Remembering Hans Mezger, the greatest engine designer of all time – Thank Frankel it’s Friday | GRR (2024)

Who is the greatest engine designer of all time? You could make the case for WO Bentley, Vittorio Jano, Giacchino Colombo, Aurelio Lampredi, Keith Duckworth, Paul Rosche and many others besides. For me, however, it was always Hans Mezger who, if you are reading this on Friday June 12th, sadly passed away two days ago aged 90.

You could make the case for Mezger on the strength of just one of his engines alone: the little single-cam, air-cooled flat-six that was slotted into the back of the 1963 Porsche 901. It is perhaps not well known that the engine originally intended for this car was not that with which it finally ended up. Yes, it was always going to be an air-cooled flat-six, but instead of having overhead camshafts the Type 745 engine operated its valves via lengthy pushrods which, had the engine made it into production, would have impacted fatally its development potential. It would never rev sufficiently even for highly tuned road cars, let alone what was required to produce sufficient power and reliability in the racing arena. Mezger figured that if you have to have two camshafts – as the 745 did – you might as well put them where they were meant to go: in the cylinder head on top of the valves. It also had a dry sump, critical for a flat formation engine intended or race use.

By the time the new car was properly on sale in 1964 and now rebranded the 911 the engine was already making Porsche’s, and Mezger’s, reputations. And it has been doing wonders for both ever since.

Not that all 911 engines are Mezger engines. The normally aspirated engines in the standard 996 and 997 series are not Mezger engines, and they’re the only ones to have caused the company significant bother over time. Funnily enough, when very special or high powered 911 engines were required, such as in the GT3 and Turbo models, Porsche decided that only a Mezger engine would do, which is why these cars suffered none of the issues of their stablemates. The last true Mezger engine was used in the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 of 2011, by which point its designer has already been retired nearly 20 years…

But let’s wind the clock back to the 1960s. It was Ferdinand Piech who’d been primarily responsible for the development of the car that would become known as the 911, so when he moved to head up the racing department, it was perhaps no great surprise that Mezger went with him.

From there he influenced the design of an entire generation of not merely engines, but entire cars. When you think of all those crazy superlight prototypes, with gossamer-thin glass-fibre bodies slung over twiglet-like spaceframe chassis, you should think of Mezger too, all the way from the 906 to the mighty 917.

Those air-cooled engines really shouldn’t have produced anything like the power of rival motors, because until water-cooled heads appeared in the 1980s, they could only accommodate two valves per cylinder. And yet the 917 in its earliest form still produced more power on 4.5-litres than Ferrari’s best engineers could bequeath the water-cooled, four valves per cylinder, 5.0-litre V12 motor designed for its rival 512S.

Remembering Hans Mezger, the greatest engine designer of all time – Thank Frankel it’s Friday | GRR (2)

Mezger with McLaren's Niki Lauda, 1984.

And of course it was Mezger who was instrumental in the decision to turbocharge the engine and spoil the party McLaren had been enjoying for years in Can-Am. The result was the transformation of an engine that produced 580PS in 4.5-litre naturally aspirated form in 1970 to a 5.4-litre motor producing a completely reliable 1,100PS just three seasons later.

It was that knowledge that also allowed Mezger to bring the technology to the road car arena and create the 911 Turbo, the world’s first truly successful turbocharged car.

He would continue, relentlessly, to influence all Porsche’s most revered models: 934, 935, 936, 956, 962… all owe their success in part to this most extraordinary of engineers. He retired in 1993, but five years later his engines were still winning, powering the Porsche 911 GT1-98 to victory at Le Mans that year.

Remembering Hans Mezger, the greatest engine designer of all time – Thank Frankel it’s Friday | GRR (3)

1990. Mezger (right) with Porsche project manager Helmut Flegl (centre) and engineer Hans Joachim Esch (left) pushing the 2.6-litre, turbocharged V8 Type 2708 engine across the workshop floor at great pace!

I expect there will never be another engineer like Hans Mezger – engines are such complex things these days they need to be designed by vast teams of people, so it is almost impossible for one person to wield the kind of influence enjoyed by Mezger. But even though he has gone, and maybe his brand of engineer is no longer with us either, his legacy in all those incredible cars and engines he created will outlive us all.

Remembering Hans Mezger, the greatest engine designer of all time – Thank Frankel it’s Friday | GRR (2024)

FAQs

Why is the Mezger engine so good? ›

Like the original Porsche flat-six, the Mezger engine has dry-sump lubrication and basically zero chance of intermediate shaft bearing failures. This iteration of the Mezger engine had already proven itself in competition by powering the 911 to a GT1 class win at Le Mans in 1998.

When did Porsche stop using the Mezger engine? ›

The last true Mezger engine was used in the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 of 2011, by which point its designer has already been retired nearly 20 years

Who makes the most reliable engine in the world? ›

According to both J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, Toyota constantly figures in the top places as the most dependable brand in the automotive world. Granted, those data pools include far more than simple engine reliability but that feels like a point for Toyota rather than one against it.

Who makes the most powerful engine in the world? ›

It is a machine of such immense size and power that it boggles the mind: the Wärtsilä RT-flex96C, currently considered as the world's largest and most powerful engine.

How long do Porsche engines last? ›

Most Porsche engines will last for 100,000 miles or more, especially if you take good care of your car. You can reduce the strain on your engine and make sure it lasts long by booking regular maintenance appointments at the dealership.

What years did Porsche have engine problems? ›

The Porsche 911 and Porsche Boxster from model year 1997 to 2005 have a high failure rate of the intermediate shaft bearing also known as an IMS bearing. Its design and construction lead to premature failure of the bearing, which results in catastrophic engine failure.

What is the problem with the 996 Turbo engine? ›

The 996 has a turbo coolant pipe strong enough to deal with the pressure, but the epoxy Porsche used for the fittings would often fail and allow massive coolant leaks, which can cause major problems. A bad turbo coolant pipe can cause a large loss of coolant, which can lead to overheating and extensive engine damage.

What is the longest-lasting gasoline engine? ›

Ranked: the longest-living car engines
  • Rolls-Royce L-Series: 1959-2020 (61 years) ...
  • Rolls-Royce L-Series: 1959-2020 (61 years) ...
  • Chevrolet Small Block: 1955-present (64 years) ...
  • Chevrolet Small Block: 1955-present (64 years) ...
  • Volkswagen Type 1: 1938-2003 (65 years) ...
  • Volkswagen Type 1: 1938-2003 (65 years)
Sep 17, 2021

What is the most reliable American made engine? ›

The Most Durable American Engines Ever
  • The Chevrolet Gen III/IV Small Block. ...
  • The Ford 300/4.9L. ...
  • The AMC/Jeep 4.0L. ...
  • The Buick 3800. ...
  • The Ford 4.6L 2V Modular V8. ...
  • The Iron Duke / Tech IV 2.5L. ...
  • The Chrysler 318/Magnum 5.2L V-8. ...
  • The Ford Lima 2.3L.
Sep 9, 2022

Why do Toyota engines last so long? ›

The connecting rods of the aluminum pistons are strong and build to last longer. Along with basic engineering, Toyota has made minor changes to ensure that the pistons remains cool even when the engine is warm. This results in less wear and tear in longer runs.

What is the most sold engine of all time? ›

1) Small-Block V8: Chevrolet

The iconic American V8 engine has been sold in more than 100 million vehicles.

What is the fastest engine ever made? ›

Gordon Murray Automotive's T. 50 is the fastest engine ever made and fitted into a production car.
...
1. 2022 Gordon Murray Automotive T. 50 Supercar – 12,100 RPM.
Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) T.50Specs
Engine4.0-liter Naturally Aspirated V12
Horsepower654 hp
Engine RPM Redline12,100 rpm
Torque344 lb-ft
3 more rows
Mar 31, 2023

What engine holds the most power? ›

1) Ferrari 296 GTB – 218 HP/Liter.

How many miles is too many for a used Porsche? ›

Porsche 911 engine mileage can be rated at 100,000 miles and 10 years. Like any vehicle, Porsche 911s last longer with proper and routine maintenance and care. Most Porsche vehicles will last you up to the 150,000-mile marker and beyond.

Why do Porsche engines sound so good? ›

It all comes down to the Porsche flat-six engine design that has defined the brand from the beginning. Water in an engine block not only provides cooling for the engine but it also provides sound insulation. Without the water-ways in the case one hears the true mechanics of the engine in operation.

How many miles can a Porsche go on a full tank? ›

The 2022 Porsche 911 has an estimated driving range of approximately 440 miles on a single tank of gas, when driving the Carrera S, Carrera S Cabriolet, and Carrera 4S models on the highway.

What car is the poor man's Porsche? ›

Time magazine featured a cover story about the car, and Motor Trend named the Corvair as the 1960 “Car of the Year.” Americans bought them due to their unique style, and affordable price, well under $3,000. They even earned the nickname, “The Poor Man's Porsche.”

What year was the best Porsche? ›

Perhaps because of its styling, the Porsche 993 (1995-1998) is often regarded as the 911 Holy Grail by enthusiasts. Porsche addicts swoon from the jaw-dropping looks of the 993. Nevertheless, looks aren't the only reason the 993 is regarded as the best 911 by the majority of Porsche enthusiasts.

Is it OK to buy an old Porsche? ›

Buying an older Porsche is usually a pretty safe bet. As long as you get the vehicle inspected and make sure that it is in good condition you should have no major problems.

Why are turbo engines less reliable? ›

Cons of a turbocharged engine

Reliability: Turbocharged engines may not be as reliable as standard engines. Engines with more parts have more that can go wrong. Maintenance: Because turbochargers stress the engine and its parts, turbocharged engines often require more routine maintenance.

How long do Porsche turbos last? ›

From past experience with other turbo cars, the turbos seem to be good for around 80k miles.

Why do BMW turbos fail? ›

The main cause of turbocharger failure is oil-related – usually due to either lack of oil or dirty oil. Turbocharger failures in BMWs seems to be caused by the long oil service intervals. (The dealer typically recommends oil changes every 12,000-18,000 miles, depending upon when the car's indicator says to do it.)

What is the greatest muscle car engine of all time? ›

1. Ford 427 “Cammer” Ford wanted something to beat the Hemi on race circuits, so they added heads derived from their “Indy” race engine to the 427 “high riser.” The resulting SOHC big block produced as much as 657 horsepower and 575 lb-ft.

What is one of the best engines ever made? ›

According to you: The best engines you've ever experienced
  • Ford inline-six (300 and 200 cu in) ...
  • Volvo “Red Block” B21 slant-four. ...
  • Cummins B-series/Dodge 5.9-liter diesel. ...
  • Nissan VQ V-6. ...
  • Small-block Chevy V-8 (especially the 327) ...
  • BMW inline-six. ...
  • Chrysler Pentastar V-6. ...
  • Mazda K-series V-6.
Feb 15, 2023

Which company has the best engine? ›

Top 10 manufacturers – most reliable engines
ManufacturerFailure Rate
1Honda1 in 344
2Toyota1 in 171
3Mercedes-Benz1 in 119
4Volvo1 in 111
6 more rows
Mar 24, 2014

What was the fastest muscle car in the 60s? ›

There have been various models, but the one that stands out as the fastest muscle car of the 60s is the 1963 Shelby Cobra 260. It was able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Time to look at some fastest cars from the 60s, chosen by our fun-loving team here at STG Auto Transport.

What was the fastest American muscle car in 1970? ›

Fastest Classic Muscle Car: 1970 Chevelle SS454

It rumbled with 500 pound-feet of torque and could translate most of that raw energy into impressive road performance. And we can't talk about the Chevelle without mentioning its 6-second sprint to 60mph, a laudable achievement in the 1970s.

What is the rarest muscle car of all time? ›

What are the rarest muscle cars? The Shelby Cobra Super Snake and the Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake are the rarest muscle cars ever built. Both were launched in 1967, both are made by Shelby, and both carry the Super Snake moniker.

Why do Porsches handle so well? ›

Compared to something like a V6, a flat boxer engine's cylinders are really low down. That gives this really heavy part of the car a low center of gravity. That gives you better handling.

How many miles does a Porsche engine last? ›

Most Porsche engines will last for 100,000 miles or more, especially if you take good care of your car. You can reduce the strain on your engine and make sure it lasts long by booking regular maintenance appointments at the dealership.

What is a weakness of Porsche? ›

Some of the weaknesses of Porsche are: Expensive for Middle base: The Porsche cars are made with a mindset for the upper or rich base of people which is a weakness. Since their presence among the middle base is almost none because of the extreme price range.

What is the simplest engine ever made? ›

WAISSI Engine - Simplest Internal Combustion Engine.

What is the most fuel efficient engine ever built? ›

The Stirling engine has the highest theoretical efficiency of any thermal engine but it has a low output power to weight ratio, therefore Stirling engines of practical output tend to be large.

What was the last car made with a bench seat? ›

When the 2013 Chevrolet Impala goes out of production to make way for a completely redesigned 2014, it will take with it an American classic -- the bench seat. The Impala is the last car that has bench seats as an option.

Which car engine is long life? ›

The reason why diesel engine lasts longer than petrol engines is because diesel is light oil.

What is the best oil for car engine? ›

Comparison of the best engine oils for 2022
Engine oil name
Best engine oil overallMobil 1 Extended Performance
Best engine oil overall runner-upCastrol GTX Magnatec
Best synthetic engine oilPennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic
Best synthetic engine oil runner-upAmsoil Signature Series Synthetic
6 more rows
Aug 31, 2022

What is the most reliable V8 engine? ›

The Toyota 1UZ-FE is regarded as one of the most trustworthy engines ever made out in the market, in addition to being one of the most potent V8 in a car.

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