The U engine, made up of two straight engines that share some parts, is rarely used due to excess weight. It relies on internal combustion and contains two engines, each powering a separate crankshaft. Other variations, such as the square four engine, also exist but are not commonly used. The first U engine was designed by Ettore Bugatti in 1916 but production was stopped due to impracticality.
The AU engine, also known as a twin or double bank engine, is made up of two straight-ahead engines that work together and share some parts with each other, although each has a separate crankshaft. The two crankshafts are connected by a set of chains or gears to ensure that they rotate together. U-engines are rarely used as the V-engine, found in many of today’s cars, can share parts without all the excess weight the U-engine suffers from.
Like most automobile engines, the U engine is a piston engine that relies on internal combustion to function. The pistons drive a crankshaft that turns the wheels of the car. In this way, the small explosions created inside the engine spin the wheels of the car and allow it to move forward. The U engine contains two engines, each of which powers a separate crankshaft. Since two crankshafts spinning freely from each other would cause problems and often prevent the car from moving, the crankshafts are linked together so that they can work together to power the car.
Other variations of the U engine also exist. A square four engine resembles two U engines used together. This equates to a total of four straight engines, all working together to share certain parts. The idea was much the same as for U engines. In theory, if the square four engine shared parts, it could save on parts, perform more efficiently, and produce more power for the vehicle.
Still, few engines of this type are used. Other alternatives exist and provide more efficiency and weigh significantly less. The modern car doesn’t need the power of straight four engines to reach its top speed. Neither the U engines nor the square four engines really took off and both were quickly forgotten by many in favor of the V engine.
The first U engine was designed by Ettore Bugatti around 1916. He patented his work and licensed it to companies in the United States and France. Approximately 40 to 55 total engines were produced before production was stopped. Other attempts were made over the years, both for gasoline and diesel U engines, but the U engine simply proved impractical compared to other available engine designs.
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