Porsche’s Innovative 6-Stroke Engine

Porsche has obtained a patent for a new internal combustion engine design.
The most notable feature of this new engine is that it uses a 6-stroke cycle instead of the conventional 4-stroke cycle.

While Porsche has been in the spotlight recently for its electric vehicles, it’s clear they continue to invest in internal combustion engine development as well.

A typical gasoline engine operates on a 4-stroke cycle: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. However, Porsche’s new design reportedly allows two rounds of compression and combustion within a single cylinder. In other words, it inserts two compression-combustion cycles between the intake and exhaust strokes.

This engine cycle is structured as “intake, compression, combustion, compression, combustion, exhaust” — a 6-stroke configuration. The additional compression and combustion cycles aim to thoroughly burn the air-fuel mixture inside the cylinder, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Diagram of Porsche’s 6-stroke engine patent. Courtesy of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Increasing Complexity in Internal Combustion Technology

This 6-stroke engine patent exemplifies the growing complexity of internal combustion technology. Porsche is known for pushing technical boundaries, having introduced the PDK “Doppelkupplungsgetriebe” dual-clutch transmission with its famously complex name, and pioneering turbocharged engines with the 911 Turbo.

Taking on complex technologies is part of Porsche’s DNA.

That said, new internal combustion technologies don’t always succeed. Past innovations like the Miller cycle engine or Nissan’s variable compression ratio engine were implemented but never widely adopted.

Especially as countries accelerate their shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), developing new gasoline engine technologies carries significant risks. Whether Porsche’s 6-stroke engine will actually make it into production cars remains uncertain at this point.

The Future of Internal Combustion Engines

In an automotive industry rapidly moving toward electrification, Porsche’s continued development of internal combustion engines is noteworthy. Securing a patent for the 6-stroke engine shows Porsche’s ongoing commitment to exploring the potential of combustion technology.

However, many challenges are expected before this technology can be commercialized. The more complex engine structure could lead to increased manufacturing costs and difficulties ensuring reliability.

Still, as a premium sports car manufacturer, Porsche might be able to absorb some cost increases while pursuing unique technologies. If realized, the 6-stroke engine could become a new generation of sports car powerplants that balance high efficiency with high performance.

The Metzger engine of the 997GT3, featuring a GT1 crankshaft

How Will Porsche Enthusiasts React to the 6-Stroke Engine?

The news of Porsche’s 6-stroke engine patent is sure to spark reactions among Porsche owners and automotive enthusiasts. Expect a mix of excitement for the innovative technology and concerns about changes to the traditional engine sound.

Among Porsche fans, some will welcome the adoption of new technology, while others will hope the charm of the classic 4-stroke flat-six engine remains intact.
Attention will be keenly focused on how Porsche develops this 6-stroke engine and which models might receive it in the future.

With the future of internal combustion uncertain, Porsche’s challenge could open new possibilities for the automotive world. Alongside electrification, the evolution of internal combustion engines may continue—and that might be the future we’re heading toward.