The Porsche MA1.02 is a 3,358 cc, twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2016. It featured direct fuel injection, a 10.5:1 compression ratio, and produced 184 kW (250 PS) with 400 Nm of torque. This engine was engineered for refinement and low-end responsiveness, marking Porsche’s shift toward downsized forced induction in mainstream models.
Fitted primarily to the Porsche Cayenne (92A) and Panamera (970) base variants, the MA1.02 was designed for smooth daily drivability with strong mid-range torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline direct injection (GDI), dual variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and a close-coupled three-way catalyst, meeting Euro 5 and later Euro 6 standards under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, a common trait of early GDI engines. Porsche Technical Service Bulletin PTB‑13‑08 notes that vehicles used predominantly for short urban trips may experience rough idle or misfires from valve fouling, a condition mitigated in later model years through revised injection strategies and periodic induction cleaning.
Production years 2011–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2016 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/ICE/MA102).
The Porsche MA1.02 is a 3,358 cc twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine engineered for the Cayenne and Panamera platforms (2011–2016). It combines gasoline direct injection with twin parallel turbochargers to deliver strong low-end torque and refined performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances efficiency with everyday usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,358 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 91.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 184 kW (250 PS) | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2011–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2016) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual thermostats | |
| Turbocharger | Twin parallel KKK turbochargers with electronic wastegates | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus | |
| Oil type | Porsche C3 5W‑40 synthetic (API SN/CF, ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The twin-turbo V6 delivers immediate torque and smooth power, ideal for relaxed yet responsive driving. However, the direct-only injection system lacks fuel washing over intake valves, leading to carbon accumulation—especially in urban or short-trip use. RON 98 fuel is recommended to prevent detonation under boost and reduce carbon formation. Porsche C3 5W-40 oil is mandatory to protect turbo bearings and timing chains. Extended idling should be avoided; periodic highway driving (≥30 minutes monthly) helps maintain valve cleanliness, as advised in PTB‑13‑08.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C3 5W-40 synthetic meeting ACEA C3 and API SN/CF (Porsche TIS LUB-MA1).
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2011–2014 models; Euro 6 for 2015–2016 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/ICE/MA102).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Peak output assumes RON 98 fuel and functional intercooling (Porsche PT‑2015).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs MA1/02, FUE-MA1, TRB-MA1, LUB-MA1
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/ICE/MA102)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 – Emissions Standards
The Porsche MA1.02 was used across Porsche's Panamera (970) and Cayenne (92A) platforms with front-engine, longitudinal mounting and no third-party licensing. This engine received minor ECU and emissions calibration updates in 2015 to achieve Euro 6 compliance—primarily via revised injection timing and exhaust gas recirculation logic—creating subtle service differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code 'MA1.02' is stamped on the left cylinder head near the exhaust manifold (Porsche TIS MA1/02). The VIN 7th digit is 'C' for Cayenne or 'G' for Panamera V6 variants. Early units (2011–2014) feature Euro 5 calibration with simpler EGR; 2015+ engines include Euro 6 hardware such as enhanced particulate filtration and lean-burn adaptation. Do not interchange ECU or turbo actuators across the 2014/2015 boundary due to revised boost control logic per Porsche PTB‑14‑12.
The MA1.02's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon fouling due to gasoline direct injection without port assist, with elevated incidence in short-trip or city-driven vehicles. Porsche internal field data from 2014 noted increased warranty claims for rough idle and misfires linked to valve deposits, while UK DVSA service records show occasional lambda sensor degradation from rich-running corrections. Extended oil change intervals and poor fuel quality accelerate turbo and timing chain wear, making maintenance discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2011–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MA1-02.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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