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Quick Quiz: how well do you know your V8 engines?

9 September, 2015

The engine bay is often considered to be where the heart and soul of the car lies. Its characteristics can give a car true character, as well as give the driver goosebumps every time they turn it over. But engines come in many shapes, sizes, configurations, and layouts — how well can you tell one V8 engine from the next? Take a stab at our quick quiz below — and while you’re at it, pass it on to your mates to see who trumps who!

Merry Christmas from NZ Classic Car magazine

23 December, 2024

The Classic Car magazine team is taking a few weeks’ holiday from the work computer and heading to the beach for some kickback time.
Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful summer holiday to all our readers, followers, and fans. Enjoy this special extra time with the family. We will be posting archive articles again in mid to late January.
Have fun, be good and be careful out there.

Two engines instead of one?

13 December, 2024

Popping two motors into a car is not only complicated, it doesn’t always end well. Donn Anderson recalls early attempts, including John Cooper’s ill-fated original Twini Mini built 58 years ago

For a boost in performance, better traction, and perhaps improved handling to some, two motors seems an obvious solution. It would also eliminate the need to develop a larger engine replacement from scratch, but would that outweigh the not inconsiderable technical difficulties?
The idea of using a pair of engines dates back at least 86 years to the Alfa Romeo Bimotor single seater racing car that was officially timed at 335km/h, or 208mph. Taking a lengthened Alfa P3 chassis, the Italians fitted two supercharged straight eight 2.9-litre and 3.2-litre engines, one in front of the cockpit, and the other behind the cockpit.