I just read an article describing the current horsepower races European (mostly) auto manufacturers are indulging in. I say mostly because it is primarily a European race — the North American manufacturers are a little busy rebuilding these days. So, with the exception of a handful of muscle cars such as the 500- and 600-horsepower-plus Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes and the next-generation Vipers, the domestic Big Three are pretty much staying out of it.
The trend by the European companies is to develop smaller and smaller engines that put out more and more horsepower. So, while horsepower is increasing, the engines’ displacements are decreasing — as are the number of cylinders these engines employ. Many engines produce in excess of 600 hp, which has replaced what was once the Holy Grail of 500 hp. And both Ferrari and Lamborghini are planning on 700-plus-hp cars. Of course, the Bugatti Veyron puts out more than 1,000 hp, but it’s an exception.
This is all well and good, but a little stupid in some cases. For instance, while a 600-hp Lamborghini is pretty cool, is a 600-hp BMW sedan really necessary? Do you need that much power in order to sit in traffic jams every day, because that is what sedans are for. BMW has even bragged that its 600-hp cars are everyday cars, while exotics are not. Let’s face it, an engine producing 600 or 700 hp needs to be in a car that looks like a McLaren, Lamborghini, Ferrari or some other über-exotic. A 600-hp Mercedes, Audi or BMW coupe or sedan — not so much.
Another mistake exotic manufacturers are making is reducing the number of cylinders in their engines. If they look at a little history — most of it their own — this becomes glaringly apparent. Ferrari made a series of eight-cylinder cars during the 1980s. Those cars have never really appreciated much. Most Ferrari aficionados look down their noses at a 308 or 328 as they crank up their 12-cylinder sports cars.
Maseratis and Lancias were never taken seriously because of their little engines.
Even older cars are valued on the number of cylinders they possess. I recently saw a Lagonda 12-cylinder roadster sell for more than $1-million. I can buy almost the same car with a six-cylinder engine for around $100,000.
A 1930s Fleetwood Cadillac Roadster will sell for around $70,000 with an eight-cylinder. The same car with a 12-cylinder can make more than $200,000. But a 1932 Cadillac with a V16 can sell for between $500,000 and $1-million. Funnily, the eight-cylinder car is just about as fast — or maybe even faster — than the V16. I once drag-raced a 1930s V16 Cadillac with an eight-cylinder 1934 Bugatti and kicked its ass.
Lotus, my favourite automaker, has always created pure drivers’ cars. But, it puts small, incredibly enthusiastic four-cylinder engines in them and, while as fast as their 12-cylinder rivals from the continent, they are far from investor cars. A fire-breathing Lotus V8 Esprit — a definite Ferrari killer in its day — can be had for about the same price as a nicely restored VW Bug, maybe less.
Jaguar shot itself in the foot in the early 1990s with the creation of the magnificent XJ220 supercar. I recently had one and it is an exceptional car — the fastest in the world in 1992 and still ranked today in the Top 10. It was also one of the most exotic cars I have ever driven, with looks that stopped traffic dead when I passed by. It was the only car I have ever driven that soiled the armpits of my shirts. All this and more, yet it was a spectacular failure.
Why?
When it was originally designed, it was supposed to have a V12 engine. Problems with that powerplant saw Jaguar installing a six-cylinder racing engine in its place. This engine was a monster, a really superb twin-turbo masterpiece. Still, dozens of pre-orders with their deposits disappeared overnight. Some customers sued. It was a real mess resulting in only a few more than 200 cars being produced — all because it didn’t have enough cylinders to keep high-end buyers happy. Not one of them cared that the twin-turbo V6 put out more horsepower, that its top end was unbeatable or that the car’s styling was truly among the greats.
Nope, not enough cylinders.
So, if I was Ferrari or Lamborghini, I would stick with 12-cylinder engines — as should Mercedes — and only put them in cars that seat two people. Maybe BMW should stay with its V10 cars, but, again, no dogs and no kids unless they are sitting up front. Let’s face it, high horsepower, a lot of cylinders and such is all about ego, not common sense. Common sense is a nice little Kia, Fiesta or Cruze.
Then again, maybe GM should stuff a 16-cylinder engine in the Cruze and go out and kick BMW’s butt.
