07/30/2008, 8:48 AM
High-Performance
Porsche’s 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 to get direct injection engines
Porsche’s fuel injected flat-six engine family codenamed M97, members of which still power the current 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3, will be retired later this year when the German automaker replaces it with a new, direct-injection A91 family. The first versions of the new A91 powerplant were unveiled recently in the 2009 Porsche 911 and 911 S
In the standard 911s, the new direct injection engines are good for 20 to 30 hp bumps in output, and the same is expected for the new turbo engines and higher performance but naturally aspirated GT3 model. As well, the new engines should also return better fuel economy and emit less carbon dioxide emissions. As the UK’s Autocar reports, the 3.6-liter versions of the new engines also feature a new bore and stroke ratio, at 97mm and 81.5mm, respectively, compared to the outgoing engine’s 100mm and 76.4mm. This new, more square design should also improve torque production and beef up the torque curve of the new engines.
The Turbo and GT2 models’ engines will also get a pair of turbochargers and intercoolers, with power estimated to easily climb to the 500 horsepower or beyond mark in the Turbo, up from the current 480, and at least 550 (from 530) in the GT2.
The 3.8-liter flat-six in the freshened up 911 GT3 will share internal dimensions with the 911 S, at 102mm of bore and 77.5mm of stroke. As previously, other internal changes will include lighter and stronger parts that allow for higher engine speeds and more strength. Power should swell from the current 415 to about 430 horsepower.
The across-the-board switch to the new engine will allow Porsche to build the new engine family on one production line at its Zuffenhausen, Germany engine plant.
07/30, 8:53 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Very impressive numbers out of 6 bangers. What’s amazing that they don’t overheat with all that power.
07/30, 9:13 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
Took ‘em long enough to go to direct injection. I thought Porsche was supposed to have cutting edge technology? VW (Audi), and GM have had direct injection engines for years now.
07/30, 9:18 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Z06ified, perhaps Porsche is also concerned with profits. I suspect they link new technology to ROI, not other way around.
07/30, 11:43 AM
posted by:
crackerhemi
Most Import brands have had D.I. in their vehciles, with GM following much later. Porsche is probably one of the last brands not using it
07/30, 12:37 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
Is this the one with all the LED taillights? Talk about technical innovation. Now maybe Porsche could come up with a new profile in the next decade. A 1965 911 has essentially the same profile as a 2008 911. Lazy Germans.
07/30, 12:56 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Good improvement and a long time coming.
07/30, 2:40 PM
posted by:
shaver
That is the smallest HP gain % wise I have ever seen w/DI addition, especially with turbo. Seems they have focused the gains more towards MPG gains.
07/30, 2:55 PM
posted by:
bwu
I believe this article is wrong. The GT3, GT2, and Turbo do not use the M97 engine block…they use the GT1 block…a true dry sump system. The engine upgrade is really a downgrade - a tremendous cost saving for Porsche as the GT1 block is very expensive to produce. Not only that, for the mod-community, the GT1 block tolerates up to 750-800 HP without updating internals…doubtful that the new M97/9A1 will do the same.
07/31, 2:34 AM
posted by:
wushuhsu
When are they going to put the A91 engine in the Cayman? Nothing else matters to me. I hate the 911. It needs to die so the Cayman can take its rightful place in the automotive lineup. Porsche AG is so arrogant it thinks it can continue to dictate to us where to put the engine. I say Boycott Porsche until it frees the Cayman.
07/31, 11:26 AM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
===>>Brassmonkey: So. And. ‘65&’08? So does a Corvette. So Bash Americans too. So does a Jag XK. Bash the Britts too. Who’re u, Hitler? lol