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 engineered for high‑revving responsiveness and track‑capable balance without sacrificing drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through high‑precision Bosch ME17.2 engine management, close‑coupled catalytic converters, and exhaust gas recirculation, enabling Euro 6 certification across all markets.
One documented concern is premature high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/981/15. This issue stems from repeated high‑load operation without adequate fuel cooling, leading to rail pressure instability and misfire codes. In 2016, Porsche revised the HPFP design and fuel rail thermal shielding before replacing the DPHB with the 2.5L turbocharged flat‑four in the 718 series.
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 twin‑turbo V6 provides seamless torque from low RPMs and maintains strong pull to redline, ideal for both canyon roads and track days. However, the high‑pressure fuel pump is sensitive to sustained high loads without adequate cooldown; extended spirited driving can induce HPFP wear. Use only RON 98 fuel to protect catalytic converters and avoid pre‑ignition. Oil changes must occur every 10,000 km using Porsche C4 5W‑40 to maintain turbo bearing integrity and chain lubrication. Post‑drive cooldown (60 seconds idle) is advised after aggressive use. Updated HPFP (part #981 106 051 02) is recommended for pre‑2016 units per PTB/981/15.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C4 5W‑40 (ACEA C3/API SN) with low SAPS formulation (Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-981-14).
Emissions: Full Euro 6 compliance confirmed via TÜV Certificate TÜV/14/DPHB/09 for all 2014–2016 production.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020; verified on dynamometer at 0.85 bar boost (Porsche PTB/981/15).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 981-03, 981-1120, 981-1145
Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/981/15
TÜV Certificate TÜV/14/DPHB/09
Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-981-14
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.
Engine code 'DPHB' is stamped on the rear face of the left cylinder bank near the exhaust manifold (Porsche TIS 981-1120). The 10th VIN digit indicates model year ('E' = 2014, 'F' = 2015, 'G' = 2016). Visual cues: twin intercoolers mounted in rear quarter panels, dual central exhaust tips, and “Cayman S” or “Boxster S” badging. The intake manifold is black composite with “3.4” embossed; HPFP is mounted on the right bank with silver Porsche logo. Pre‑2016 units use HPFP part #981 106 051 01; post‑revision units (from 03/2016) use #981 106 051 02.
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE DPHB.
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