Skip to main content

Think gas is in the past? The quad-turbo Devel Sixteen has 5,000 reasons why you’re wrong

Devel Sixteen V16 5000HP Engine Dyno
When the Devel Sixteen supercar was first unveiled at the 2013 Dubai Motor Show, its performance claims weren’t so much ambitious as they were downright absurd — 5,000 horsepower, 0 to 60 in 1.8 seconds, and a top speed of 348 mph. Yes, 348 mph. That all sounds great on paper, but numbers like that rarely come to fruition.

In a giant, fossil-burning step toward legitimacy, the company has released a new video of the car’s quad-turbo, 12.3-liter V16 taking a few runs on the dyno. With 92-octane pump fuel and 20 psi of boost, the monstrous powerplant produced a whooping 3,006 horsepower and 2,407 pound-feet of torque. With a diet of race gas and 36 psi, however, the engine pushed out a staggering 4,515 hp and 3,519 lb-ft.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Recommended Videos

It’s a hair short of the V16’s claimed 5,000 hp, but the engine is actually rated for a higher output than that. According to the video, the dyno simply “could not hold any more power.”

Devel Sixteen
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Built by Michigan-based manufacturer Steve Morris Engines, the massive 16-cylinder is crafted from aluminum, and is actually built around a single billet crankshaft that took nearly eight months to make. The car is also rear-wheel drive, which makes us wonder how it could possibly channel all that power to the ground.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Regardless of the vehicle’s usability (or lack thereof), the Devel Sixteen is an engineering marvel with incredible styling to boot. Its carbon fiber body looks like a mashup between the Lamborghini Egoista and the Tim Burton-era Batmobile, and it will likely be just as rare if it ever goes on sale. The company has made no announcements regarding availability for the vehicle yet, but if the engine is any indication, the news will surely make a lot of noise.

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Find Ford gifts for everyone on your holiday list, no really
Ford Accessories used while camping for holiday gifts

When you're shopping for holiday gifts, auto and Ford accessories probably don't cross your mind, at least not initially. Unless, of course, you're planning some gift ideas for the car enthusiast you know. But actually, Ford has a lot of different gift options even for those who aren't big into cars and vehicles. I know, it's an odd proposal but hear me out. From electronics and exterior accessories to truck bed augments, interior gear, and even outdoor-friendly gear -- like for camping -- Ford has a ton of options. Just to provide some examples, first aid safety kits, truck bed camping tents, portable fridges, pet-friendly seat mats, even dashcams, keyless entry systems, and beyond.

You never know, you could find the perfect gift in Ford's accessories lineup.
Shop Now

Read more
Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states
costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Read more
Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work
Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Read more