Updated on 27 Nov 2025
If you are a car enthusiast or simply someone curious about how your vehicle works, you may have heard the term “V engine” tossed around quite a bit. Found in everything from sports cars to luxury sedans, these engines are known for their powerful performance, compact design and efficient balance of speed and torque.
Understanding the different types of V engines can help you appreciate your car’s performance better and even make smarter decisions when choosing a vehicle or the right four-wheeler insurance to go with it.
What is a V engine?
A V engine is an engine in which cylinders are arranged in two rows, tilted toward each other, usually forming a 60 to 90-degree V shape when viewed from the front. The cylinders on each side are joined to one central crankshaft. The V shape helps reduce engine length and weight, providing better handling and balance, especially in sports cars and larger SUVs.
V engines are one of the most efficient ones in creating rotational power. This design also enhances engine performance by allowing more cylinders, which translates to smoother power delivery and higher speed capabilities.
How do V engines work?
A V engine operates on the same basic principle as any internal combustion engine. The cylinders draw a mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chamber and are ignited there, generating power that drives the pistons.
Types of V engine
V engines are categorised based on the number of cylinders used in them. These are as follows:
The V2 engine, commonly equipped in motorcycles, was first used in Daimler Stahlradwagen's automobiles in 1889. It features two chambers and is commonly known as V-twin cylinders. The piston's engine has cylinders sharing a common crankshaft.
The V4 engines are among the rarest used in automobiles. In a V4 engine, four cylinders are connected to the crankshaft. It has a more complex structure and performs smoothly. It performs better in terms of power and rigidity. Some V4 engines have two crankpins that are shared by opposing cylinders. Typically, three main bearings support the crankshaft in this engine type.
The compact size of V6 engines makes them well-suited for modern vehicles and F1 cars. In this engine, two sets of three cylinders remain connected with the crankshaft at an angle. Their short length, along with great performance, significantly reduces vibrations, enhancing overall vehicle durability.
After the initial success of V2 engines, engineers developed 8-cylinder V engines. It is a potent engine. Most V8 engines use a V-angle of 90 degrees between the two banks of cylinders, promoting optimal engine balance. This angle contributes to excellent balancing and reduced vibrations in the engine.
The twelve-cylinder piston engine is one of the most powerful in the automobile industry, generating high horsepower. It features two sets of 6 cylinders placed on either side of the crankcase at a 60-degree angle. Each bank of a V12 engine functions as a straight-six engine, which by itself has perfect primary and secondary engine balance. It is usually used in high-end cars because of its exceptional performance.
Conclusions
V engines have revolutionised automotive engineering by allowing manufacturers to pack more power into less space. Whether it is a V6 that offers a smooth city ride or a roaring V12 under the hood of a supercar, each configuration serves a purpose- from performance to practicality.
As you explore what powers your vehicle, it is equally important to ensure your four-wheeler is secured by the right car insurance. Let us help you navigate your options with personalised car insurance advice. Simply fill out the form on this page, and our experts will help you choose the right plan, whether it is comprehensive or third-party car insurance tailored to your needs.
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