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Porsche's Heart and Soul

The genetic codes of all of Porsche’s current boxer engines are 9A2 and 9A2 evo for four- and six-cylinder engines. They represent a flexible system of identical, technically similar, and individual components that together form a proven foundation, yet also create the space for a plethora of different character traits. A glance at the range of options amply demonstrates the point: four or six cylinders, naturally aspirated engine or turbo, between two and four liters of displacement, from 250 to 650 hp of power, and torques between 310 and 800 Nm.One thing that all members of the boxer family have in common is their cylinder spacing: invariably 118 millimeters. Within the cylinders, pistons with diameters of 91 and 102 millimeters do their duty. More precisely: either 76.4 millimeters up and down or 81.5, depending on the crankshaft. Together with the number of cylinders, this results in five different displacements and nine power levels in the 718 and 911 model lines. With a pool of identical parts that are used without modification in all model lines, as well as components with similar design principles, the result is a wealth of synergies in the fundamental engine design toolbox. This enables developers to concentrate on the individual character of the engine’s periphery—for instance, the intake duct and exhaust system. The result is typical Porsche: because all boxer engines bear the same genes and despite their different characters, they’re all equally efficient, emotional, and driven to perform.