5 Cool Cars That Use Motorcycle Engine Power
Jalopnik • • technology
Key Points:
- Motorcycle engines are designed for high revs and speed, lacking the low-end torque and rotational inertia needed to move heavy cars, making them unsuitable for standard sedans but ideal for lightweight vehicles under 1.5 tons.
- Lightweight cars equipped with superbike engines, such as models from Morgan, Ariel, Radical, Caterham, and Honda, offer a unique driving experience that combines high-revving power with exceptional power-to-weight ratios, resulting in racecar-like performance.
- The Morgan 3-Wheeler uses a large V-twin motorcycle engine, delivering a low-frequency rumble and visceral analog driving feel, while the Ariel Atom V8 combines two Hayabusa engines for nearly 500 horsepower in a 1,200-pound chassis
