, only Porsche and Subaru stuck with the horizontally-opposed design. Now they're the last ones standing.

The Survivors

Subaru WRX: The WRX has been rocking turbo flat-fours since the '90s, and the current 2.4-liter version pumps out 271 hp. It's the practical choice here—four doors, all-wheel drive, and room for three people in the back. Starting at $37,750, it's also way more affordable than the German competition.

Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman: These mid-engine beauties switched from naturally aspirated flat-sixes to turbo flat-fours back in 2017. Purists weren't thrilled, but the move brought more power and better fuel economy. The base 2.0-liter makes 300 hp, while the S versions bump up to 350 hp from a 2.5-liter with fancy Variable Turbine Geometry.

The End is Coming

Electrification is the writing on the wall for these engines. Porsche is already developing electric replacements for the 718 models, though they'll run alongside gas versions for a while. Subaru's talking about hybrid upgrades to their boxer family, but pure gas versions are clearly living on borrowed time.

SUVs are killing sports cars, and EVs are finishing off interesting engine layouts. It's not exactly shocking, but it's still sad to watch.

Your Last Chance

If you want to experience this unique engine layout, time's running out. The WRX is the bargain play—practical daily driver with that distinctive boxer rumble and all-weather capability.

The Porsches are the enthusiast choice, offering that mid-engine magic that makes every drive feel special. Used 718s with low miles are now trading in WRX price territory, making them tempting alternatives if you can live with two seats and rear-wheel drive.

Either way, you're buying into automotive history. These might be the last turbocharged flat-fours we ever see in sports cars, making them instant classics whether they know it or not.

The clock's ticking on this rare breed. Once they're gone, they're probably gone for good.