Porsche has lifted the wraps on its new V8 engine.

Displacing just under 4000cc, this produces 542bhp and 567lb, the latter from 1960rpm. The figures are comparable to the old 4.8-litre unit it replaces, but both come in at lower revs.

Thus the cars using it should be more flexible to drive. These will include high-end versions of the next-gen Cayenne and Panamera – as well as vehicles wearing premium badges from elsewhere in the VW Group.

The engine features techniques such as cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency, and Porsche says it has been engineered to suit a future hybridisation project.

Porsche has also said that for Turbo S models, the new engine is capable of being pushed to as much as 600bhp. That’s particularly relevant when, to keep on top of costs, it’s also earmarked for use in vehicles like the Bentley Continental and Lamborghini Urus.