Porsche files a patent for a six-stroke engine.

In the world of internal combustion engines, the standard is the 4-stroke engine, with a few exceptions like the early Saabs. But Porsche, always in search of innovation, is venturing into a new territory by patenting a 6-stroke engine. This patent could potentially open the door to a new era in automotive performance.

What is a 4-stroke engine?

The majority of today’s gasoline cars are equipped with 4-stroke engines. This type of engine operates on a cycle consisting of four phases: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. In simple terms, it takes two rotations of the crankshaft for this cycle to be completed, converting the fuel into mechanical energy.

The revolutionary concept of Porsche’s 6-stroke engine

The patent filed by Porsche, titled “Method for a combustion engine with two sets of three strokes,” describes a 6-stroke engine that could generate more power. Unveiled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on September 12, this patent hints at a new approach to optimizing internal combustion engines.

In this 6-stroke engine, an additional compression and power stroke are added by modifying the piston stroke length. Through a system of eccentric gears, the bottom dead center of the pistons is deeper, allowing for another combustion cycle to be added. The idea is to capture more air through additional scavenging ports before injecting and igniting more fuel.

More power, but at what cost?

The main advantage of this engine is the addition of a second power stroke, meaning instead of one combustion for every four crankshaft revolutions, there would be one every three revolutions. This increase in efficiency could significantly improve engine power.

However, a question remains unanswered: will this concept be able to meet current emissions standards? It is not certain. But history shows us that some innovations, initially deemed impractical, like variable compression ratio engines, eventually found their place in the automotive industry. Porsche may have a trump card up its sleeve.

With information from Motor Authority