mdrums

If you are questioning the 9A1 durability isn't the Cayman Insterseries running the 9A1 with zero issues the last few years? My 9A1 in my Carrera S is running well at the track. I'd think with less parts, lower center of gravity, no coolant part issues and IMS/RMS seal issues the 9A1 will grow into being accepted as a awesome engine.

Larry Cable

With 480bhp? No offense I still want to see a 911 race car cup or RSR compete with one ...

TRAKCAR

+1.

Only years of road cars on track plus CUP cars running the same motor in 12 and 24 hour races will convince me..Not kinda the same special this and that in the CUP cars. The same like now..

Then all the shops have to get used to and learn the motor, setup new tub, etc...

I hope my trusty 'ol 997 will hold together long enough..

Larry Cable

I suppose you could argue that if the 9A1 can be turbo charged successfully then it can certainly endure ...

Part of the mystique of the GT3 is it's connection to, and derivation from the GT1, Cup and RSRs ... You could argue that this is an illusion or irrelevant ... I still think it's a factor for me at least ... Let's see what the 991 GT3 brings to this particular game...

GrantG

I think the 997 with X51 option (like the standard engine on the GTS model) makes 408hp, so it's only around 17.6% away from 480hp.

Larry Cable

Freakin iPad ... I meant 20% ... I really can do math ...

GrantG

Fair enough

BTW, I revised my original post since I think the GTS motor is listed as 408hp in Europe and USA (so not sure why they're using the same standards, while the US rating is usually slightly lower).

Larry Cable

I think they are going to have to work hard to find another 72bhp ... Clearly it's possible given the work Porsche have done with the Mezger engine ... Although even that stretches the reliability I can imagine that such an engine may be derived from an 9A1 block but it wil probably need some of the same magic applied to the GT1 block ... All of which were developed for motorsport 1st ...

107bhp/litre vs 126/litre ... I suppose its not beyond belief right?

beers on me!

GrantG

I wonder if they plan to increase displacement with the 9A1 GT3. That might allow them to make the quoted 480hp without stratospheric revs and hp/Litre (and without the expensive Ti Conrods). I think a Flat-8 will eventually be in the cards though as it's much easier to go beyond 4.0L with an 8-cyl than a 6-cyl and still maintain reasonably high HP/Litre.

Larry Cable

Can they go to 3.9 or 4.0+?

A430v

The reality is upon us. Part of it is about $$$, but that's not the entire story. You'll never see a flat-8 in a 911. Why?... US regulations require a combined fleet MPG of 34.1 by 2016 and in Europe it's even stricter, at 42+ MPG. Porsche would never achieve this with the Mezger/GT1 block or a flat-8. To meet regulations, switching to the 9A1 engine is inevitable, as is using turbochargers or some type of forced induction to increase power. Look at BMW, all the ///M V-10s and V-8s will be phased out after this generation in favor of forced induction to meet MPG requirements. Sad - but that is the reality upon us.

Larry Cable

Good points ... But surely the 991 won't be forced induction?

GrantG

The fleet average is computed among all the cars sold by a manufacturer. The number of Flat-8 GT3's would be almost insignificant in the context of all Porsches (including future 4-cyl and hybrid models).

A430v

Who knows - look at where Audi/BMW/MB are going with forced induction.

True - but just not cost effective. I doubt Porsche will run 2 different engines for the 911 line.

Enthusiasts like us, always want one thing - but the government typically has other plans, and to stay in business, the manufacturer must meet these regulations.

Richie18

With an automaker like Porsche where the volume of cars is low, Porsche will continue to not meet CAFE regulations and pay a small per vehicle fine just like they have in the past, along with Ferrari, Maserati, Volkswagen and BMW.
While Porsche is obviously pushing for better fuel economy,especially in base models, don't be quick to think their going to change their philosophy and start turbocharging GT3's or something similarly contrary.