Italian bike maker unveils rare 5-cylinder engine with 240 hp punch

Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta has unveiled a groundbreaking five-cylinder engine concept at the EICMA show in Milan, marking a bold departure from conventional superbike designs. This compact engine features a unique trapezoid layout with two cylinders positioned above three others, rather than a traditional inline or V configuration. This design keeps the engine narrower than a typical inline-four and shorter than a V4, improving handling and mass centralization. The powerplant uses two crankshafts working in tandem and weighs under 132 pounds, making it lightweight for its class. The engine delivers impressive performance figures, with displacements ranging from 850 cc to 1150 cc and output reaching up to 240 horsepower and 99.5 lb-ft of torque at 8,500 rpm. It can rev up to 16,000 rpm, rivaling high-performance four-cylinder engines, and offers strong, linear torque without relying on variable valve timing. MV Agusta calls this engine the Cinque Cilindri, emphasizing