Slideshow: What Makes V12s so Desirable?

Beautiful Noise

It’s the first thing you notice about almost any car in motion. Automotive engines have distinguishable sounds and the 12 cylinder is one of the easiest to recognize. Easily one of the best sounding engine configurations out there they are often naturally aspirated which means no pesky turbochargers chopping up your beautifully orchestrated exhaust pulses.

Uber Exotica

Sure, the new run of the mill Ferrari car has a twin turbo V8, but it doesn’t have a V12. Guess what does? Here’s a hint: everything you want. From Pagani to McLaren all the most desired supercars and hypercars utilize this engine. Lamborghini has even said they will continue to make them despite the growing push to turbocharge things. Forza Italia! 

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Mechanical Marvels

Engines are really works of art. Akin to a Swiss watch there is literally nothing like seeing a V12 removed from a car for the first time. They’re massive with many moving parts and beautiful construction. There’s a very old world feel to a V12 compared to a twin-turbo V6 or V8.

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Perfect Harmonic Balance

4-cylinder and V6 engines aren't balanced naturally. This means there is an undesired vibration that needs to be mitigated by a balance shaft. This adds complexity and more moving parts to an engine. Not the case in our favorite 48 valve fire breathers. V12s are naturally balanced and don’t need any kind of counter-rotating shaft inside to keep things smooth. You notice this when you push your right foot to the floor!  

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Air Pump

Regardless of what kind of car you drive, there is essentially an air pump that ingests fuel to create energy. The more cylinders you have the more air you can pump. Simple! In cars like the Murcielago LP-670, the mid-range and bottom end of the torque curve stay flat all the way until redline. This is a very important characteristic to road drivers and racing drivers alike. It allows easy moderation of the throttle and predictable power delivery.  

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Final Thoughts

V12 engines are one of the last great things that are likely to be phased out as emissions become an ever more prominent topic in the auto industry. If you have ever had the chance to hear one or drive one of these power plants in person you can attest to their beauty and appeal. I hope you enjoyed reading about V12s and what makes them so special. Cheers! 

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