Toys4RJill

-J-P-L-

When we're talking about luxury sedans with 12 cylinder engines, how often are they even driven past 85 mph or even under full acceleration? At least in most countries. The autobahn is a different story.

Especially Bentley's and Rolls Royce's that just cruise around at mostly leisurely paces. Talk about not putting those 12 cylinders to use.

Meanwhile, Dodge makes 840 HP out of a V8. I get why people want lots of power from a naturally aspirated setup though and that's where a V12/W12 comes in.

UDel

It is the 12 cylinders smoothness and effortless acceleration why they are appropriate and sought after for very high dollar vehicles, you don't have to go really fast to enjoy that or get that experience.

Johnhav430

I would have to double check myself but I am pretty certain that V12s have primary and secondary balance, which V8s do not (V8s are in fact smooth as there are counterweights on the crank). From a physics standpoint. So if the V12 were to go away, we're getting rid of everything that made sense from an engineering standpoint (I6, V12), and going with what doesn't (I4, V6).

edit yes V12s do have primary balance they are essentially 2 I6's.

UDel

Yep, V12 is basically the smoothest most balanced engine available. 2 inline 6's. You don't have to go fast to experience what makes a V12 so special and refined.

Johnhav430

I have never driven one....my loss!

I think it's somehow sad for our society to simply say nothing matters anymore. Hey, a 4 cyl. can put out the numbers that a V8 did in 2002, so who needs a V8? That's the way a lot think today.

Besides the way they drive, I think of it as the little dog/bid dog conundrum. One is yapping making all kinds of noise, but can bite the postman just as hard as the big dog, who doesn't make a single sound, but when he bites, he does.