The Porsche MDH.KA is a 2,894 cc, twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine introduced in 2021 for the Cayenne GTS (9YA) and Panamera GTS (971.2). It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and a hot‑vee turbo layout with electric wastegates. In standard form it delivers 340 kW (460 PS) with torque of 620 Nm, engineered for rapid throttle response and sporty character without extreme track focus.
Fitted to the Cayenne GTS and Panamera GTS, the MDH.KA balances performance and daily usability through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), gasoline particulate filters (GPF), and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 6d standards across all markets. Its compact packaging and rear‑biased torque curve enhance handling dynamics in both SUV and sedan applications.
One documented engineering refinement relates to early‑production high‑pressure fuel pump priming logic during cold starts, addressed in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 9YA‑02‑22. Affects initial 2021–2022 Cayenne GTS units, causing occasional hard-start or misfire after extended parking in sub‑10°C conditions. Porsche issued revised fuel pump control strategy and updated injector pre‑pulse calibration to improve cold‑start combustion stability.
All production years (2021–present) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9345).
The Porsche MDH.KA is a 2,894 cc V6 twin‑turbo petrol engine engineered for GTS variants of the Cayenne and Panamera (2021–present). It combines a hot‑vee turbo architecture with VarioCam Plus to deliver immediate torque and refined sporty dynamics. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and everyday drivability.
| 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 | 340 kW (460 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 620 Nm @ 2,300–4,500 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 | 183 kg |
The hot-vee turbo layout minimizes lag and improves throttle linearity but increases thermal stress on oil and fuel systems. Porsche C4 (0W‑40) oil is essential for turbo bearing and timing chain longevity under repeated spirited use. Extended high-load driving requires oil changes every 15,000 km or 12 months. The GPF system mandates occasional high-RPM operation to prevent clogging. Early 2021–2022 units should receive ECU update per SIB 9YA‑02‑22 to resolve cold-start instability in sub-10°C ambient conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C4 (0W‑40) specification (Porsche SIB 971‑01‑22). Equivalent to ACEA C3 with Porsche-specific HTHS requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies universally (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9345), including RDE compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 460 PS output requires RON 98 fuel and ambient temperatures below 35°C (Porsche TIS Doc. 971‑P04).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 971‑E31, 971‑T04, 971‑F10, SIB 971‑01‑22, SIB 9YA‑02‑22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9345)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Porsche MDH.KA is used exclusively in Porsche's 971.2 and 9YA GTS platforms with longitudinal front‑mounting. This engine features model-specific intake tuning, exhaust backpressure profiles, and revised boost maps—and from early 2022, updated cold-start fuel logic—creating strict interchange limits. No licensing partnerships exist. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code MDH.KA is laser-etched on the front right cylinder bank near the timing cover (Porsche TIS 971‑E31). VIN 7th digit is 'G' for GTS variants; 10th digit '2' denotes 2022 model year. Early units (build date <03/2022) use silver high-pressure fuel pump housings with basic priming logic; updated units feature black housings with revised cold-start strategy. Do not interchange fuel pumps or ECUs between pre- and post-March 2022 builds—calibration differences cause cold-start misfire below 10°C per Porsche SIB 9YA‑02‑22.
The MDH.KA's primary reliability concern is early-production cold-start fuel delivery instability in low ambient temperatures. Porsche internal data from Q1 2022 indicated a subset of pre-March 2022 Cayenne GTS units exhibited hard-start or misfire after overnight parking below 10°C, while no structural failures have been reported. Thermal cycling and strict oil compliance make fluid quality and software updates 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 MDH-KA.
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