A permanent magnet synchronous machine with improved torque and power characteristics. A circumferential-oriented rotor assembly is provided with alternating permanent magnets and magnetic pole pieces. In order to reduce the amount of leakage flux in the rotor and increase the effective length of the permanent magnet, a trapezoidal or otherwise tapered permanent magnet structure is used. By alternating trapezoidal permanent magnet, and magnetic pole pieces, a higher intensity magnetic field is created in the air gap utilizing the same radial space in the motor without altering the weight or volume of the motor compared to conventional machines.