A culmination of two angled V8 engines fused in a W configuration, this 8-liter 16-cylinder engine has powered Bugatti’s supercars for nearly two decades. First announced in 2005 in the technical details for the Veyron 16.4, Bugatti’s W16 engine soon became synonymous with power and speed — boasting an acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 2.4 seconds and a top speed of 248 mph.
With over 3,500 individual parts assembled by hand, the W16 engine rocks four turbochargers, allowing for a maximum power output of 1,500 horsepower in each wheel and a torque of 1,180 lb-ft. These impressive specifications are only possible thanks to the engineering marvels Bugatti had to come up with. To handle misfires or knocking in the engine, the supercar manufacturer developed the Bugatti Ion Current Sensing (BIS) system, which allowed each cylinder to run precisely, allowing maximum output while minimizing combustion inefficiency.
The secret behind the maintained temperatures of the W16 engine, even at full load, is the complex water-cooling system. Using titanium for the exhaust system further ensures that any sportscar fitted with the W16 engine does not overheat.
