Porsche's innovative 6-stroke engine

Porsche has received a patent for a new internal combustion engine design.
The main feature of this new engine is that it uses a six-stroke cycle instead of the conventional four-stroke cycle.

Porsche has been talking a lot about electric vehicles recently, but it seems that the company is still committed to developing internal combustion engines.

In a typical gasoline engine, the four-stroke cycle is based on intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. However, Porsche's new design allows for two compression and combustion cycles in a single cylinder. In other words, two compression and combustion cycles are sandwiched between intake and exhaust.

The cycle of this engine isSix-stroke configuration: "Intake, compression, combustion, compression, combustion, exhaust."It is said to be the first of its kind in the world. The added compression/combustion cycle is believed to be aimed at eliminating waste and improving efficiency by thoroughly burning the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.

Drawing of a patent for a Porsche six-stroke engine. From the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Increasingly Complex Internal Combustion Engine Technology

The patent for this six-stroke engine is an example of the increasing complexity of internal combustion engine technology. Porsche is the manufacturer that introduced the complexly named "Doppelkupplungsgetriebe" dual-clutch transmission in the PDK, and it was Porsche that pioneered the world of turbo engines with the 911 Turbo.

Challenging complex technology is in Porsche's DNAOne might say.

However, new internal combustion engine technologies are not always successful. In the past, innovative technologies such as the Miller cycle engine and Nissan's variable compression ratio engine have been put to practical use, but have not been widely adopted.

The development of new gasoline engine technology entails significant risks, especially as countries accelerate their shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
It is unclear at this time whether Porsche's six-stroke engine will actually be installed in a mass-produced vehicle.

The Future of Internal Combustion Engines

Porsche's continued development of internal combustion engines in an increasingly electrified automotive industry is noteworthy, and the acquisition of a patent for a six-stroke engine shows that Porsche continues to pursue the potential of the internal combustion engine.

On the other hand, many issues are expected to remain before this technology is put to practical use. Increasingly complex engine structures can cause a variety of problems, including higher manufacturing costs and reliability.

However, a luxury sports car manufacturer like Porsche may be able to absorb some cost increases and still pursue its own technology.
If a six-stroke engine is realized, it could become a new generation of sports car engine that combines high efficiency and high performance.

Metzger engine of 997GT3 with GT1 crank

How will Porsche drivers who aspire to internal combustion engines react?

It will be interesting to see the reaction of Porsche owners and automotive enthusiasts to the news of the patenting of this six-stroke engine.
A mixed reaction is expected, with expectations for innovative technology and concerns about changes in the traditional engine sound.

While some Porsche riders may welcome the new technology, others may wish that the conventional four-stroke flat-six engine does not lose its appeal.
It will be interesting to see how Porsche develops this 6-stroke engine and which models it will be installed in the future.

With the future of the internal combustion engine uncertain, Porsche's challenge may represent a new possibility for the automotive industry.The evolution of internal combustion engines continues along with electrification.Maybe such a future awaits us.