The Messerschmitt Bf-109 was constructed around a Daimler-Benz liquid cooled V-12 engine. A powerplant that was similar in concept to the British Rolls-Royce Merlin. As the 109 evolved over the course of the war, so did its engine.  With the "G" model, the Luftwaffe sought to maximize speed by substituting the more powerfull Daimler-Benz 605 engine. A designed cylinder block increased the engine's performance to 1,475 horsepower at take off.  Unfortunately, the heavier engine required that the structure and landing gear be reinforced. All of which led to a heavier airplane with higher wing loading and decreased handling.  However, this variant of the 109 carried an additional water-methanol power booster which could be used in bursts to temporarily increase performance to 1,800 horsepower.