What is a V12 Engine?

The V12 engine is a 12-cylinder piston engine with two banks of six cylinders each positioned in a V pattern around the engine's crankshaft.

The original V12 was created in 1904 and was intended for racing boats. Nevertheless, because of its amazing power, balance, and smoothness, it became the engine of choice for luxury cars, and those who used it early on gained notoriety for both its comfort and performance.

From boats to tanks and armored war vehicles, the V12 has seen service in a wide range of applications. Its many designs can be seen in anything from race cars and numerous airplanes to the renowned Panzers of the Third Reich.

The reputation of the V12 was truly cemented when more and more designers started using these engines into their most opulent and costly sports vehicles as the 20th century progressed.

The V12 engine is used in popular sports cars known for power, luxury, and danger. Its association with James Bond has made V12-powered supercars even more appealing.

The V12 engine is still used today, but its popularity has decreased. More people are concerned about climate change and the negative impact of excessive consumerism on the environment.

As the market for electric cars grows and more manufacturers switch to employing smaller hybrid-electric engines and smaller, more fuel-efficient engine designs, the days of the V12 are numbered.

What Modern Cars Use a V12 Engine?

However, let's examine the magnificent machines that still employ the V12 so you will know where to go in the unlikely event that you strike it lucky or acquire an incredible quantity of riches!

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and DBS Volante

Aston Martin is one of the most sought-after and well-known supercar manufacturers still in business, having gained notoriety as the vehicle that James Bond drove. A sleek modern beast, the DBS boasts a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces an amazing amount of power and acceleration.

Aston Martin DB11 and DB11 Volante

The DB11 and DB11 Volante, to stay with Aston Martin, have the exact same engine as the DBS above, but they are marginally less powerful and tuned.

BMW M769i xDrive

The V12 engine is commonly associated with racing. It is also favored in luxury cars and grand tourers. This is because it provides power in a smooth manner. A fantastic illustration of this is the BMW M769i, whose 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 produces an incredible yet smooth 600 horsepower.

Ferrari 812 / 812 GTS

A list of supercars wouldn't be complete without a Ferrari, and the 6.5-liter V12 engine used in the 812 and 812 Superfast produces 798 horsepower. which is really substantial.

Lamborghini Aventador S

Lamborghini is one of the most famous supercar makers. Their cars from the late 20th century are highly desired and have made a mark in history. The Aventador S continues the tradition with its powerful 6.5-liter V12 engine, generating 730 horsepower and a loud noise.

Mercedes Maybach S-Class

The Mercedes Maybach S-Class is an additional upscale choice. Maybach was among the pioneers of the V12 engine at the beginning of the 1900s.

The potent twin-turbo V12 is among the world's smoothest engines and has the ability to shift when necessary.

Rolls-Royce Phantom

The Rolls-Royce Phantom, another well-known luxury V12, is the pinnacle of luxury automobiles. The 6.75-liter V12 engine has a completely new design and is remarkably powerful and smooth.

What Older Cars Use a V12 Engine?

In the late 20th century, many young boys decorated their bedrooms with pictures of heroes from the V12 era. These heroes were admired even more than the cars of that time. The cars mentioned are great, but these heroes were even more admired by boys at that time. Among the most well-known instances are...

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 was originally designed for Formula 1 racing. It had a powerful V12 engine. The car was considered the fastest in the world for a significant period of time.

Lamborghini Miura

The Miura, for a slightly more traditional look, supports Lamborghini's claim to be the manufacturer of some of the most exquisite automobiles ever made. But this marked the start of their V12 legacy and the origin of the contemporary Aventador!

Vector M12

Even while US automakers preferred the tough and capable V8 muscle vehicle, the V12 wasn't particularly well-liked there; however, a few noteworthy V12 engines were produced there.

Beginning in 1995, the Vector served as America's equivalent of the Lamborghini, and it was even equipped with a V12 engine. These cars have V12 engines, which are rare in US cars. The company, car, and production cycle were all short-lived.

Jaguar XJ12

Although the Rolls Royce Phantom and Maybach are commonly associated with luxury V12 cars, the XJ12 is a more sophisticated model that emerged in the late 1960s and has unparalleled comfort and status.

Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E-type is a beautiful convertible car with a powerful V12 engine. It has elegant design and details, but some people have concerns about its quality and reliability.

Despite being more well-known for its appearance than its power, this is one of the most sought-after antique vehicles in the world today. With the right maintenance, the V12 still offers excellent performance.