Porsche Files Patent for an Impressive New W12 Engine | Carscoops

      Rather than merging two VR6 engines into a single unit, this new W12 truly resembles a legitimate W design.

      Porsche has submitted a patent for a new W12 engine featuring three banks of cylinders.

      The design aims to cut down on friction losses and improve the versatility in engine layout.

      Additionally, the filing suggests the potential for various turbocharging configurations and an innovative airflow system.

      In July 2024, Bentley bid farewell to their legendary W12 engine, ending a significant era in modern grand touring that lasted two decades. However, as one chapter closes, another quietly emerges, as Porsche works on its own version in the background.

      Though the automaker filed for the patent last year, it was only published yesterday, revealing a complex W12 engine with three distinct cylinder banks. While the initial details are limited, the filing indicates that “the cylinders of the internal combustion engine are organized in a W formation.”

      Upon closer examination, several enhancements over current W12 engines are noted. These are somewhat technical, but Porsche refers to “beneficial embodiments with practical and noteworthy refinements.”

      While vague, the patent elaborates on a striking design that resembles a W rather than two V engines merged. Specifically, it states that “each cylinder head is equipped with at least one intake port and one exhaust port, where the intake port connects with an air plenum for airflow, and the exhaust port is linked to an exhaust gas discharge device.”

      Porsche further details how “the air plenum is positioned on the upper side, largely covering it, allowing air to flow from the plenum into the intake channels from above, or to be drawn in directly in a straight line without any curves, as a reciprocating piston in the cylinder moves mostly upward and downward. This air chamber features an opening that connects with the intake port, oriented toward the crankshaft.”

      If this sounds confusing, you're not alone. However, Porsche asserts that this design offers several advantages, including reduced frictional losses. The company also emphasizes the possibility of shorter intake ports, which enhances flexibility.

      This configuration helps keep the intake air cooler by reducing its route, while maintaining “a distinct separation between the air intake and the exhaust gas discharge device.”

      Moreover, the engine appears to be capable of accommodating three turbochargers or superchargers. This would significantly surpass the performance of the previous twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 that powered Bentley's finest models. In its last iteration, that engine produced 740 hp (552 kW / 750 PS) and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) in the limited-edition Mulliner Batur.

      While this is a lot to process, the key question arises: what does this imply? In essence, the Volkswagen Group remains committed to W-configured engines and continues to file patents for them.

      Ultimately, the pressing question is whether this will see application in upcoming production vehicles or racing cars. While the patent showcases a W12 engine, Porsche has suggested it could also be adaptable to different cylinder configurations.

      This opens up numerous avenues for speculation, possibly hinting at a new engine for Bugatti or simply indicating that an innovative idea was developed and subsequently patented.