It would be great if you could shoe-horn an all-powerful V16 engine – yes, a mill with 16 cylinders in a V configuration – into your car. Finding one suitable for automotive use could be a big hassle, as V16 engines are usually found inside boats. If you want your vehicle to be powered by a V16 engine, however, then Sixteen Power LLC would be the right company to approach.

Big Surpise At SEMA Show 2019

As its business name suggests, Sixteen Power specializes in building V16 engines. In particular, the company develops and builds a custom 14-liter V16 engines based on LSx architecture just for marine applications. It offers several V16 engines, with the twin supercharged version of them displayed at the 2019 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in November.

While it may be just another crate engine, Sixteen Power’s creation certainly attracted a lot of attention. After all, there are 16 cylinders and the mill is supercharged. In addition, this V16 engine is tuned to deliver 1,600 hp of output. But to the dismay of many car enthusiasts, this V16 mill is for boats only.

Big Hit At PRI Show 2019

The huge automotive interest in such a powerful V16 prompted Sixteen Power to change tactics. At the recently held PRI (Performance Racing Industry) Show in Indianapolis, Sixteen Power unveiled a new V16 engine for automotive application, according to a report by Muscle Cars & Trucks.

To convert the V16 engine for automotive application, Sixteen Power had to make a number of revisions. For instance, the company had to remove the water-cooled headers and the heat exchangers.  Sixteen Power also re-positioned the front accessory drive and throttle. Since vehicles employ multi-speed transmissions, valve opening can be timed to allow higher rpm.

It was no wonder that Sixteen Power’s LS V16 engine grabbed the PRI Master of Motors trophy during the event.

Marine Power For Cars?

For now, Sixteen Power is focused on marine applications of its LS V16 engines, which is still undergoing testing in the spring of 2020 in 42-foot MTI catamarans. The outputs of these engines range from 900 hp (naturally aspirated) to 2,000 hp (quad turbo). If you’re into V12 engines, muscle cars and vehicle modifications, these V16 mills are quite hard to resist.

Many are hoping that Sixteen Power would offer its V16 engines for automotive application. Maybe it would (it should!), considering that it did display one at the PRI Show. But the next questions are: When and how much?

Source: Muscle Cars & Trucks, Sixteen Motors