Challenges facing future high performance combustion engines using Porsche Boxer engines as an example

The future of the combustion engine is currently under discussion. The future viability of high-performance engines for Sports Cars in particular is the subject of debate. Legislative requirements worldwide are subject to dynamic change, and there is also a significant shift in customer demands. Both of these factors must be brought into line with the Porsche brand philosophy – after all, Porsche Sports Cars have always been synonymous with tradition and innovation.The challenge for the future will be to meet these requirements with innovative technical solutions. Taking Boxer engines as an example, where does further potential exist and where do the conceptual advantages and disadvantages lie? In this paper we address the issues of combustion processes, exhaust gas aftertreatment, mechanics, fuels and electrification for Boxer engines by reference to examples.