what does (for example: V8) mean when speaking in terms of a car?

Question

im confused i know what ( for example a 1.1 is) its a 1100 cc car

Answer 1

V8 refers to the engine design -- specifically, 8 cylinders in the shape of a V (4 in each bank).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V8

Most car engines are I4 (Inline 4 cylinders -- that is, all the cylinders are in a straight row), V6 (6 cylinders, 3 on each side), or V8. But there are also inline 6 cylinder engines (such as those found in the BMW) and I'm sure there are other configurations out there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylinder_%28engine%29

Talking about liters or cc (you are correct, 1.1 liter = 1100cc)refers to the "engine displacement". It's the volume of air & fuel that can be combined in an engine in one complete cycle: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_displacement

In general, the more cylinders and more displacement a car has, the more powerful it will be (more horsepower, more torque) and the more fuel it will use. I stress this is in general, though, as you will find many examples of engines with the same cylinders and displacement that put out varying amounts of power, and smaller engines will sometimes put out more power than bigger ones, etc. depending on other design factors.

Answer 2

The 8 means that the engine has eight cylinders. The "V" means that the cylinders are configured in a V shape (two rows of four usually at a 90 degree angle). An array of cylinders can also be arranged in straight row (such as a "Straight 6") Your example of a 1.1 relates to the displacement of the engine.

Answer 3

V 8 means there are 8 cylinders and pistons. They are in the shape of a v four on each side of the car.
1.1 in a car is usually 1.1 liters not C C's.
I don't know of any v8 that only have 1.1 liters of displacement.
Engine displacement is defined as the total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle; it is normally stated in cubic centimeters, liters or cubic inches

Answer 4

It has 8 cylinders. Most larger engines are V8's and produce a lot of horsepower, although burns a lot of fuel also. I have a 351 Windsor V8 in my 1969 Mustang. The engine is 351 cubic inches in size and has 8 cylinders and was made in Windsor Canada.

Answer 5

V refers to the shape of the block and position of cylinders. A V8-engine has four cylinders on each side of the head in a v-shaped configuration. The 8 just refers to the number of cylinders.

Answer 6

V8 refers to 8 cylinders, in a V configuration (4 cyl on each side) likewise for V6, V12, etc. don't confuse this with 1.1l which is the volumetric displacement of the engine.

Answer 7

Good question, but before I could answer you, most of them have answered correctly! Its a V shaped in line engine casing having 4 piston rooms either side with a common drive shaft, simply called as V8 engine. The compactness of the motor was of special design development in Europe and USA and the engine plant of GM is the biggest in the world! We have marine diesel engines also of V in line configuration for fishing trawlers!

Answer 8

8 cylinders in a "V" alignment. Two rows of four connected to the same drive shaft. A V6 is two rows of 3 and a four cylinder is typically an in-line layout meaning just four in a row.

V8's generally range anywhere from 4 liters to 6.

Answer 9

The engine has 8 cylinders as apposed to 4 or 6. It is a big motor and sucks gas is what it really means.

Answer 10

v8
V= design of the motor , the motor is in the shape of a V with 4 cylinders on each side