12- and 16-cylinder
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 02 September 2008 |
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The advent, though modest, of the 12- and 16-cylinder engines was due to the desire of certain manufacturers to offer the maximum of comfort in their luxury models. The 4- and 6-cylinder engines of the period had rather poor performances because of the low engine speeds and they were noisy and inflexible. The multi-cylinders eliminated many of these drawbacks but they were very expensive. The publicity which surrounded their appearance described them as being silent and free of the vibrations and coarseness that characterized the fours and sixes.
In 1930 Cadillac put both a 16- and a 12-cylinder engine into production. The 16 had a 45° V and was designed without regard for production costs. It had a capacity of 7413 cc and a maximum power of 165 bhp and engine speed of 3,400 revs in the initial version. In 1934 its maximum power rose to 175 bhp (185 bhp in 1936).
The Marmon 16-cylinder was regarded as a mechanical jewel. Several highly experienced engineers (Howard Marmon, George Freers, Thomas Little) worked on this engine. Besides being admired for its technical merits this engine was one of the largest fitted in a touring car (8044 cc). Like the Cadillac it had a 45° V, developed 200 bhp at 3,400 revs and its compression ratio was 6:1 . Due to the widespread use of light alloys the weight-power ratio was amongst the best, approx 4.65 pounds (2.11 kg) per bhp. Another important feature of the Marmon 16 was the ventilation of the crankcase which reduced the flow of gas to the exhaust.
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