Whenever mentioning engine configuration, people will unconsciously think of popular engines like I4, I6 or V6, V8. These are simple, efficient and extremely easy to maintain engine configurations.

In addition to these popular engines, there are many other types of engines with designs and operations that are relatively strange to many people. In this article, Otoman would like to send readers the 5 most unique engines ever produced.

1. Audi 5-cylinder engine

The 5-cylinder engine was once a relatively popular configuration for some automakers. The most prominent in the series of 5-cylinder engines are Audi engines.

The German automaker has a rich heritage of this type of engine, and they are also what have brought many awards to Audi.

The special features of the 5-cylinder engine will be revealed right from the moment you start the machine. You will immediately be able to understand why they are so beloved by Audi.

Their sound is very unique and is often compared to the sound of a V10 engine. Not only that, they also produce loads of torque and smooth operation.

Audi is equipping a 5-cylinder engine for a small number of models such as the RS3 Sedan, TT RS and RS Q3. But with the current shift to electric engines, Otoman believes this engine configuration will only be seen in museums.

2. Bentley’s W12 engine

In the world of super luxury cars, some discerning buyers may find V12 engines too common. So, Bentley created a W12 engine to please its demanding customers.

The W12 engine can provide extremely smooth acceleration. In addition, their sound sounds very powerful but is not too annoying to the user.

This engine configuration is being equipped on a variety of Bentley models, most notably the Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​and Flying Spur.

Like many other large capacity engines, the W12 engine will soon reach the end of its life cycle. And according to many rumors, the Bentley Batur is expected to be the last new car equipped with this engine.

Currently, Bentley is investing in hybrid and gradually shifting to become a pure electric brand.

3. Bugatti’s W16 engine

For most ordinary users, 12 cylinders is the limit that a car engine can achieve. But Bugatti proved the opposite to everyone by developing the W16 engine block.

This engine block has a capacity of 8.0L with four turbochargers. Over the past two decades, the W16’s output has ranged from 987 hp in the Veyron to nearly 1,850 hp in the Bugatti Bolide concept.

Many people also compare W16 to a monster hiding in the form of a machine. However, the fate of this monster was decided long ago by Bugatti himself.

Accordingly, the Bugatti W16 Mistral will be the last car model to use this type of engine. This will be the car model launched before Bugatti officially introduces a new but no less unique hybrid engine configuration for the Chiron’s successor.

4. Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine

Not as big as the W16 or as unconventional as the I5, Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine really confuses many readers who don’t know how it works.

Simply put, Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine uses an eccentric rotating design to convert pressure into rotational motion.

The last time Mazda equipped this engine on a commercial vehicle was the Mazda RX-8, and this car stopped production a decade ago.

However, those who love this engine do not have to be sad when last month, the automaker revealed that a variant of the Mazda MX-30 will be re-equipped with a Wankel rotary engine.

This makes the electric crossover a plug-in hybrid with a range of about 643 km. The rotary engine mentioned by the company is a completely new engine called 8C.

It’s a single engine with direct fuel injection and a displacement of just 0.83L, producing 74 hp at 4,700 rpm.

Mazda bosses’ ambitions about rotary engines have not stopped as they still dream of building a sports car using the new Wankel rotary engine. This appears to be true as both the vehicle’s records and patents have been registered.

5. Fiat 2-cylinder engine

2-cylinder engines are quite common on motorbikes, but in cars they are very rare.

In fact, Fiat and some other manufacturers have also built this engine configuration, typically Alfa Romeo with the MiTo. But now, you will only find this engine in cars like the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda.

Fiat calls it the TwinAir engine. It’s available as a 1.0L naturally aspirated and 59 hp engine, or a 0.9L turbocharged engine that produces 103.5 hp. The fate of this engine will also be eliminated once the Fiat 500 only has a pure electric version.

Although this engine will soon be removed, what it leaves behind will make any “believer” sob every time this engine operates.

6. Summary

Above are the top 5 most unique engine configurations ever produced. These engine blocks have given us a new perspective on engine configurations in the car world.

So which engine configuration are you most impressed with? Please leave your comments below in Otoman’s comments section.