The new Porsche 991 has upset a few people because you can’t see its engine at all. Open the rear lid and you’re met with a plastic cowling, a couple of small fans and a brace of filler caps. Not very manly, really.

But does it really matter? Owners of these cars are rarely, if ever, going to venture under the hood. If you drive a modern car, of whatever make, I’ll bet you don’t go poking around under the bonnet. I know I don’t.

Also, let’s be honest here, Porsche 911 engines have never been the most exciting things to look at, have they? A Ferrari or Aston Martin engine is often a thing of great beauty and blokes will gladly stand and gaze at one for hours on end. A 911 engine like the 3.2 above, on the other hand, is about as sexy as the inside of a washing machine.

The 911’s engine became even more like a domestic appliance when the water-cooled 996 came along (above). A great engine, undoubtedly, but not a winner in the looks department. Porsche made a bit more of an effort with the 997 by styling the plastic inlet better but, even so, not something to excite.

Still, at least with the old air-cooled engines, you can make them look better. A painted fan and some meaty air filter can make all the difference, as the photo below shows.

What do you think about the appearance of Porsche 911 engines?