Are V16 engines rare?

The V12 engine does exist; it is a high-performance engine with 12 cylinders arranged in a V configuration, renowned for its exceptional smoothness and powerful output. By dividing the 12 cylinders into two banks angled at 60 degrees, this engine achieves an ignition every 60 degrees of crankshaft rotation and attains first-order and second-order dynamic balance without the need for a balance shaft, resulting in extremely smooth operation. Compared to an inline-six engine of the same displacement, the V12 structure is more compact and lighter, while delivering higher power and torque with quicker throttle response. It is commonly found in luxury models such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG and BMW M760Li, as well as supercars like Ferrari and Lamborghini. For example, the V12 engine in the Ferrari 812 can generate 819 horsepower, enabling 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 2.9 seconds. However, its complex structure leads to high maintenance costs, so it is typically limited to the high-end market. Technically, each cylinder of the V12 engine has a smaller diameter, allowing for higher rotational speeds. When combined with modern turbocharging or hybrid technology, it further pushes the performance limits, making it one of the symbols of top-tier automotive engineering.

The original horsepower output of the Honda K24 engine varies by specific model. The K24A2, as a high-performance version, delivers 205 horsepower (approximately 177 lb-ft of torque), while the regular K24 typically ranges from 130 to 145 horsepower. The red-letter edition K24 can reach 200 horsepower due to its reinforced design and has higher modification potential. Basic modifications such as optimizing the intake and exhaust systems or ECU tuning can increase horsepower by 10-15%. With in-depth modifications like turbocharging, forged components, and cylinder boring, horsepower can exceed 500, and in extreme cases, even reach 800. This engine is renowned for its high-revving characteristics, robust block structure (featuring a forged steel crankshaft and hardened pistons), and VTEC technology. It is compatible with various transmissions and commonly found in models such as the Honda Accord and Acura TSX. Despite minor issues like oil sealing problems, it offers excellent reliability with regular maintenance, and its service life can exceed 300,000 kilometers in original condition. Thanks to its high cost-effectiveness and modification flexibility, the K24 has become a popular choice among local performance car enthusiasts and for racing modifications.

The largest displacement automotive engine in history was the 28.4-liter inline-four aircraft-derived engine fitted to the 1907 Fiat S76, built specifically for land speed records. Its single-cylinder displacement reached 7.1 liters, far exceeding that of contemporary models. However, in the mass-produced car segment, the 13.5-liter six-cylinder engine of the 1912 Pierce-Arrow Model 66 held the record for the largest displacement. Though this engine only produced 66 horsepower, it reflected the early automotive industry's pursuit of mechanical scale. Notably, even larger power units exist in the modern construction machinery sector, such as the 117-liter V20 diesel engine in the Caterpillar 797 mining truck, but such off-road machinery does not fall under the category of traditional automobiles. Current automotive technology has shifted toward efficient small-displacement turbocharging solutions, with Bugatti Chiron's 8.0-liter W16 quad-turbo engine becoming the benchmark for mass-produced cars. Its 1500-horsepower output far surpasses the large-displacement naturally aspirated engines of the past, demonstrating how technological progress has revolutionized performance.

Odd-cylinder engines do exist, with three-cylinder engines being a typical example. While such designs are not as ideal as even-cylinder engines in terms of balance and vibration suppression, they have been widely used in the small car segment in recent years due to advantages like simplified structure, lightweight design, and low emissions. For instance, the Perodua Axia is equipped with a 1.0L three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Although its power output smoothness is slightly inferior, the lightweight body (under 900 kg) compensates for acceleration performance, while also reducing manufacturing costs and fuel consumption. From a technical perspective, a four-stroke engine completes one working cycle every 720 degrees of crankshaft rotation. Due to the 240-degree phase difference in piston movement, three-cylinder engines exhibit discontinuous torque and require balance shafts or dual-mass flywheels for vibration reduction. In contrast, even-cylinder engines such as four-cylinder engines are inherently smoother due to their 180-degree symmetrical firing intervals. However, with optimized suspension systems and improved sound insulation technology, vibration issues in modern three-cylinder engines have been significantly reduced. Their compact structure is particularly suitable for the engine bay layout of hybrid vehicles. Current market trends indicate that, driven by energy-saving and emission-reduction policies, three-cylinder engines have become an economical solution for entry-level models.

Currently, there are no mass-produced vehicles with 20-cylinder engines on the market, whether in the passenger car or motorcycle sector. Mainstream engine configurations typically range from 3 to 12 cylinders, with 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines being the most common. For example, the Nissan Serena S-HYBRID is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, the Yamaha MT-25 uses a 250cc twin-cylinder engine, and the Ducati Panigale V2 is fitted with a V-twin engine. Although 16-cylinder engines for supercars have existed in history (such as Bugatti's W16), the 20-cylinder design has not been practically applied to civilian vehicles due to its large size, complex structure, and non-compliance with modern emission and efficiency requirements. Automakers prefer to enhance the performance of existing cylinder-count engines through technologies like turbocharging and hybrid power rather than increasing the number of cylinders. For the Malaysian market, consumers are more concerned about fuel economy and practicality, so small-displacement engines with 4 cylinders or fewer remain the mainstream choice.