We usually see technology trickle down from race cars to production vehicles, not the other way around.  However, after fitting direct fuel injection to the 2008 Cayenne and 2009 911, Porsche has equipped its RS Spyder race car with a similar system for the American LeMans Series (ALMS).

The majority of the 3.4-liter V-8 is carry over, but the new direct injection setup yields an extra 27 hp, bringing power to 503 hp.  Torque also rises, with the direct-injection V-8 producing 283 lb-ft at 8500 rpm, an increase of 11 lb-ft. 

Porsche says the beauty of the direct injection system lies with its ability to add power without sacrificing fuel economy.  In fact, Thomas Laudenbach, head of Porsche's motorsport powertrain development, claims the revised V-8 consumes less fuel than its predecessor.

Look for the new engine to power Penske Racing's pair of RS Spyders during the ALMS race at Road America on August 9.