SLIDESHOW
The greatest German engines ever made
Germany has been producing engines since the dawn of motoring and, after nearly 140 years, its portfolio has developed into something quite remarkable. It includes simple but effective motors for everyday transport, gigantic units of awesome power and everything in between. Restricting this list to just seven engines means many worthy contenders haven’t made the cut, so apologies in advance.
DAVID FINLAY
Auto Union V16 1934
All of the frighteningly fast grand prix and record cars built by Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union from 1934 to 1939 had formidable engines and enabled the two German companies to dominate racing in the period. But the Auto Union V16 engine was perhaps the most glorious of them all. Designed by Porsche, it wasn’t a high-revving unit – no version was ever taken as far as 6000rpm – but it produced thundering torque and correspondingly enormous power. The ultimate version, built only for record-breaking, measured 6.0 litres, delivered a peak output of 620bhp and achieved a top speed of 258mph. In 1938, a rule change obliged Auto Union to develop a 3.0-litre V12 for grand prix racing.