Porsche’s Love Letter to the V8 Engine
Sharing now 45 years of sweet harmony together, Porsche celebrates its iconic engine heritage with a generational trip down memory lane.
When a company’s history is so undoubtedly rooted in its ability to craft masterful flat-six engines, we sometimes forget about its other notable accomplishments. While it may not nearly be as recognized, Porsche has a rich history with the V8 engine.
Yes, the flagship 911 Porsche would go to build their brand around never featured a V8 engine. However, this was entirely intentional. In order to explain, we must first take a look into the past. Thanks to Porsche‘s YouTube, we get to celebrate the 45th anniversary of V8-powered Porsches.
928 (1977–1995)
Back in 1970, Porsche was already recognized as one of the world’s best performance brands due to the acclaim of the 911 both on and off the track. However, at a point, they felt that they could not solely depend on the 911 for continued success.
This led to some experimentation with projects outside of their flagship model, the most prominent project dubbed the 928. The vehicle would be many firsts for the German automaker, including their first water-cooled V8-powered model.
This was a significant departure from Porsche who had stayed true to air-cooling and flat-engine orientations since their inception. Although the 928 would never come to replace the 911 as the company’s flagship, it did have a successful 18-year production run.
Not only that, but it would be an important stepping stone in the long-term relationship Porsche would begin to build with the V8 engine.
Cayenne (2002–Present)
After the end of the 928’s production, there was a long period of seven years before we saw a redesigned V8 find its way into a consumer Porsche product. This would be the first Porsche with four doors, the Cayenne SUV.
It would be debuted with two different V8 engines, found in the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo models. While the redesigned naturally aspirated V8 was respectable in its own right, it was the twin-turbo variant that would steal the show.
Eventually, the top-of-the-line Turbo S model would offer 521 HP, which was the most power the brand had put into any vehicle besides their halo supercar, the Carrera GT.
This engine would prove to be a very successful first iteration of new technology, especially considering it would lay the foundation for the twin-turbo system Porsche still uses today.
RS Spyder (2005-2011)
If anyone was unaware, Porsche likes to win competitions. In 2005, the bespoke RS Spyder prototype would debut in the LMP2 class during the final race of the American Le Mans Series. It would win the first race it ever entered.
This would come to be an early premonition for the competition, as the RS Spyder would go on to win the ALMS LMP2 Championship the next three years straight, taking 2006, 2007, and 2008 by storm. If that isn’t dominant, we don’t know what is.
Part of the success can be attributed to the prototype’s 3.4L V8, which was built from the ground up. However, its longstanding influence would be felt in one of Porsche’s most recognizable models: the 918 Spyder hypercar.
The innovative 918 would use the same architecture and design as the original Spyder RS V8 but would be further elevated by the added hybrid technology.
Panamera (2009-Present)
One of the significant changes made in the most recent iteration of Porsche’s V8 engine was a direct continuation of the technology developed in the 918 Spyder. This was the reorientation and redesign of the turbocharging and exhaust system.
The result would be known as a “Hot V” packaging style where the turbos sit squarely in between the V-shape of the engine. This allows for overall better packaging and efficiency due to shortened runner lengths and fewer moving parts.
The V8 lineage first found in the 928 model continues to power Porsche vehicles over four decades later as seen in the Panamera. So what lies in store for the future?
Future (2022-?)
Porsche continues its non-stop obsession with perfection and we are happy the V8 engine is still part of that process. For the company’s latest motorsport effort, the LMDh prototype, a hybrid V8 engine was chosen as the ideal powerplant.
The car will compete in the upcoming FIA WEC and IMSA Championship seasons with the race debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona happening in January 2023. Why did the brand decide to stick with the V8 engine for this latest effort?
Thomas Laudenbach, VP of Porsche Motorsport stated, “We decided on the V8-biturbo, which we feel offers the best combination of performance characteristics, weight and costs.”
Since testing has begun, the Overall Project Manager of the LMDh at Porsche Motorsport, Urs Kuratle, has been “convinced that we’ve chosen precisely the right unit.â€
We can’t wait to see what the latest prototype effort will have in store for Porsche. Considering their reputation for winning, I’m sure we are in for a treat.
Want to share your thoughts on the magical Porsche V8?
Photos: Porsche
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