How come Ferrari never tried to do a V-16 back in the day?

Alfa Romeo played around a little with a V16 in its GP cars in the late 30's, without success. The 12 cylinder cars they were experimenting with at the same time made comparable power with less weight. Perhaps Enzo took something away from that experience. Beyond that it has always been said that he appreciated the sound and sophistication of a V12 since he had seen a V12 Packard years before going into business for himself.

 

Size and weight not suitable for a true sports car.

 

Seems a fair observation.

Tell me a 616 wouldn't have been just a bit cooler than the 612 though?

 

Until the recent advent of the W16, it didn't make much sense in cars that were designed to be reasonably small with great handling.

 

The Tipo 316
2958 cc V16
Twin Superchargers
440 BHP @ 7500 RPM
Top Speed: 300 Km/h / 186.4 MPH
Three cars built

In test runs in May 1938 on the Tripoli Circuit, Libya, a 316 ran a fastest lap at an average of 219,962 Km/h / 136.68 MPH - retired from GP
2nd and 4th in the 1938 Monza GP
Forced to withdraw during the June 1939 Belgium GP
Last appearance in the 1939 Swiss GP - retired

Complete tuning of this car was prevented by World War II.

 

BRM made 16 cylinders for quite a while....racers only, however.

 

I recall reading somewhere that the V12 engine is the best configuration for providing natural balance ... As I understand it, the inherent natural balance of a V12 is such that any v-angle can be used without split pin crankshafts or other measures used in v-6, in line 4, v8 engines, in-line 5 engines. Also, the V16 has excellent natural balance, but a V12 is every bit as good, provides same power to displacement ratio and is less complex / costly to make.

Steve

 

1500 cc V16
600 - 700 bhp
12000 - 14000 rpm

 

BMW experimented with a V16 E32 7 Series, back when they were an engineering company.

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Now they say, we have carried out market research and most of our customers do not know if their car is front wheel drive or rear wheel drive and are not concerned with matters of weight distribution.

End Result :

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Enzo was inspired by this car also

 

I always hear this, but I don't know. Gordon Murray chose a V12 for one of his road cars, and a motorbike engine for his other. At the time you could have argued the F40 couldn't have a V12 and still be an F40. But look at what a great car the F50 is ........

Another argument is reduced complexity, but at the same time we were increasing electronic complexity, often those which could be regarded as frivolous in a sports car.

A true sports car with a V16 .......
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I'm interested to see the future of the W configuration. Bugatti has had phenomenal success with the Veyron W16, and Bentley has a W12 model. I think the V16 would have been too long. Kind of like how the inline 8 cylinder never really took off.

 

Claudio Zampolli (Cizeta) made a few specimens of a V16-powered car wrapped into a Lambo-looking package while his manufacture was still operating in Italy. Mr. Zampolli now lives and owns a successful engineering/performance shop in California and, to the best of my knowledge, is still able and willing to produce these engines "upon request" - as it were.

Cizeta's history is a bit complex, but those who are interested can start here

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In the sub 10 litre realm, a V16 brings nothing to the party that a V12 does not already bring, except weight and expense.

 

Maserati did in 1926

http://www.montesquieuvolvestre.com/article-voitures-de-legende-405-maserati-v4-sport-zagato-spider-1932-123963512.html


Then there's amazing chap Anthony Kartley whom I met in Italy in 1986 for the Maserati 60th anniversary celebration. He built a replica V16 called the Tipo V4 and car to house it in his own shop!
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20145/lot/130/


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Back in the day? Ferrari started in ‘47, long after the heydays of 16cyls.

 

Yes - Had a cousin who for a time owned a '36 Packard roadster with a V16. One of a kind custom made for the president of Standard Drugs. Gorgeous car and it was huge! Thing I remember most was that the engine was barely detectable running when the car was stopped. IIRC, the engine had seven main bearings, which also contributed to the smoothness of the 16.

 

Because.

 

Just to be in line! the Cizeta V16T is not an normal 16 cylinder, as many other car manufactures did, but instead the engine configuration is transverse, which no one did this before, and I assume that Ferrari engineering never thought that such design would work (my opinion!). Ferrari 12 cylinder derive from an aeroplane engine, and re-design to fit for racing and street high performance cars. For add.... inquiry in regard please reply. Ciao, Claudio Zampolli

 

I dont see the point of a v16

 

Your engine really intrigues me. It looks like 2 ferrari qv engines joined together..although I know it is not. However..when looking a pictures, the CIS system and intakes are definatly ferrari, as are the ignition wires. I would love if you could post some pictures of how this engine is put together with the central mounting of the gear box. It's a really cool design.

 

Super smooth power delivery, no vibration, cool sound, bragging rights..just a cool thing to say you have under the hood.

 

I agree

 

I see what you mean, but there are other ways to brag

 

They sound fabulous (heard one at Goodwood once) but I don't think they performed that well did they? Reliability problems?