Compact architecture with two rows of cylinders
The engine features a front row with three cylinders and a slightly offset rear row with two cylinders. This close arrangement is similar to the VR principle and is designed to enable a particularly compact design. According to MV Agusta, the engine will weigh less than 60 kg, which is less than 132.3 lbs. It will be narrower than a four-cylinder and shorter than a V4.
The information about the crankshaft is interesting. At EICMA, there was talk of a single crankshaft, but later published information suggests there will be two. One of these is said to be U-shaped, although it remains unclear exactly what this design will look like. What is clear, however, is that MV Agusta is opting for a technical solution that lies between an inline engine and a V engine.
Valve train with three camshafts
MV Agusta is relying on three camshafts for the valve train. A central camshaft controls the intake valves of all five cylinders, while two further camshafts take care of the exhaust for the two rows. At the same time, the newly designed cylinder head is intended to avoid the typical problems of unequal gas paths that occur in VR engines.
Another development step concerns the auxiliary units. In future, the water pump and oil pump will be electrically driven. This should reduce internal friction and increase efficiency.
Performance data and possible areas of application
The engine is to be used in several models. Depending on the source, the displacement figures vary between 800 and 1,150 cm³. There is also talk of implementing variants with different displacement sizes. This makes the platform suitable for both sporty naked bikes and supersport models.
At the maximum configuration level, power ratings of over 240 hp at 16,000 rpm are possible. This corresponds to approximately 176.5 kW. The maximum torque is expected to be around 135 Nm at 8,500 rpm. This would put MV Agusta in the same league as current superbikes such as the Ducati Panigale V4 or the BMW S 1000 RR, but with a distinctly unique engine concept.
Developed for future model generations
MV Agusta emphasizes that the Cinque Cilindri is not intended to replace the existing three- and four-cylinder models. Instead, it is intended to create an additional technical platform. The first models with this engine are expected in two to three years at the earliest.
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