The Porsche MA1.20 is a 3,436 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2019. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, direct fuel injection (DFI), and variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus). In standard form it delivered 272 kW (370 PS) at 6,700 rpm, with peak torque of 450 Nm at 5,000 rpm.
Fitted to the Porsche 911 (991.1) Carrera and Carrera S models globally, the MA1.20 marked Porsche’s return to naturally aspirated performance bef…
Production years 2015–2019 meet Euro 6 emissions standards .
The Porsche MA1.20 is a 3,436 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for high-revving performance applications (2015–2019). It combines direct fuel injection with VarioCam Plus and dry-sump lubrication to deliver linear power and track-ready response. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it represents the final evolution of Porsche’s naturally aspirated 911 engines.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,436 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 76.4 mm | |
Power output | 272 kW (370 PS) @ 6,700 rpm | |
Torque | 450 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) with Bosch MDG7 ECU | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled with dry-sump lubrication | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus hydraulic phasers | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 192 kg |
The Porsche MA1.20 was used exclusively in Porsche's 991.1 Carrera platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered both base and S variants with minor ECU tuning differences—370 PS for the S, 350 PS for the base—and was phased out in 2019 with the end of 991.1 production. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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The MA1.20's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban-driven or low-RPM examples. Porsche internal data from 2017 indicated over 15% of 2015–2016 Carreras required intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while owner surveys link misfire codes to coked valves. Extended idling and short trips accelerate deposit formation, making periodic inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2015–2019) and owner association failure logs (2020–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The MA1.20 is mechanically robust but prone to intake valve coking due to direct injection. With regular oil changes using 5W-40 A40 oil and periodic intake cleaning, it offers strong longevity. It’s the last naturally aspirated 911 engine—highly valued for its linear power delivery.
Top issues include intake valve carbon buildup, VarioCam solenoid sticking, rear main seal leaks, and early ECU software glitches. Carbon buildup is the most frequent, especially in city-driven cars. All are documented in Porsche service bulletins.
Exclusively the 2015–2019 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S (991.1 generation), with 350 PS and 370 PS outputs respectively. It was replaced in 2019 by the turbocharged MA2.21 in the 991.2 facelift. No other models use this engine.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the MA1-20 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Approximately 12–14 L/100km (20–24 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can reach 8.5 L/100km (33 mpg UK), while aggressive use exceeds 16 L/100km due to the 3.4L displacement and high-revving character.
Yes. The Porsche MA1.20 is an interference engine. If the timing chains fail or VarioCam phasers jam, pistons will contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. Regular oil changes and solenoid inspection are essential.
Porsche specifies 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 standard. This ensures cam and bearing protection under high-RPM stress. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or annually.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
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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