Picture this: a Porsche that zips around the track lighter on its wheels, packing more punch than ever before, all while keeping that electrifying thrill of high-performance driving intact. It's not just a dream—it's the bold vision behind Porsche's sneaky plan to revamp its hybrids with cutting-edge tech. But here's where it gets exciting (and a tad controversial): could this innovation redefine what a sports car truly means, or is it just another flashy gimmick in the race toward electrification?
Axial flux motors are a relatively new kid on the block in the world of electric drives, but they're rapidly gaining traction as the preferred pick for top-tier hybrid setups. For those just getting started, think of them as electric motors designed in a way that stacks magnets and coils in a flat, disk-like arrangement along the axis of rotation—unlike traditional radial flux motors, which arrange everything around the circumference. This unique design makes them incredibly lightweight, compact, and super efficient at delivering high power, which is why luxury automakers like Ferrari and Lamborghini have already slotted them into their newest supercars.
Porsche might be jumping on the bandwagon soon. As revealed in a patent unearthed by CarBuzz (and filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO), the German powerhouse is cooking up a hybrid powertrain that teams up nimble axial-flux motors from supplier Yasa with a traditional combustion engine. While the patent opens the door to using this setup in any passenger vehicle, it zeroes in on 'sports car' applications—hinting at something thrilling for enthusiasts.
On the face of it, the idea sounds straightforward and genius. Instead of cramming a bulkier radial flux motor (the old-school type) into the PDK gearbox housing, like in the current 911 Carrera GTS, this thin, pancake-shaped axial flux motor would nestle right between the engine and transmission, fitting snugly inside the dual-mass flywheel assembly. For beginners, the dual-mass flywheel is essentially a dampening system that smooths out engine vibrations, acting like a shock absorber for the drivetrain.
The electric motor and internal combustion engine would collaborate seamlessly via a dual-clutch gearbox—a setup that allows smooth, lightning-fast gear changes. Thanks to the motor's slender profile (some versions are as thin as 3.1 inches), it barely adds any extra length to the powertrain. This means the engine and e-motor stay tucked behind the driver's seat without cramping the car's iconic proportions or balance.
The patent also outlines flexibility for different engine placements, whether mid-mounted or rear-mounted, as long as the engine runs longitudinally (front-to-back) and pairs with a transverse (side-to-side) dual-clutch transmission. And while it's mum on manual gearbox compatibility, fingers are crossed that it could work—imagine the joy of rowing your own gears in a hybrid beast!
By its very design, this configuration is engineered to run cooler, too. Paired with a 'cup- or bell-shaped' permeable chamber (think of it as a cleverly shaped vent or enclosure that allows air to flow freely), both the electric motor and combustion engine get plenty of cooling, preventing overheating and maintaining peak performance.
But this is the part most people miss—and where the real buzz begins: just how much raw power could this hybrid system unleash?
As you might know, Yasa's motors are powerhouses in a small package, churning out massive torque. Their top setups boast over 470 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque from a single unit. Take the hybrid Ferrari SF90, which uses three of these motors for a combined 217 horsepower, or the Lamborghini Revuelto with two motors hitting just under 296 horsepower—both paired with monstrous V-8 and V-12 engines for well over 1,000 total horsepower.
If Porsche deploys this tech in a future model, the outcomes could be downright mind-blowing. The existing e-motor in the 911 Carrera GTS pumps out about 54 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque on its own, adding up to a system total of 532 horsepower and 449 pound-feet with the flat-six engine. Pairing the new axial-flux motor with a turbocharged 3.6-liter engine variant (a logical choice) might easily push combined output past 800 or even 900 horsepower, perfectly suited for models like the GT2, GT3, or even a rumored hypercar.
Of course, we're dealing with a lot of unknowns here—everything from battery capacity to tuning specifics is up in the air, so predicting the exact specs is more educated guesswork than gospel. Yet, the sheer potential is electrifying.
And here's where it gets controversial: is this hybrid approach the smart way forward for Porsche, blending tradition with innovation, or could it be seen as delaying the inevitable shift to full electric vehicles? Some might argue that hybrids like this still rely on fossil fuels, potentially undermining environmental goals, while others see them as a practical bridge to cleaner driving. What do you think—does Porsche's gamble on lighter, more powerful hybrids excite you, or would you rather they go all-in on electric? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a wild counterpoint!
Source: WIPO via Carbuzz
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