inline16

Inline16 is an internal combustion engine configuration in which sixteen cylinders are arranged in a single straight line and share a common crankshaft. It is a less common alternative to more widely used layouts such as inline-6, V8, or V12, and it has historically appeared in experimental or limited-production contexts rather than mass-market vehicles.

Design characteristics and challenges include a very long engine block and crankshaft, which creates packaging, lubrication, and maintenance challenges. The long configuration can complicate cooling and intake/exhaust routing, and it often requires complex valve gear and balancing strategies to achieve smooth operation. While a high cylinder count can enable very large displacement and potentially extremely smooth power delivery, the practical downsides—size, cost, and reliability in everyday use—have limited its adoption.

Historical context and usage indicate that inline-16 engines have mostly remained curiosities or niche developments. They appeared in some early 20th-century automotive and aviation programs, typically in situations where the goal was to maximize displacement and stated smoothness rather than create a compact powerplant. As engineering preferences moved toward more compact and efficiently packaged layouts, such as V12, V16, and later W configurations, inline-16 designs largely faded from mainstream production. In modern automotive practice, the inline-16 is regarded primarily as a historical or theoretical concept, with only a few exceptions in specialized or collectible applications.

See also: internal combustion engine configurations, inline engine, vehicle powertrain layouts.