Why a Hybrid Engine is Cooler than Twin Turbos

Introduction

• Porsche has a new 911 engine
• Moving from a 3.0L twin-turbo to a 3.6L single electric turbo boxer 6-cylinder
• Key advantages to this new setup

New Engine Specifications

• Previous: 3.0L twin-turbo boxer 6-cylinder
• New: 3.6L single-turbo (electric turbocharger) boxer 6-cylinder
• Comparison of Power Output:
  • New Engine: 478 horsepower
  • Old Engine: 473 horsepower
  • Both have 420 lb-ft of torque
  • New engine has a slightly wider torque curve

Electric Motor Addition

• Electric motor between engine and transmission adds power:
  • Peak: 64 horsepower
  • Continuous: 54 horsepower
  • 110 lb-ft of torque
• Total System Output: 532 horsepower and 449 lb-ft of torque
• Torque available from 1950 to 6000 RPM
• Faster response due to electric turbo and motor

Advantages

• Minimal weight penalty (new GTS weighs only 103 lbs more)
• Better performance: 9 seconds faster on Nürburgring Nordschleife
• Improved low-end torque and response

How the System Works

Maximum Power

• Engine produces 478 horsepower at 6500 RPM
• Battery powers electric motor giving extra boost
• Electric turbo recovers exhaust energy

Top Speed

• Achieved without battery reliance
• Electric turbo helps push power slightly at high RPM

Recharging the Battery

1. Using exhaust to recharge (up to 11 kW of power)
2. Regenerative braking to recharge

Emissions and Lambda Equals 1

• New GTS always operates at Lambda = 1 except during cold starts
• Lambda = 1 means perfect air-fuel ratio (14.7:1 for gasoline engines)
• Keeps emissions clean and catalytic converter efficient

Maintaining Performance

• Larger engine + electric turbo enables running at Lambda = 1 without power loss
• Compared study shows electric turbo can maintain power while keeping Lambda = 1

Conclusion

• Porsche overcame emissions constraints with efficient turbo strategy
• Electric turbocharger enables better response and cleaner emissions

Misreporting in Media

• Some outlets incorrectly state the new engine uses more boost
• In reality, it uses about 10% less boost due to larger engine displacement

Final Thoughts

• Porsche's new engine combines enhanced performance with better emissions
• Key improvements include more power, wider torque curve, and better response

Additional Info

• Brief mention of the Wave electric toothbrush as a product tie-in