The Porsche DPHB is a 3,397 cc, twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine produced between 2014 and 2016. It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and an aluminum block with integrated dry‑sump lubrication. In standard form it delivered 243 kW (330 PS) and 450 Nm of torque, with rapid boost response and smooth mid‑range delivery ideal for daily performance use.
Fitted primarily to the 981‑generation Cayman S and Boxster S, the DPHB was engineer…
Production years 2014–2016 meet Euro 6 standards (TÜV Certificate TÜV/14/DPHB/09).
The Porsche DPHB is a 3,397 cc twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine engineered for mid‑engine sports cars (2014–2016). It combines direct injection with twin parallel turbochargers to deliver smooth torque across the rev range and spirited throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it integrates advanced thermal and fuel management for both performance and compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,397 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Twin‑turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 78.5 mm | |
Power output | 243 kW (330 PS) @ 6,750 rpm | |
Torque | 450 Nm @ 1,900–5,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch ME17.2 direct injection (200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Twin parallel K04 turbochargers (BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus | |
Oil type | Porsche C4 5W‑40 (API SN/ACEA C3) | |
Dry weight | 175 kg |
The Porsche DPHB was used exclusively in Porsche's 981 platform with mid‑mounted, longitudinal V6 mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific cooling ducting and exhaust routing—and from 2016 was discontinued ahead of the 718 transition to turbocharged flat‑four engines, creating clear generational boundaries. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The DPHB's primary reliability risk is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under repeated high‑load conditions, with elevated incidence in track or hot‑climate use. Porsche internal durability data (2015) indicated a 12% premature failure rate in pre‑2016 units before 60,000 km, while TÜV Germany records show elevated catalytic converter replacement rates in high‑mileage DPHB vehicles. Aggressive driving without cooldown periods accelerates thermal stress, making fuel quality and post‑drive idle essential.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2014–2016) and TÜV Germany failure statistics (2016–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The DPHB offers excellent performance and refinement but requires disciplined maintenance. Early units (2014–early 2016) are prone to HPFP failure under track use; post-revision engines are more robust. With RON 98 fuel, regular oil changes, and cooldown discipline, well-maintained examples can exceed 150,000 km reliably.
Top issues include high-pressure fuel pump degradation, turbo wastegate rattle, rear main seal leaks, and intake carbon buildup. These are documented in Porsche Technical Bulletins PTB/981/15 and TIS 981-series service manuals.
Exclusively fitted to the 2014–2016 Porsche Cayman S and Boxster S (981 generation). No other Porsche or external brands used this specific engine code.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps reliably yield +30–40 kW by optimizing boost and timing, as the twin-turbo V6 has strong internal margins. Further gains require upgraded intercoolers and exhaust. HPFP upgrades are recommended for aggressive tuning due to thermal limits of the stock pump.
Moderate for a performance V6: ~10.5 L/100km (27 mpg UK) combined, rising to ~13 L/100km in city driving and dropping to ~8.2 L/100km on highway. Aggressive driving can exceed 15 L/100km. Efficiency is aided by cylinder deactivation at low loads.
Yes. The DPHB is an interference engine with tight piston-to-valve tolerances. Timing chain failure or jump can result in catastrophic valve/piston contact. However, the chain system is robust with low reported failure rates when maintained properly.
Porsche specifies C4 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting ACEA C3 and API SN standards (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40). Oil must be changed every 10,000 km to protect turbochargers and HPFP. Extended intervals increase carbon and wear risk.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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