At a time when manufacturers are favoring efficiency and electrification, let's take a look back at these mechanical monsters which have marked the history of the automobile with their disproportionate displacement. Discover the 6 biggest engines ever installed in a production car.
The Bugatti Royale Type 41: the king of engines
At the top of this ranking, we find the legendary engine of the Bugatti Royale Type 41. This mechanical behemoth displayed impressive characteristics:
Initially designed for French military aviation, this engine eventually found its place under the hood of one of the most exclusive cars in history.
The Hispano-Suiza J12: the V12 of excess
The Spanish brand, recently resurrected, distinguished itself in the 1930s with its J12 model. Its engine was distinguished by:
This engine bears witness to the golden age of the brand, when Hispano-Suiza competed with the biggest names in automotive luxury.
The Dodge Viper SRT: the American V10
Although its production ceased a few years ago, the Dodge Viper is still remembered as one of the most iconic American supercars. Its engine was characterized by:
This engine perfectly embodied the โThere's no replacement for displacementโ philosophy dear to American manufacturers.
The Cadillac Eldorado: the king-size V8
The Eldorado is one of the most prestigious names in Cadillac history. In the 70s, it was distinguished by an endless hood housing an engine of impressive dimensions:
This engine symbolized the excess and opulence of the American automobile industry before the oil crises.
The Bugatti Chiron: technology at the service of excess
The only modern car in this ranking, the Bugatti Chiron proves that large engines still have their place in contemporary automobiles. Its powertrain is distinguished by:
This engine demonstrates that the search for extreme performance can still justify the use of very large displacements.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom II: when six cylinders were enough
Although the current Phantom has an imposing engine, it is far from matching the dimensions of the block that equipped the Phantom II in the 1930s:
This engine, despite its impressive displacement, favored torque and quiet operation over pure power.
These extraordinary engines bear witness to a bygone era when displacement was synonymous with prestige and performance. Today, the automotive industry is turning towards more compact and efficient solutions, favoring hybridization and electrification. Nevertheless, these mechanical monsters retain a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, symbols of an era where excess was king in the automotive world.
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