Motorarchitectuur

Motorarchitectuur refers to the overall arrangement of components that determine how a motor converts energy into motion. In the context of internal combustion engines, it encompasses cylinder layout, crankshaft design, valvetrain, induction and exhaust paths, and the integration with transmission and cooling systems. The term can also be applied to electric motors, where architecture includes the arrangement of stator and rotor, windings, magnets, and gearing or reduction.

Common configurations for piston engines include inline engines (inline-four, inline-six); V engines (V6, V8, V12) where cylinders are arranged in two banks; flat or boxer engines (horizontally opposed); and less common W and other variants. The choice of layout affects packaging, center of gravity, engine balance, intake and exhaust routing, and cooling. For example, inline engines are compact lengthwise and light in width, while V engines can be shorter in length but wider.

Within an engine, other architectural choices include valvetrain configuration (SOHC, DOHC, pushrods), cylinder head techniques, and induction (port fuel injection, direct injection) as well as forced induction (turbocharging, supercharging). The architecture also interacts with drivetrain layout (front-, mid-, or rear-wheel drive), transmission type, and hybrid components.

Modern trends emphasize downsizing with turbocharging, electrification, modular engine families, and integrated e-motors within hybrid or electric drivetrains. The architecture is a primary driver of performance, efficiency, durability, and maintenance profiles, and is a key consideration in vehicle design and engineering.