What engine powered the 1998 Le Mans-winning Porsche 911 GT1-98?

The Porsche 911 GT1-98 used a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine derived from earlier racing units. The engine displaced around 3.2 litres and produced close to 600 horsepower in race trim. Engineers tuned it for endurance rather than peak output, balancing speed with durability. Turbochargers provided strong acceleration along long straights, a key factor at Le Mans. Cooling systems were improved for 1998, addressing issues seen in previous seasons. Fuel efficiency played a role as well, influencing pit stop timing and overall race strategy. The engine sat in a mid-mounted position, unlike the traditional rear-engine layout of road-going 911 models. This placement improved weight distribution and handling stability. Over 24 hours, the engine ran consistently without major faults, which proved decisive against rivals that suffered mechanical failures. Its reliability became one of the defining traits of Porsche’s victory.