Porsche’s W-18 patent hints at new wildly powerful 18‑cylinder supercar

Porsche’s W-18 patent might just be the most exciting thing to happen in years, paving the way for an 18-cylinder supercar that rewrites the rulebook.

The German carmaker has filed a new patent for a W-shaped, ‘space-optimized’ engine, and it seems like the company’s engineers are trying to push the limits of what’s possible with gasoline power.

While the future is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles, Porsche’s latest idea is going in the opposite direction.

And if the drawings are anything to go by, this engine is an absolute masterpiece of packaging and power potential.

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The design is a true W configuration

One of the most extreme track cars ever made is the Bugatti Bolide, which features a W16 engine, capable of producing 1,600 horsepower.

However, unlike Bugatti’s ‘W’ engines, which are essentially two V-banks sharing a single crankshaft, Porsche’s design is a true W configuration.

The W-18 patent filing shows three banks of straight engines, all angled toward a common crank.

This results in a compact layout capable of fitting an astonishing number of cylinders into a surprisingly short block.

The design described in the patent shows 18 cylinders, arranged as six per bank.

However, this can easily be built into 9- or 15-cylinder versions, by altering the number of cylinders per bank.

What makes this layout special is how Porsche has managed the air and exhaust flow.

The patent explains that the intake sits above each cylinder, keeping incoming air cool, while the exhaust system runs beneath and between the banks.

This configuration prevents the fresh air from heating up on its way in.

This is a key detail, as cooler air means more oxygen and more power.

Porsche even claims that this setup minimizes airflow friction losses, improving both performance and efficiency.

Porsche’s W-18 patent may not result in a production car

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Porsche invention without some boost involved.

The W-18 patent suggests the engine could accommodate a turbocharger for each bank, meaning a triple-turbo W-18 is theoretically on the table.

That’s a level of excess that makes even Bugatti look tame.

Of course, it’s worth noting that patents don’t necessarily mean production.

Automakers often file them to protect intellectual property, rather than tease upcoming models.

Many patents and concept cars don’t leave the planning stage, mostly because of how outrageous they are.

So while a W-18-powered Porsche may never happen, it’s clear that the carmaker isn’t done innovating.

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