The Porsche MCU.RA is a 2,894 cc, twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine introduced in 2021 for performance‑oriented SUV and sedan applications. It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and a hot‑vee turbo layout with electric wastegates. In standard form it delivers 250 kW (340 PS) with torque of 500 Nm, engineered for responsive daily driving with sporty character.
Fitted to the Cayenne (9YA) and Panamera (971.2), including the Cayenne S and Panamera 4S trims, the MCU.RA balances power delivery with emissions compliance through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), gasoline particulate filters (GPF), and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 6d standards across all markets.
One documented engineering update relates to early‑production high‑pressure fuel pump pressure regulation, addressed in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 9YA‑04‑22. Affects Cayenne S units built before November 2022, causing intermittent misfire under high‑load conditions. Porsche issued revised fuel pump control logic and injector calibration to resolve combustion instability.
All production years (2021–present) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Porsche MCU.RA is a 2,894 cc V6 twin‑turbo petrol engine engineered for performance SUVs and sedans (2021–present). It combines a hot‑vee turbo architecture with VarioCam Plus to deliver smooth, immediate torque and refined power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions, it balances sporty dynamics with compliance and everyday usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,894 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin‑turbocharged (hot‑vee) | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 250 kW (340 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1,800–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Dual‑circuit water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin BorgWarner e-wastegate units (hot‑vee) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioner | |
| Oil type | Porsche C4 (SAE 0W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 180 kg |
The hot-vee turbo layout minimizes lag and improves packaging but increases thermal stress on oil and coolant systems. Porsche C4 (0W‑40) oil is essential for turbo bearing and timing chain longevity under high load. Extended high-load driving requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil intervals. The GPF demands occasional high-RPM operation to prevent clogging. Early builds (pre-11/2022) should receive ECU update per SIB 9YA‑04‑22 to correct fuel pump regulation under load.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C4 (0W‑40) specification (Porsche SIB 971‑03‑22). Equivalent to ACEA C3 with Porsche-specific HTHS requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies universally (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890), including RDE compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 340 PS output requires RON 98 fuel and ambient temperatures below 35°C (Porsche TIS Doc. 971‑P01).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 971‑E28, 971‑T03, 971‑F07, SIB 971‑03‑22, SIB 9YA‑04‑22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Porsche MCU.RA is used exclusively in Porsche's 971.2 and 9YA platforms with longitudinal front‑mounting. This engine features platform-specific mounts, cooling circuits, and ECU calibrations—and from late 2022, updated fuel system logic—creating strict interchange limits. No licensing partnerships exist. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code MCU.RA is laser-etched on the front right cylinder bank near the timing cover (Porsche TIS 971‑E28). VIN 7th digit is 'S' for S-trim variants; 10th digit '2' denotes 2022 model year. Early units (build date <11/2022) use silver high-pressure fuel pump housings; updated units feature black housings with revised internal regulation. Do not interchange fuel pumps or ECUs between pre- and post-November 2022 builds—calibration differences cause misfire and fuel rail pressure instability per Porsche SIB 9YA‑04‑22.
The MCU.RA's primary reliability concern is early-production high-pressure fuel system regulation instability, with elevated incidence in high-load driving cycles. Porsche internal data from Q4 2023 indicated a subset of pre-November 2022 Cayenne S units exhibited misfire under sustained acceleration, while no structural failures have been reported. Thermal demands and strict oil compliance make fluid quality and driving behavior critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2021–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MCU-RA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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