It seems rather uncanny that Porsche is breaking away from the hydrogen dream when the world seems to be fixated with electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered alternatives. Porsche has paved out a new path for itself, introducing a first-of-its-kind engine that will soon be hitting the roads. The German automaker has unveiled a revolutionary six-stroke engine design that works towards redefining traditional engine mechanics. The new engine signifies a shift away from full electrification and moves in the direction of ultra-efficient combustion. Porsche’s new model puts forward a rather compelling argument as to why gas-powered vehicles need to remain on our roads, with this engine featuring radical dual-compression and dual-power stroke cycle.
Double the compression and power
Porsche has decided to opt for an internal combustion engine. In doing so, Porsche has questioned the four-stroke cycle intake. While the internal combustion engine design has always been dominated by intake, compression, power, and exhaust, Porsche has come up with an entirely new convention.
For this six-stroke engine, Porsche has doubled the compression and power in each cycle. The sequence has now changed to a combination of intake, compression, power, compression, power, and lastly exhaust in each cycle. This adjustment enables two power and compression strokes per cycle, increasing the vehicle’s torque and efficiency.
This adjustment in the engine is allowed due to the piston and crankshaft dynamics. As opposed to going down the traditional up-and-down motion route, Porsche’s crankshaft design moves through two concentric paths using planetary gears. In this regard, every piston consists of two different top-dead-center and bottom-dead-center positions, which allows for a variable compression ratio and additional power generation. This inevitably enables combustion to happen frequently while prioritizing energy extraction from the fuel-air mixture, improving thermal efficiency further than conventional engines.
Environmental consideration is ensured by the engine
While the internal combustion engine raises concerns about the environment, Porsche has created this engine while acknowledging environmental standards. As stated in documents, Porsche has adhered to energy efficiency requirements with this engine.
Thus far, the concept of six-stroke engine designs has never materialized. All attempts at creating this type of engine failed, as is seen with Bruce Crower’s steam-injection system or the Bear Head dual-piston variant. All these types of engines showed potential but never got realized during the mass adoption processes. Porsche, however, has used its century-long expertise to make the concept of a six-stroke engine feasible. This six-stroke engine was able to outperform some of the best hydrogen as well as hybrid engines, being more thermally efficient and reaching 45–50% in comparison to the 30% reached by typical four-stroke engines.
The reincarnation of the internal combustion engine
While Porsche has positioned itself as an innovative king of electric motors, Porsche has yet again secured new fame for itself by reincarnating this internal combustion engine and putting forward the message that this type of engine is not dead yet. With more and more electric vehicles (EVs) dominating media headlines, Porsche’s six-stroke engine could steal the limelight, attracting niche drivers who focus on putting performance above all else.
This six-stroke engine surely does comply with environmental standards without compromising on the overall driving experience. However, there is skepticism as to whether this patent exists solely to block competitors. Porsche has not indicated when a production model will feature this six-stroke engine. The fact that this patent is being tested has caused it to become a topic of interest for Porsche fans and car enthusiasts.
Rewriting the narrative
With the focus falling on both electric and hydrogen vehicle types, Porsche has come in to rewrite the narrative with the six-stroke internal combustion engine. While utilizing modernized engineering techniques, Porsche can proudly pay tribute to combustion’s legacy. Porsche is rewriting the story of future combustion engines.
