Engine Code

Porsche MCR-CA Engine (2017–2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche MCR.CA is a 2,995 cc, twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine produced between 2017 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection, DOHC with variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and an integrated dry‑sump lubrication system. In standard form it delivers 250–260 kW (340–354 PS) and 450–500 Nm of torque, offering strong mid‑range response ideal for the Panamera and Cayenne.

Fitted to the 971 — generation Panamera (V6 models) and 92A — generation Cayenne, the MCR.C

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2017–2019 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2020–2023 models meet full Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/POR2022).

Porsche MCR-CA Technical Specifications

The Porsche MCR.CA is a 2,995 cc twin‑turbo V6 petrol engine engineered for luxury performance sedans and SUVs (2017–2023). It combines direct injection with twin variable‑geometry turbochargers to deliver smooth, high-torque performance across the rev range. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d standards, it integrates GPFs and advanced engine management for clean operation.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,995 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended)
Configuration
V6, DOHC, 24-valve
Aspiration
Twin-turbocharged
Bore × stroke
86.0 mm × 85.8 mm
Power output
250–260 kW (340–354 PS)
Torque
450–500 Nm @ 1,600–5,000 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6d-TEMP (2017–2019); Euro 6d (2020–2023)
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled with dual circuits
Turbocharger
Twin BorgWarner variable-geometry turbochargers
Timing system
Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioners
Oil type
Porsche C4 0W-40 (or Porsche A40 5W-40)
Dry weight
183 kg

Porsche MCR-CA Compatible Models

The Porsche MCR.CA was used across Porsche's 971 and 92A platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with the Audi EA839 V6 family. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducts in the 971 Panamera and reinforced mounts in the 92A Cayenne—and from 2020 the updated HPFP design, creating service part distinctions. Licensing permitted shared components with Audi and Volkswagen Group V6 applications, though calibration and ancillaries differ. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
2017–2023
Models:
Panamera (971)
Variants:
Panamera 4, Panamera 4S (V6 version)
View Source
Porsche PIWIS Doc. VEH-971-2017
Make:
Porsche
Years:
2018–2023
Models:
Cayenne (92A)
Variants:
Cayenne, Cayenne S (V6 version)
View Source
Porsche PIWIS Doc. VEH-92A-2018

Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE MCR-CA Compatible Models

The MCR.CA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in track or sustained high-load use. Porsche internal service data from 2021 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP replacements before 80,000 km in performance-driven vehicles, while UK DVSA statistics show minimal emissions-related MOT failures thanks to robust GPF control. Extended high-temperature operation without cooldown makes HPFP longevity and oil quality critical.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear
Symptoms: Hard starts after hot soak, misfires under load, P0087/P0088 fuel pressure DTCs.
Cause: Thermal degradation of roller-follower mechanism in early-design HPFP under repeated high-load cycles.
Fix: Install latest OEM-specified HPFP (part 06K127025J) and update engine control module calibration per service bulletin.
Turbocharger oil feed coking
Symptoms: Boost lag, whining turbo noise, oil consumption increase.
Cause: Oil carbonization in turbo feed lines during frequent hot shutdowns without cooldown period.
Fix: Replace turbocharger oil feed and drain lines with updated heat-shielded versions; implement 30–60 second cooldown after spirited driving.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) saturation
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, GPF warning on cluster.
Cause: Accumulated soot from frequent short trips preventing passive GPF regeneration.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via Porsche PIWIS; advise owner to include regular highway driving. In severe cases, GPF cleaning or replacement is required.
Valve cover gasket oil seepage
Symptoms: Oil odor in engine bay, slight residue near spark plug recesses.
Cause: Age-related shrinkage of elastomer gasket under valve cover, exacerbated by high under-hood temps.
Fix: Replace valve cover gasket with updated OEM part; ensure proper torque sequence to prevent recurrence.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2017–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

PORSCHE MCR-CA FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

Generally yes—when maintained properly. Early engines (2017–2019) have HPFP concerns under hard use, but post-2020 updates resolved this. With correct oil (Porsche C4 0W-40), quality fuel, and periodic high-speed driving for GPF regeneration, the MCR.CA offers robust performance and longevity.

HPFP wear in early models, turbo oil coking from hot shutdowns, GPF saturation from short trips, and minor valve cover seepage. All are documented in Porsche service bulletins, and most are preventable with proper driving habits and maintenance.

Primarily the 2017–2023 Panamera (971) V6 and 2018–2023 Cayenne (92A) V6—including Panamera 4, Panamera 4S (V6), Cayenne, and Cayenne S (V6). It is not used in Macan or 911 models.

Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +30–50 kW safely with stock turbos and intercoolers. Higher stages require upgraded intercoolers, exhaust, and possibly fuel system support. HPFP reliability must be confirmed before tuning, especially on pre-2020 units.

In combined driving, expect 10.5–12.0 L/100km (24–22 mpg UK) for the Cayenne and 10.0–11.5 L/100km (28–25 mpg UK) for the Panamera. Highway cruising can drop to ~8.5 L/100km (33 mpg UK). Real-world figures vary significantly with driving style.

Yes. Like all modern Porsche DOHC engines, the MCR.CA is an interference design. Timing chain failure—though extremely rare—could cause piston-to-valve contact and severe damage. However, the chain is robust and designed for life with proper oil changes.

Porsche specifies C4 0W-40 (or A40 5W-40) synthetic oil meeting Porsche approval standards. Use only Porsche-approved oils to ensure HPFP lubrication, turbo protection, and GPF compatibility. Change every 15,000 km or annually.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Primary Sources

PORSCHE Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialPORSCHE documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.

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