by Bob Gagnon on Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:06 pm
Below is an article from Autoweek, bold highlight is my addition, looks like the end of dry-sump engines for all Porsche models.
Porsche eyes new engines Upgraded powerplants planned for 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3
By GREG KABLE
Porsche is set to provide upcoming facelifted versions of the 911 Turbo, 911 GT2 and 911 GT3 with contemporary new direct-injection gasoline engines as part of a program aimed at providing them with increased performance along with improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
In a move that spells an end to the company’s legendary horizontally opposed six-cylinder M97 powerplant--the so-called Metzger engine, named after the Porsche motorsport engineer responsible for much of its early development--all three models are set to adopt the new A91 unit, as first unveiled in the facelifted 911 Carrera late in June.
Both the 911 Turbo and 911 GT2 are earmarked to receive the 3.6-liter version of the horizontally-opposed six-cylinder A91, which has 97.0mm bore and 81.5mm stroke measurements (the old engine had measurments of 100mm bore x 76.4mm stroke), along with twin variable-vane BorgWarner turbochargers and intercoolers.
Official output figures are yet to be revealed, but sources hint that power will climb by around 20 hp, taking the four-wheel-drive 911 Turbo up to 500 hp and the rear-wheel-drive 911 GT2 to around 550 hp.
The facelifted version of the rear-wheel-drive 911 GT3, on the other hand, is rumored to get a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter version of the A91 with a 102mm bore and 77.5mm stroke. To ensure that it retains its highly strung character, Porsche sources confirm that the A91 set for the GT3 will receive a number of internal revisions over the engine used in the 911 Carrera S, including lightweight pistons and other unique components--all aimed at reducing reciprocating masses to see power swell from today’s 415 hp to somewhere in the region of 430 hp.
As well as providing increased performance, the decision to provide the 911 Turbo, 911 GT2 and 911 GT3 with new direct-injection engines will further streamline production at Porsche's Zuffenhausen-based engine plant, according to high ranking insiders.