The V engine, characterized by its “V” shape, is a common internal combustion engine with shorter length and weight than inline engines. It is designated by the letter “V” followed by the number of cylinders and can range from a V-twin to a V-24. Its appeal comes from its ability to allow higher torques and rotational speeds.
The AV engine, also known as a V engine, is a common type of internal combustion engine. It is characterized by the “V” shape that the cylinders make when viewed from the front of the engine, perpendicular to the crankshaft axis. Proponents of the V engine design often cite its generally shorter length, height, and weight as reasons for its appeal.
The conventional notation used to designate the size of a V engine is the letter “V” followed by the number of cylinders the engine has. For example, a V engine with six cylinders is called a V-6. The AV configuration engine can be as small as a V-twin with only two cylinders mirroring each other through the crankshaft or as large as a V-24 in locomotives.
The V engine consists of two banks, or rows, of cylinders that are attached to a single crankshaft. Typically, the cylinders are located at a 60 or 90 degree angle. The banks on a V-6 are generally 60 or 90 degrees, and the banks on a V-8 engine are generally at a 90-degree angle.
This type of engine is commonly arranged in V-6, V-8, V-10, and V-12 configurations in automobiles, although they are not exclusive to automotive use. V-twins are a staple of some motorcycle manufacturers, and others have found ways to incorporate V engines ranging from a V-4 or V-5 to a V-8 into their bikes. V-configuration V-16, V-20, and V-24 engines are fairly uncommon in automotive use and are mostly restricted to large truck and locomotive use, with a few exceptions.
The appeal of the V engine design comes from its tendency to be lighter and shorter in height and length than an inline design of the same cylinder number and displacement. The short length of the V design allows automakers to shorten the length of the hood and use that space for other purposes. The V engine tends to allow higher torques and rotational speeds as a result of its strong short crankshaft.
The inline engine configuration, by contrast, is a much simpler design than the V, with a single bank containing all the cylinders in a row. The larger block and cylinder spacing often makes the line have a smoother power delivery and produce more torque. However, inline designs are heavier and much longer than V-type engines, requiring more space in terms of length.
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