According to many, due to strict eco-standards, the age of atmospheric V12 engines is over. At Cosworth, as one of the most respected manufacturers of V12 engines, they don’t think so because small but powerful engines are still in use. Examples are the Toyota Yaris 1.6-L with 261 hp, or Ford’s 1.5-L with 200 hp.

At the end of the last century, Cosworth produced a unique single-cylinder engine with 300cc and 90 hp, as a test model for the V10 engine developed for Formula 1. It is amazing that it revs up to 20,000 rpm, which is not to be expected from such a small engine. It was the basis for the development of the TJ generation of engines that powered Jaguar Racing cars in 2003, Minardi in 2004 and 2005, and finally Red Bull in 2005.

The single-cylinder engine was developed in 1998 with an express purpose to help develop the V10 Formula 1 engine. This was the cheapest way to test before creating the full-size F1 engine. But unlike today’s miniatures, this is not about consumption and emissions, but only performance.

All of this was an introduction to what Cosworth would create later. Examples of this are the Aston Martin Valkyrie 6.5-L V12 and Gordon Murray T.50 3.9-L V12 engines.

Source: Drivetribe via YouTube