The Porsche M 97.76 is a 3,600 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six twin‑turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2009. It featured Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 electronic fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a 24‑valve layout. In the 997 Turbo and Turbo S it delivered 353–368 kW (480–500 PS) and 660–680 Nm of torque, with a redline of 6,500 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the 997-generation 911 Turbo and Turbo S, the M 97.76 refined Porsche’s twin‑turbo water‑cooled architecture with variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers—a first for petrol applications. Emissions compliance was achieved via twin catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 4 standards under EU Regulation 715/2007.
One documented concern is premature wear of the VTG actuator linkage in high‑load or coastal‑climate use, which can result in boost control faults. This issue is referenced in Porsche Technical Bulletin 997/08/07, which recommends inspection of actuator rods and vacuum lines during 60,000 km service intervals.
Production years 2007–2009 meet Euro 4 emissions standards under EU Regulation 715/2007 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9976).
The Porsche M 97.76 is a 3,600 cc flat‑six twin‑turbocharged petrol engine engineered for the 997 Turbo and Turbo S (2007–2009). It combines Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 engine management with twin VTG turbochargers and DOHC architecture to deliver immense low-end torque and near-lag-free response. Designed as the apex of the M 96/M 97 evolution, it balances race-derived outputs with Euro 4 compliance through advanced catalyst and EGR systems.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,600 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged with VTG | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 76.4 mm | |
| Power output | 353–368 kW (480–500 PS) | |
| Torque | 660–680 Nm @ 2,100–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 sequential electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers (Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioners | |
| Oil type | Porsche Longlife 10W‑60 synthetic (ACEA A3/B3) | |
| Dry weight | 196 kg |
The twin VTG turbos deliver near-instant boost from 1,900 rpm, eliminating traditional turbo lag—but require strict adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using Porsche 10W-60 synthetic oil to protect bearings and chain tensioners. Non-ethanol premium fuel is strongly recommended to prevent injector coking and ECU adaptation drift. The VTG actuator linkage is sensitive to corrosion in humid or coastal environments; inspect vacuum lines and actuator rods per Porsche SIB 997/08/07. Allow 1-minute cooldown after spirited driving to prevent turbo center housing oil coking.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3 10W-60 synthetic oil (Porsche Longlife) per PT‑2008. Not compatible with low-SAPS formulations.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification confirmed for all 2007–2009 M 97.76 engines (EU Regulation 715/2007, VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9976).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020. 368 kW (500 PS) output verified for 997 Turbo S (Porsche PT‑2008).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P997‑M9776, SIB 997/08/07
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on vehicle emissions
Porsche Parts Catalogue (ETK) 2009 Edition
The Porsche M 97.76 was used exclusively in Porsche's 997 Turbo platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered both standard Turbo and high-output Turbo S variants, with identical architecture but different ECU mapping and intercooler tuning. From mid-2008, revised VTG actuators were introduced to improve durability, creating minor service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the right-side crankcase near the oil cooler—“M97/76” confirms this variant. The 997 Turbo features wide-body styling, quad exhaust tips, and integrated rear spoiler. M 97.76 is differentiated from naturally aspirated M 97 engines by twin VTG turbos and intercooler ducts on rear quarter panels. The Turbo S carries “Turbo S” badge and lacks rear seats. Do not confuse with 997 GT2 (M 97/70RS, RWD) or 996 Turbo (M 96/70, non-VTG).
The M 97.76's primary reliability risk is VTG actuator linkage wear or corrosion, with elevated incidence in high-humidity or track-driven examples exceeding 50,000 km. Porsche field data from 2009 indicated over 10 % of coastal-climate engines required actuator service before 70,000 km, while specialist workshops correlate ethanol-blended fuels with ME 7.8 adaptation drift. Extended full-load operation without cooldown cycles accelerates turbo bearing wear, making thermal management and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2007–2009) and European specialist workshop data (2009–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-97-76.
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