There are many discussions over what drivers and auto mechanics would consider the best engines. For some, it’s the options that provide the most efficiency. However, for others, the best engines are the ones that produce the most power. This is where the W-12 engine comes into play. People can find it in some of the top sports cars, but it’s rare overall compared to 3, 4, 6, and 8-cylinder engines.

Here are a few reasons why this engine isn’t more common.

What is the W-12 engine?

Despite being called one of the best engines, some people may be unaware of what a W-12 engine is. In a nutshell, it’s a 12-cylinder engine shaped like a W. Essentially, it’s two V6 units combined at an angle. There are also multiple ways the 12 cylinders can be arranged. Naturally, these are far more complex than 3, 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines. 

As mentioned, many top sports and high-performance vehicles use the W-12 engine. Some examples of cars with this powerhouse are the Bentley Continental GT Speed, the Audi A8 W-12, and multiple Ferrari models. However, with the rise of automakers wanting to produce more efficient vehicles, some automakers have announced that they will no longer use the engine. According to MotorTrend, Bentley expressed plans in 2023 to do just that.

Why aren’t they as common as 3, 4, 6, and 8-cylinder engines?

Many wonder why what some call one of the best engines isn’t more common. There are a few reasons why the W-12 engine is less mainstream. For starters, it’s far more complex than the more common powerhouses because they have more moving parts. Because of this, it’s much more work for manufacturers to produce them at higher volumes. 

This level of complexity also means that these engines are nightmares for auto mechanics to deal with when it comes to maintenance. Naturally, this makes getting issues with the engine fixed far more expensive for people who own cars with a W-12. These engines are also less common because of their weight. They can substantially increase a vehicle’s weight, which not everyone wants. 

Of course, you can’t expect to get good fuel economy out of a W-12. There may be exceptions, but most vehicles with this unit get somewhere in the low teens when it comes to average miles per gallon. Still, despite being rare, many people who buy the top sports and performance cars swear by these engines.