Translated article from today's
www.automotorundsport.de :
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Porsche Patent for Hybrid with Axial Flux Motor
Next Carrera Hybrid with 900 hp?
With a novel hybrid drive based on compact axial flux motors, Porsche aims to save weight while simultaneously increasing performance and efficiency.
Porsche may be preparing the next step in the development of its high-performance hybrids. A recent patent filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) describes a novel system that combines the classic combustion engine with an extremely flat axial flux electric motor. This is expected to result not only in a more compact design but also in significant performance gains.
Enormous leap in performance possible
The axial flux motor that Porsche describes in the patent differs significantly from a conventional radially mounted electric motor, such as the one used in the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Hybrid (398 kW/541 hp). Instead of using coils wound around a central axis, the magnetic fields run parallel to the axis of rotation. This allows the motor to be designed extremely flat, resembling a disc. In current applications, such units measure less than eight centimeters in depth and are still capable of generating high torque.
In Porsche's concept, this electric motor is positioned directly between the combustion engine and the dual-clutch transmission. The motor sits where the dual-mass flywheel is normally located and is integrated into the mechanical connection between the two components. This positioning leaves the overall drivetrain length virtually unchanged – a crucial advantage for rear- or mid-engined vehicles, where every centimeter of space counts.
The key is longitudinal mounting.
According to the patent, the solution is designed for both longitudinally mounted mid- and rear-engine vehicles. This means it could be used in models like the 911 or future GT variants. The combustion engine continues to drive the rear axle, while the electric motor contributes additional power or recovers energy during deceleration. Power is transmitted via an automated dual-clutch transmission.
Another advantage of the compact design lies in its thermal stability. In the patent, Porsche describes a so-called "cup-shaped" housing that enables improved cooling of the motor. This allows both the electric motor and the combustion engine to operate more efficiently without the temperature in the combined system rising to critical levels.
Prototype with over 1,000 hp
The axial flux motors used come from the British specialist Yasa, whose technology is already used by Ferrari and Lamborghini. Yasa motors are known for their low weight and high torque. In their most powerful version in series production applications, they achieve outputs of over 470 hp and torques of up to 800 Newton meters. But that's just the beginning: At the end of October 2025, Yasa announced that an axial flux motor weighing only 12.7 kilograms achieved 750 kW of power on the test bench – that's around 1,020 hp!
For comparison: The current 911 Carrera GTS Hybrid uses a conventional electric motor with around 54 hp and 150 Nm of torque. Combined with the six-cylinder boxer engine, this results in a system output of 541 hp. With the new axial flux motor, this figure could be significantly exceeded without increasing the vehicle's weight. Such a system, in conjunction with a turbocharged 3.6-liter boxer engine, could easily achieve outputs of 800 to 900 hp.
High Chance of Production
Currently, this is only a patent description, not a production project. However, unlike many, often bizarre, patents from the automotive industry, the details in the patent specification indicate that this project is very close to future series production. The outstanding performance figures of axial flux motors are simply too tempting not to capitalize on this advantage." *
*Original German-language article by Torsten Seibt of AMuS
