When people hear about massive engines like V12 or V16, a common question comes up — has anyone ever built a V18 engine or something even larger? The answer is yes, but not for cars. V18 engines do exist, but they belong to the world of heavy industries, mining trucks, locomotives, ships, and power generators. No car manufacturer has ever put a V18 engine in a production vehicle.
This blog breaks down who builds V18 engines, why they exist, and what the future of giant engines looks like.
What Exactly Is a V18 Engine?
A V18 engine has 18 cylinders arranged in two banks of nine.
It is huge, extremely powerful, and built for continuous heavy-duty use.
These engines are so big that:
- They weigh several tonnes
- They are taller than a person
- They require cranes to install
- They run at low RPM but generate massive torque
Because of this, no cars — even hypercars — can accommodate a V18.
Who Has Developed V18 Engines?
Several big companies have created V18 engines, but all for industrial purposes.
1. Cummins V18 Diesel (QSK78 Series)
One of the most famous V18 engines in the world.
Used in giant mining dump trucks and industrial machines.
Produces around 3,000–3,500 horsepower.
2. Komatsu V18 Engines (for Ultra-Class Mining Trucks)
Used in machines like 300–400 tonne mining trucks.
These engines are incredibly durable and optimized for heavy hauling.
3. Wärtsilä and Other Marine Manufacturers
Some companies make V18 engines for ships and power plants.
These engine blocks are larger than small rooms and can generate tens of thousands of horsepower.
4. ALCO and EMD Locomotive Engines
Historically, V18 formats were used in railway locomotives and power generators.
Are V18 Engines Used in Cars?
No — not a single production car has ever used a V18.
Why?
- They are physically too big
- Too heavy (thousands of kilograms)
- Too fuel-hungry
- Complex to maintain
- Vibrations and crankshaft stresses rise dramatically beyond V12 or V16
- Packaging inside a car’s engine bay is impossible
Even Bugatti, which once experimented with massive layouts, capped at W16.
Mercedes, BMW, Lamborghini, Ferrari — all stopped at V12 for road cars.
A V18 car engine simply doesn’t make sense.
Have Bigger Engines Like V20 or V24 Ever Been Built?
Yes — but again, only for industrial use.
V20 Engines
Used in ships, generators, huge mining machines.
V24 Engines
Very rare, but some marine and stationary power engines have been made.
These are gigantic twin-bank diesel monsters used to generate electricity for cities or naval vessels.
What About W18 or Other Crazy Layouts?
Some companies historically experimented with:
- W18 engines (3 banks of 6 cylinders)
- Multi-crankshaft systems
- Radial layouts with 18+ cylinders
These were used mainly in aircraft experiments and prototypes.
No modern car company is actively developing a W18 or V18 for automobile use.
Why Car Manufacturers Don’t Go Beyond V12
There is no benefit.
A V18 engine would be:
- Too long and too wide
- Impossible to balance properly
- Inefficient in power-to-weight ratio
- Worse than hybrid/turbo technology
- Expensive and mechanically complicated
Modern engines focus on efficiency + power, not cylinder count.
Twin-turbo V8s and hybrid V6s today produce more power than old V12s — with less fuel and fewer emissions.
Who Might Develop Bigger Engines in the Future?
Only industrial giants will continue working on V18 and larger engines.
Expect future versions for:
- LNG-powered ships
- Heavy mining haul trucks
- Power plants
- Military transport vessels
In cars, development is moving in the opposite direction.
What to Expect for the Future: Bigger Engines or Something Else?
Here’s where the world is heading:
1. Electrification
Electric motors now produce insane torque without giant engines.
One electric motor can outperform a huge diesel engine in terms of torque-per-weight.
2. Hydrogen Combustion Engines
These will replace large diesel engines in heavy machinery.
3. Hybrid Performance Cars
Supercars will combine smaller combustion engines with powerful electric motors.
4. Compact Turbo Engines
More power from fewer cylinders — the opposite of V18.
5. Massive Engines Only in Industrial Applications
V18, V20, V24 will remain for ships, mining, and power generation only.