- Tighter emissions rules could push Porsche to turbocharge its 4.0-liter flat-six.
- The company says the current naturally aspirated engine may last longer in the US.
- A turbocharged version would likely bring a noticeable jump in power.
Performance cars are entering a period where character often collides with compliance, and not always gracefully. Few Porsche models pull at the heartstrings of enthusiasts quite like the 911 GT3. For those seeking the perfect middle ground between a relatively comfortable daily cruiser, a thrilling canyon carver, and a track-honed weapon, the GT3 has long been the car of choice.
A key part of the GT3’s appeal is its engine. Now a 4.0-liter six-cylinder unit, it has always been naturally aspirated, starting out as a 3.6-liter before growing to 3.8 liters for the 991 generation. Few cars on the market sound quite like a GT3, let alone the even more focused GT3 RS. That may not last much longer.
Read: Porsche Built Japan Its Own 911 GT3, But Refused To Build It Japan’s Way
With emissions regulations continually becoming more stringent, Porsche is finding it increasingly difficult to keep the naturally aspirated flat-six alive. According to Andreas Preuninger, head of Porsche’s GT line, the company may need to adopt forced induction to keep the GT3 in production.
While recently speaking with Car and Driver, Preuninger was asked how long the current 4.0-liter six can survive. If you don’t own a current 911 GT3, then you might want to get one, as the next version might be very different.
Turbo Or Bust?
“In America, I don’t know,” Preuninger said. “Quite some time, maybe. In Europe, probably only a few years without any substantial changes.” Asked directly whether the next engine could be turbocharged, he added, “it might be.”
This doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Carmakers across the industry are struggling to keep high-revving, naturally aspirated performance engines viable. The new 911 GTS uses a turbocharged hybrid setup, and the 911 Turbo S has long relied on forced induction.
Perhaps the only viable way Porsche could keep the GT3 naturally aspirated is to make internal changes, add more filters, and add an electric motor, perhaps enabling all-electric operation over short distances. Lamborghini has been able to keep its 6.5-liter V12 alive in the Revuelto by making it a hybrid, although doing the same in the GT3 would no doubt impact its purist appeal.
