Engine layout refers to the arrangement of the cylinders in an order. There are various types of engine layouts that can be selected based on various factors such as the available space, stability, etc.
Inline Engines (I6, I4):
The name inline depicts that the cylinders will be arranged in a single line. In this case all cylinders will be arranged in a row connected to a single crankshaft and will be powering the crankshaft. Inline engines can be used in smaller cars where if it is placed transversely can lower the size of the engine hood. But inline engines raise the center of gravity of cars, thus making it lesser stable on cornering.
V Engines:
V6 and V8 engines are more in common in this configuration. In the case of V6, the cylinders are arranged in two banks of three cylinders each set at an angle of 60° or 90°. V6 has become more common in modern cars because of its compactness. It is shorter in length to I4 and can generate more power. All cylinders are connected to a single crankshaft. But we require two crankshafts, one for each bank to operate the valves.
Flat or Boxer engines:
Boxer engines are commonly found in Porsche and Subaru models. The cylinders lay flat at 180° to each other. In the case of a flat 4 engine, two cylinder banks with 2 cylinders each will be firing in opposite direction to each other. The center of gravity of the vehicle is significantly reduced and there are lesser vibrations. It also improves fuel economy. All cylinders are connected to a common crankshaft but require two crankshafts.
W12 Engines:
These are simply a combination of two V6 engines connected to a common crankshaft. It has 3 banks of 4 cylinders each with an angle of 60° between the banks. Volkswagen is the manufacturer of these engines. It is sturdier compared to a V12 engine because it is shorter in length. The recently displayed Bentley Bentayga at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show features a 6.0 L W12 engine which can generate 600 bhp. Bugatti veyron uses a 8.0 L W16 engine which can generate 1000 bhp.
Inline Engines (I6, I4):
The name inline depicts that the cylinders will be arranged in a single line. In this case all cylinders will be arranged in a row connected to a single crankshaft and will be powering the crankshaft. Inline engines can be used in smaller cars where if it is placed transversely can lower the size of the engine hood. But inline engines raise the center of gravity of cars, thus making it lesser stable on cornering.
V Engines:
V6 and V8 engines are more in common in this configuration. In the case of V6, the cylinders are arranged in two banks of three cylinders each set at an angle of 60° or 90°. V6 has become more common in modern cars because of its compactness. It is shorter in length to I4 and can generate more power. All cylinders are connected to a single crankshaft. But we require two crankshafts, one for each bank to operate the valves.
Flat or Boxer engines:
Boxer engines are commonly found in Porsche and Subaru models. The cylinders lay flat at 180° to each other. In the case of a flat 4 engine, two cylinder banks with 2 cylinders each will be firing in opposite direction to each other. The center of gravity of the vehicle is significantly reduced and there are lesser vibrations. It also improves fuel economy. All cylinders are connected to a common crankshaft but require two crankshafts.
W12 Engines:
These are simply a combination of two V6 engines connected to a common crankshaft. It has 3 banks of 4 cylinders each with an angle of 60° between the banks. Volkswagen is the manufacturer of these engines. It is sturdier compared to a V12 engine because it is shorter in length. The recently displayed Bentley Bentayga at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show features a 6.0 L W12 engine which can generate 600 bhp. Bugatti veyron uses a 8.0 L W16 engine which can generate 1000 bhp.
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