This paper deals with the performance evaluation of a high speed axial flux switched reluctance motor for automotive traction applications. The motor makes use of a novel axial flux segmented rotor topology. The main aim of the design is to push the continuous power density as high as possible. The high speed nature of the design and the resulting high electrical frequency, as well as the machine being operated in deep saturation, leads to significant losses. These losses manifest in significant thermal challenges. It is very important that the performance of the motor is adequately predicted in order to optimise the design. Simulated results as well as preliminary performance results are shown.