Porsche Just Patented the Most Insane Gas Engine Ever Conceived
Just when you thought the internal combustion engine was headed for the history books, Porsche drops a patent that makes you question everything. Last week, the German Patent and Trade Mark Office published details of a W-18 engine design that sounds too wild to be real. But it is.
A True W-Configuration Like Nothing Before
Porsche has designed an actual W-configuration powerplant with three separate cylinder banks. Each bank holds six cylinders. They all meet at a single crankshaft at 60-degree angles. Think of it as three inline-six engines holding hands around one central shaft.
This 18-cylinder monster takes up roughly the same space as a conventional straight-six. Yes, you read that right. The same length as the engine in your average sports sedan, but with three times the cylinders.
Engineering Magic in the Airflow
The engineering is equally impressive. Porsche positioned the intake plenums directly above each cylinder bank. Air flows straight down through short, direct paths into the combustion chambers. This minimizes friction and keeps things efficient.
The exhaust ports sit low on the sides. Hot exhaust gases stay away from the intake system entirely.
Why does this matter? Cooler intake air is denser. Denser air means more power without needing massive displacement. This is the type of thermodynamic wizardry that enthusiasts dream about.
Three Turbos, Endless Possibilities
Then there are the turbos. The patent shows space for three of them. One turbocharger per cylinder bank. This tri-turbo setup could deliver instantaneous response at low RPMs. It could also flow massive amounts of air at high engine speeds. The tuning possibilities are endless.
The modular design adds another layer of flexibility. Want a W-15 instead? Just use five cylinders per bank. Need a more compact W-9? Three cylinders per bank gets you there. The 60-degree bank angle can also be adjusted for different applications.
Perfect Timing for Porsche
Porsche’s timing is fascinating. The company recently walked back its aggressive EV targets. It confirmed new gasoline versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman are coming. The upcoming K1 luxury SUV will now launch with combustion engines instead of going pure electric.
This patent could be the technical foundation for that shift. Imagine a flagship SUV with a compact, powerful W-18 under the hood. Or a limited-run hypercar like the 918 that rewrites performance benchmarks.
Will It Ever Happen?
Of course, patents don’t always become a reality in production. Automakers file thousands of them yearly. Most never see daylight. Cost, emissions regulations, and market fit all play a role in what gets built. But this patent feels different.
The level of detail suggests real engineering effort, not just intellectual property protection. Porsche wouldn’t invest this much thought into something completely impractical.
Conclusion
Whether this engine roars to life in a production car or remains an engineering exercise, one thing is certain. Porsche has just reminded the world that innovation in internal combustion isn’t dead. Stuttgart’s engineers quietly redefined gasoline power while competitors rush into electrification.
This W-18 patent represents more than just clever engineering. It’s a statement of intent. And if Porsche does build it, we’ll all be lining up to hear it sing. What are your thoughts on Porsche’s W18 engine patent? Let us know in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.