V10

A V10 is an engine in V configuration, having 10 cylinders.

The V10 configuration is inherently imbalanced in the vertical plane and generates a rocking moment causing vibration from end to end of the engine. To contain this issue a balance shaft is required. Theoretically, the best V-angle is 72°; with this angle there is no vibration in vertical and transverse directions. The complexity of designing this made the V10 difficult to engineer without computer-aided design (CAD), and therefore the V10 was never used before the 1980s.

Road cars

V10s have rarely been a popular configuration for road cars: a V12 is only slightly more complicated and runs more smoothly. However, recent years have seen increasing use of the configuration in the United States. The Dodge Viper uses a 8.3 L (8.0 L in the previous generation) V10 engine, which has since been made available in the Dodge Ram SRT-10 sport pickup. The same V10, but tuned to 525 bhp is used in the Bristol Fighter. V10s are also available in the Ford F-250 and Ford F-350 pickup trucks and the Ford Excursion large SUV. The Volkswagen Phaeton and Volkswagen Touareg currently have a 5.0 turbocharged Diesel V10 option, available in Europe, making them the first modern V10-powered sedan and SUV. BMW will introduce a V10 in the 2005 model year BMW M5, marking the first non-Diesel V10 sedan. The Lamborghini Gallardo also has a V10 engine.

Racing

The most widespread use of the V10 has been in Formula 1 racing, after the introduction of the 3 litre rule made the V10 seem the best compromise between the V8 and the V12. Renault had a more flat 110˚ motor for a couple of years (2002 and 2003). There are also cars with V10 engines in sports car racing.