Expert: Adam - 7/20/2003

Question
Dear Mr. Adam,
Adam is a V10 and V8 engine, what does they really mean?


Answer
DEAR FARHAN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION.

The number refers to the number of cylinerd in the engine. A road car normally has 4-6 cylinders. F1 engines are now all V10, although according to the regulations, less or more are acceptable. 10 is considered the most efficient solution, given other current constraints in the rules, e.g. weight, size, fuel, no turbos allowed etc. In recent past there were some 12 cylinder engines (2 banks of 6).

The V refers to the angle of the cylinders, which are generally straight or V. Straight means they stick straight up. V means that they are angled away and upwards from the engine, normally at around 45 degrees. The advantage is down to weight distribution (cars need a low centre of gravity so engineers try to get all the weight as low as possible, such as fuel tanks and engine components. Renault have experimented with a wider angle than the other F1 constructors, but next year will revert to the conventional V angle pursued by the other teams.

I hope this answers your question