SPY PICS: Four-pot Porsche sprung

Porsche's facelifted Cayman has been snapped at the Nurburgring, complete with a downsized four-cylinder boxer engine.

According to the Automedia photographer that shot it, the sound of the revised coupe's all-new flat-four could not be confused with the six-cylinder boxer engines that power the existing Cayman.

Porsche has previously confirmed it will offer a downsized boxer four in its "next-generation" Cayman and Boxster sports cars, but it seems that's Porsche-speak for the facelifted versions of the mid-engined sports twins due next year.

Before then, it will introduce its facelifted Cayenne, a GTS version of the 911, and more versions of the Macam – including GTS, Turbo S and, later, S E-Hybrid.

Like the facelifted Boxster, the 2016 Cayman disguises most of its upgrades beneath a mildly reworked exterior featuring a subtly revised front bumper, plus new headlights and tail-lights.

Inside, expect new technologies like Porsche's latest infotainment system, a 918 Spyder-style three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, new driver safety aids and more options.

Porsche has confirmed the new Boxster/Cayman engine will produce up to 400hp (295kW), meaning it could replace both the 195/202kW 2.7- and 232/239kW 3.4-litre flat sixes that currently power those models.

While the all-new turbocharged flat four is expected to displace just 2.0 litres in Porsche's pursuit of CO2 reduction, it has been ruled out for duty in the 911, facelifted version of which should bring downsized boxer sixes from 2016.