A new entry-level Porsche roadster is set to join the company's range and will share its platform with the Audi R4 and Volkswagen's own roadster.

Inspired by the classic 550 Spyder, Porsche will fit a 2.5-litre flat-four engine, with power tipped to start at around 220bhp. Insiders at Porsche claim that it's capable of 360bhp in turbocharged form, though.

The engine will be mid-mounted, just as it is in the Boxster, but the car will mark a new styling direction for the firm. It also suggests that Porsche is looking to move the Boxster and Cayman models further up the performance chain.

Porsche boss Matthias Mueller said: "I can imagine a modern version of the famous 'James Dean' Porsche would be well received by our customers."

No date has been confirmed for the roadster to go on sale, but it will also be joined by a smaller Porsche SUV that is expected to be called the Cajun.

Alisdair Suttie - 25 Jul 2011