In the world of cars, more cylinders mean more power. By simply looking at a vehicle’s engine specs, you can already tell how fast it’s going to be (and how much fuel it’s going to consume).
A V12 is arguably one of the most powerful engine designs today. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best V12 engines in the market, including everything that makes them worth buying.
Anatomy of a V12
V12 engines were initially intended for racing boats, as well as ships, aircraft, and military ships.
Eventually, the V12 made its way to cars, with the Rolls-Royce Phantom III becoming the first commercial car to successfully sport the powerful engine design in 1936.
The anatomy of a V12 is no different from other V-shaped engines. The only difference is the number of cylinders.
A V12 has six cylinders on each side placed on top of the crankcase. All pistons work with a single crankshaft, and each cylinder has a difference of approximately 60 degrees. A V12 doesn’t need a balance shaft because it has an even number of cylinders on each bank.
V12 engines generally work the same way as any other four-stroke internal combustion engine but with a slight difference due to the number of pistons.
Each piston moves downward to collect air and fuel. As the mixture fills up each cylinder, each piston will be forced to compress and move upward. Once the piston moves up, the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture, causing the piston to move down again and complete a cycle.
In a V12 engine, the cycle occurs in six different cylinders at different times. In other engines, all pistons work at the same time.
Everything to Love About Cars with V12 Motors
Car enthusiasts love a powerful engine, which is why a V12 never goes out of style. Here’s everything to love about a V12.
Smooth Power Delivery
Smooth power delivery is arguably one of the most noticeable differences of a V12 compared to other engines. The symmetrical setup of a V12 balances out the force coming from the pistons while effectively reducing engine vibrations.
Also, V12s have an even firing order, resulting in a smooth and linear power delivery process.
High Power Output
With 12 cylinders working together at the same time, immense power is to be expected from a V12 engine. So if you’re looking for a high-performance vehicle that can deliver instantaneous speed from the get-go, a V12 might be right up your alley.
Unmatched Sound
V12s roar out loud. For those who enjoy listening to the sound of their engine, a V12 can certainly turn heads from miles away.
Can You Put a V12 In Any Car?
Technically, yes. However, keep in mind that when you’re swapping a small engine for a much larger one, there are a lot of factors at stake.
Along with mounting the new engine, you’ll also need to modify a ton of things, which can certainly cost a lot of money.
So before you consider mounting a V12, expect your expenses to pile up. Also, there might be some states that have regulations regarding V12s and the sounds they make, so make sure you’re considering those as well.
Cars with V12 Motors
What cars have V12 engines? Find out some of the most popular ones below.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
Recognized as the most iconic form of the Aventador family, the SVJ Roadster is only limited to 800 units, increasing its value even more.
The SVJ Roadster’s naturally aspirated V12 is capable of churning out 770 hp and a max speed of a little less than 350 kilometers per hour. With a mammoth engine under its hood, the famed roadster can go from a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in as fast as 2.9 seconds.
Even the roadster’s exterior is crafted to improve vehicle speed. Featuring an ultra-light carbon fiber bodywork and removable roof, the Aventador is certainly miles away from its competitors.
Ferrari 812 GTS
After more than 50 years since the original 812 Spider made its way to the production market, Ferrari brought back a facelifted 812 GTS that’s guaranteed to make a statement on the streets.
The 812 GTS is branded as the most powerful convertible on the market with an 800 horsepower production and a top speed of a little less than 340 km/h.
Mercedes-Maybach S680
Although not as eye-catching as other ultra-luxury sedans from Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the Mercedes-Maybach S680 is still worthy of praise.
This model from the famed S-Class comes with a standard V8, but the V12 option is also available. The Maybach S680 can unleash a total of 621 hp and go from a 0 to 60 sprint in 3.7 seconds.
Aston Martin DBS
The Aston Martin DBS is iconic enough to land a role as James Bond’s car in the 007 franchise (Casino Royale) and even holds a record for completing seven full rolls in a film.
The Aston Martin DBS perfectly combines elegance, luxury, and power with its looks and what’s underneath its hood. It comes in a V12 that’s capable of reaching a top speed of 190 mph. It can easily go from 0 to 60 within 4.3 seconds.
BMW M760i xDrive
2022 marked the final production year of the BMW M760i xDrive. And to commemorate the M760i xDrive’s legacy, the automaker only released 12 units of the model.
The M760i xDrive was BMW’s last production road vehicle to ever sport a V12 engine. The model is capable of dishing out a total of 600 hp and going from a 0 to 60 sprint within 3.6 seconds.
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