The 1976 Jaguar XJ-S Coupe with a 12-cylinder engine and 244 bhp has a maximum speed of approximately 150 mph (241 km/h). This classic car, known for its luxurious design and powerful performance, was part of Jaguar's lineup during a time of significant automotive innovation. Its combination of speed and elegance made it a standout vehicle of its era.
http://people.bath.ac.uk/ccsshb/12cyl/
http://people.bath.ac.uk/ccsshb/12cyl/ Could be bigger somewhere, but hey its got to be on the list of the big boys.
many different kinds are used.. you have 4cyl, 6cyl, 8cyl, 10cyl, 12cyl, and your w16 and w12. but your basic daily driver willl have either 4cyl or 6cyl. and also 8cyl.
The Ferrari 365 GTC4, equipped with a 12-cylinder engine producing 320 horsepower, has a top speed of approximately 150 mph (241 km/h). This model, produced in the early 1970s, is known for its combination of performance and luxury, making it a notable grand tourer of its time. Its design and engineering reflect Ferrari's commitment to both speed and comfort.
The 1941 Lincoln Continental, equipped with a 12-cylinder engine generating 120 horsepower, has a top speed of approximately 100 miles per hour. This luxury vehicle was known for its smooth ride and elegant design, characteristic of pre-war American automobiles. While not a sports car, the Continental offered respectable performance for its time.
According to Wikipedia: Aston Martin's 6.0L (really more like 5.9L) V12 engine has an uneven firing order as opposed to an even firing order. The Mercedes AMG built V12 engines also share an uneven firing order. I can't say for a fact but my guess is it fires very similarly to the one pictured here: http://www.justanswer.com/mercedes/2mp9d-2001-mercedes-s600-when-rpm-s-reach-car.html
Horsepower/weight and traction make them quick, horsepower and aerodynamics make cars fast. If your asking how fast they are?? It depends on yr/make/model...Most cars are have speed limiters from the factory(atleast in the US). By looking at magazine tests, Like car and driver. Most japananese and some german cars are limited to 130mph(acura, some audi,benz c250,E550, VWs). Most sportier models are limited to 155mph(BMW, infiniti, most jaguars, mazaspeed3, shelbygt350). Full on sports cars are usually unlimited (porsches, ferrari, corvettes,most aston martins and Lamborghini) most have top speed between 175-205mph. Supercars are 185-267+mph. Unlimited most NA cars have top speed(turbo/supercharger would increase topspeed15-35mph): 4cyl.- 125-140mph 6cyl.-145-170mph(Porsche is an exception 170-190mph) v8 - 175(srt8)- 198mph(Z06 corvette) v-10- 196(R8)- 202mph(srt viper) 12cyl. 188(aston martin) - 217/218(Aventador/enzo) 231mph McLaren F1