The Porsche MA1.20 is a 3,436 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2019. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, direct fuel injection (DFI), and variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus). In standard form it delivered 272 kW (370 PS) at 6,700 rpm, with peak torque of 450 Nm at 5,000 rpm.
Fitted to the Porsche 911 (991.1) Carrera and Carrera S models globally, the MA1.20 marked Porsche’s return to naturally aspirated performance before the shift to turbocharging in the 991.2 generation. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise direct injection mapping and three‑way catalysts, enabling Euro 6 compliance across all production regions.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Porsche Service Bulletin 991 09 2016. This issue stems from fuel no longer washing over intake valves, potentially leading to rough idle, reduced airflow, and misfires under light load.
Production years 2015–2019 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9789).
The Porsche MA1.20 is a 3,436 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for high-revving performance applications (2015–2019). It combines direct fuel injection with VarioCam Plus and dry-sump lubrication to deliver linear power and track-ready response. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it represents the final evolution of Porsche’s naturally aspirated 911 engines.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,436 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 76.4 mm | |
| Power output | 272 kW (370 PS) @ 6,700 rpm | |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) with Bosch MDG7 ECU | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dry-sump lubrication | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus hydraulic phasers | |
| Oil type | Porsche A40 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 192 kg |
The high-compression, naturally aspirated design delivers thrilling top-end power but suffers from intake valve coking due to direct injection. Porsche A40 (5W-40) oil is essential for cam and bearing protection. Extended idling or low-RPM urban driving accelerates carbon buildup. Every 60,000 km, inspect intake valves via borescope; walnut blasting may be required. Post-2017 engines feature updated PCV routing to reduce oil ingestion. The dry-sump system prevents oil starvation during track use but requires precise oil level (9.5L).
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche A40 (5W-40) specification (Porsche SIB 991 10 2017). ACEA A3/B4 equivalent acceptable if A40 unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2015–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9789).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Peak output requires RON 98 fuel and functional catalyst (Porsche TIS Doc. 991-8112).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 991-8101, 991-8112, SIB 991 09 2016
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Porsche MA1.20 was used exclusively in Porsche's 991.1 Carrera platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered both base and S variants with minor ECU tuning differences—370 PS for the S, 350 PS for the base—and was phased out in 2019 with the end of 991.1 production. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS 991-8200). The engine number begins with "MA1/". The MA1.20 is identified by its 3.4L displacement, absence of turbochargers, and dual oil filler caps. Visual cue: 991.1 Carreras feature circular LED headlights and no turbo badging. Do not confuse with 991.2 MA2.x engines—those have twin turbochargers and different intake manifolds.
The MA1.20's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban-driven or low-RPM examples. Porsche internal data from 2017 indicated over 15% of 2015–2016 Carreras required intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while owner surveys link misfire codes to coked valves. Extended idling and short trips accelerate deposit formation, making periodic inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2015–2019) and owner association failure logs (2020–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MA1-20.
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