Engine layout refers to the arrangement of the cylinders in an order.
Can select various types of engine layouts based on various factors such as the available space, stability, etc.
Inline Engines (I6, I4):
The name inline depicts that the cylinders will do 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.
It can use inline engines in smaller cars where it can lower the engine hood’s size if it does place transversely.
But inline engines raise the center of gravity of cars, thus making it lesser stable on cornering.
READ MORE: INLINE 6 VS V6 ENGINES – KNOW THE PROS AND CONS HERE
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 do connect to a single crankshaft.
But we require two crankshafts, one for each bank to operate the valves.
READ: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT
Flat or Boxer engines:
Boxer engines do 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 the 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.
READ: FIRING ORDER: ITS PURPOSE AND ORDER IN DIFFERENT NUMBERS OF CYLINDERS
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 Bentley Bentega, which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show, is powered by a 6.0 L W12 engine that can generate 600 bhp.
Bugatti veyron uses a 8.0 L W16 engine which can generate 1000 bhp.
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