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Back to November 2012 Motorsports News Archive
| 14-11-2012 at 17:00: V8 Engine Explained | |
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A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine, which is mounted on either a cross-plane or flat-plane crankcase in two banks of four cylinders. Mostly, the banks are set at a right angle to one another, although smaller angles are possible. The 90° angle is generally considered optimal in terms of firing and vibration characteristics, and is also present in many V6 and V10 engine configurations. All eight pistons are therefore firing a common crankshaft. In its simplest form, this is flat, although a cross-plane crankshaft, i.e. a cross-plane crankshaft, which consists of four crank pins, arranged at 180° angles of one another, creating the image of a cross when viewed from the end. The advantage of the cross-plane crankshaft is its use of counterweights on each crankpin, which serves to eliminate engine vibrations and prevent damage to the engine occurring through displacement. The disadvantage of the cross-plane crank shaft is the slowed acceleration time. Relative to the flat crankshaft engine, engines incorporating a cross-plane crankshaft will typically be unable to speed up or slow down very quickly. This is due to the increased rotation mass caused by the vibration-preventing counterweights on the cross-plane crankpins. Flat crankshaft V8 engines are the engines of choice for motor racing – naturally aspirated V8 engines are used in Formula 1. So why are they so good? The V8 is an extremely powerful engine. Even with a cross-plane crankshaft arrangement, it enables extremely quick acceleration. The Audi S7 Sportback accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds, the Chevrolet Camaro manages an impressive 4.3 seconds. The Ferrari 458 Spider’s V8 engine accelerates to 62mph in 4.2 seconds, while the Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series takes just 3.4 seconds. It is also responsible for the Ferrari vs. Ford Focus feeling – the latter knows when its speed is maxed out, whereas the former’s engine shows determination even at top speeds. Due to the sheer size of the V8 engine, its application is limited to large-bonnet luxury and sports cars, as well as pickup trucks and SUVs. The last may seem surprising, however coupled with an all wheel drive, the V8 engine provides initial power as well as stamina, while being powerful enough to counter the increased weight of an SUV. |
Some of the fastest hatchbacks rely on the V8 engine. The Audi S7 Sportback, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series, and the Ferrari 458 Spider all drive a V8. What does it do, exactly, that means any new car with sports ambitions can’t seem to be without it?^ Back to top ^
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