Porsche is in the final stages of testing a tri-turbo version of its 3,8-litre flat-six engine earmarked for the next-generation 911 Turbo. A little while back, the German performance car maker submitted patents for a tri-turbo induction system similar to that currently being utilised in BMW’s recently unveiled line of diesel-engined M Performance models – the M550d xDrive and X6 xDrive50d.
In terms of the system’s layout, it comprises three individual turbochargers – two Borg Warner units similar to those currently used in the 3,8-litre engine and a third smaller unit mounted close to the engine. This additional turbo will reportedly improve low-end responsiveness to provide more linear power delivery while improving fuel consumption.
Official power outputs have not yet been divulged, but the tri-turbo treatment could well see the 3,8-litre engine’s output climb from 368 kW to around 391 kW when the coupe makes its international debut towards the beginning of 2013. These figures are close to those of the current Turbo S, but Porsche will probably aim to better that model’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 16,0 L/100 km and 268 g/km with the new car.
The tri-turbo system will also reportedly find its way into the upcoming iterations of the 911 GT2 and GT2 RS.
