The Porsche MA1.23 Petrol is a 3,996 cc, water‑cooled V8 engine produced between 2016 and 2021. It featured a dual overhead cam (DOHC) per bank layout and Bosch MEVD 17.2 electronic fuel injection, delivering 550 PS (404 kW) with 600 Nm of torque. The 90° V8 architecture ensures smooth power delivery and high-revving capability—critical for the Panamera and Cayenne’s flagship performance character.
Fitted to the Porsche Panamera GTS, Turbo, and Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid variants, the MA1.23 was engineered for rapid torque response, acoustic refinement, and thermal resilience under sustained load. Emissions compliance in European markets was achieved through particulate filters and twin turbochargers with electronic wastegates, allowing adherence to Euro 6d-TEMP standards from launch.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under prolonged high-load use, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/18/04. This issue stems from marginal lubrication of the pump’s cam-driven plunger in pre-2019 builds. In 2019, Porsche introduced a revised HPFP with hardened internal components to improve longevity.
All models (2016–2021) meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards in European markets (KBA Type Approval #KBA/MA1/5519).
The Porsche MA1.23 Petrol is a 3,996 cc water‑cooled V8 engineered for high-performance luxury SUVs and sedans (2016–2021). It combines twin-turbocharging with Bosch MEVD 17.2 direct injection to deliver linear power, massive low-end torque, and high-revving refinement. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions from launch, it balances performance with regulatory compliance through particulate filtration and closed-loop engine management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,996 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON recommended) | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC per bank, 32‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 550 PS (404 kW) | |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 2,250–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MEVD 17.2 gasoline direct injection (200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled (dual radiators with electric fans) | |
| Turbocharger | Twin BorgWarner VTF turbochargers with electronic wastegates | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC (two chains per bank) | |
| Oil type | 0W‑40 synthetic (Porsche C4 spec) | |
| Dry weight | 229 kg |
The twin-turbo V8 delivers instant torque and smooth power ideal for grand touring but requires strict adherence to oil and fuel quality to prevent high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear. Use of 0W-40 synthetic oil meeting Porsche C4 spec is critical for turbo bearing and HPFP lubrication. Cold starts below 0°C should be followed by 3–5 minutes of gentle warm-up. The direct injection system requires 98 RON fuel to prevent knock under boost. Pre-2019 engines use original-spec HPFPs prone to plunger wear; post-2019 units feature hardened internals per Porsche bulletin PTB/18/04.
Oil Specs: Requires 0W-40 synthetic oil meeting Porsche C4 specification (Porsche Tech Bulletin PTB/18/04). ACEA C3 oils are insufficient for HPFP protection.
Emissions: All MA1.23 variants meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards across all production years (2016–2021) as confirmed by KBA Type Approval #KBA/MA1/5519.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 550 PS output requires 98 RON fuel and functional particulate filters (Porsche TIS Doc. PMA1‑20B).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PMA1‑16A, PMA1‑16B, PMA1‑17C, PMA1‑20B
KBA Type Approval Database (KBA/MA1/5519)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Porsche MA1.23 Petrol was used across Porsche's Panamera (971) and Cayenne (92A) platforms with front‑engine longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered high-performance Turbo and GTS variants and received a key HPFP update in 2019, creating a critical service distinction. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code is stamped on the left cylinder bank near the rear timing cover (Porsche TIS PMA1‑16A). The 7th–8th VIN digits are '97' for Panamera and '92' for Cayenne. The MA1.23 can be visually distinguished by twin intercoolers, direct injection fuel rails, and black cam covers with 'V8 Turbo' markings. Early 2016–2018 engines have HPFP part number 06K 127 029 F; 2019+ units use 06K 127 029 H with hardened internals. Engine serial number prefix '9A1.23' confirms variant.
The MA1.23 Petrol's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in pre-2019 units, with elevated incidence in track or aggressive road use. Porsche internal quality reports from 2019 noted a significant share of early Panamera Turbo engines requiring HPFP replacement before 80,000 km under sustained boost, while KBA field data cited HPFP as a leading cause of power loss claims in 2016–2018 production. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel accelerate wear, making fuel and oil specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2016–2021) and Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) failure statistics (2018–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MA1-23.
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