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Porsche’s Next Hybrids Could Get A Trick New Electric Motor

A new hybrid patent hints at axial motor tech that could transform the 911, promising lighter weight and sharper performance 

                    https://www.carscoops.com/author/bradcarscoops-com/

by Brad Anderson[1]

10 hours ago

Porsche's Next Hybrids Could Get A Trick New Electric Motor
  • Porsche patents a hybrid system using a compact axial flux motor.
  • These new motors are lighter and stronger than radial flux units.
  • Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren hybrids use similar setups.

The new 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid and 911 Turbo S[2] have both been praised for their impressive performance and use of trick hybrid powertrains[3]. For as good as they are, though, Porsche isn't willing to rest on its laurels, and as a recent patent filing has revealed, is already looking at a more advanced hybrid setup that could be both lighter and more powerful. Read: The New 911 Turbo S Hybrid Proves You Don't Need Less Weight To Be The Fastest[4]

Current hybrid models from Porsche[5], including electrified versions of the Cayenne and Panamera, have a radial flux electric motor crammed into the casing of their eight-speed PDK transmission. A filing made with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) shows that Weissach's engineers are looking into an even more advanced setup that uses an axial flux motor sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. The Axial Difference

Axial flux motors in the automotive space have been pioneered by British firm YASA, which is now solely owned by Mercedes-Benz. Its motors are also used by cars like the Ferrari SF90[6] and 296 GTB, as well as the Lamborghini Revuelto and Temerario. McLaren even uses these motors for the Artura and the W1 hypercar.

Yasa's most advanced axial flux motor, unveiled earlier this year, delivers 1,005 hp[7], is only three inches thick, and weighs just 28 lbs. Unlike its rivals, Porsche won't use motors from Yasa and appears to be developing them itself. That's a tall order, but given the advantages they offer, it clearly thinks it's worth the investment.

The filing notes that the motor would be housed in its own bell housing and designed to work exclusively with a dual-clutch transmission.

As noted by Road & Track[8] that found the patents, an updated cooling system would help to ensure the electric motor is always at the perfect temperature. When Will We See It? It's unclear when the tech will be ready for prime time, but it could allow Porsche to retain the naturally aspirated flat-sixes used by the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS without relying on forced induction.

Porsche has previously confirmed that the next iteration of these cars will need to adopt electrification or turbochargers[9].

Porsche's Next Hybrids Could Get A Trick New Electric Motor

References

  1. ^ Brad Anderson (www.carscoops.com)
  2. ^ 911 Turbo S (www.carscoops.com)
  3. ^ hybrid powertrains (www.carscoops.com)
  4. ^ The New 911 Turbo S Hybrid Proves You Don't Need Less Weight To Be The Fastest (www.carscoops.com)
  5. ^ Porsche (www.carscoops.com)
  6. ^ Ferrari SF90 (www.carscoops.com)
  7. ^ delivers 1,005 hp (www.carscoops.com)
  8. ^ Road & Track (www.roadandtrack.com)
  9. ^ will need to adopt electrification or turbochargers (www.carscoops.com)