16V

16V is a designation used in automotive engineering to indicate an internal combustion engine that has sixteen valves in total. In a typical four-cylinder configuration, this means four valves per cylinder, usually two intake and two exhaust valves, arranged on a dual overhead camshaft head. The increased valve count improves the engine’s ability to admit air and exhaust gases, enabling higher maximum power and a broader torque curve, especially at higher RPMs. The 16-valve layout also permits more precise fuel-air mixture control and better combustion efficiency compared with earlier 8V or 12V designs. The trade-offs include greater mechanical complexity, higher production costs, and potentially increased maintenance requirements for the valvetrain and timing systems.

16V engines became common in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in four-cylinder cars aimed at performance or higher efficiency. They were used across a range of manufacturers and vehicle classes, from compact hatchbacks to mid-size sedans, and in various markets around the world. While the 16V designation is tied to the number of valves, performance depends on overall engineering, including cam timing, intake design, fuel delivery, and electronic management. Some modern engines use even higher valve counts or variable valve timing to achieve similar goals, while still being referred to by their horsepower and torque specifications rather than the valve count alone.

Note that 16V can also be used in other contexts, such as electrical systems rated at 16 volts, but when used in automotive discussions, it most often refers to the sixteen-valve engine configuration.