In this age of skyrocketing fuel prices, it is almost criminal to write about mammoth engines like the V12s. But then, no one can deny the romance and performance that is always associated with these engines. In any case, to fight the overflow of fuel efficient cars in the Indian market, we thought of taking a walk through some of the all-important and all-noisy V12 engines from the past.
And since there are harsh economic sanctions being placed on car makers, large engines are being forced out of fashion. Even Ferrari, the King of the V12, has stooped to developing hybrid cars to keep it going. But, if they don't start to make their V12 eco-sensible, we might just have to say goodbye to it forever.
It would be a pity to see one of the largest, loudest and the coolest engine layouts ever die quietly. So here we have decided to give a round of applause to the top twenty cars that it has been placed in. Here is the first part of the series.
The Lamborghini Miura is a sports car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1966 and 1972. This car was equipped with a mid-mounted 12-cylinder-V engine (four-stroke), and is famous for having started the trend of high performance, two-seater, mid-engined sports cars. The sports car achieved a top speed of 276 km/h (171 mph) and reached the 0-100 kmph in less than 7 seconds. It is a shame that the production of the Miura stopped in 1972. 
The Aston Martin DBS is a GT car produced by the British manufacturer Aston Martin, originally manufactured during 1967-72. The very famous James Bond first drove it in the film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. A new version, which was heavily based on the DBS 12 was seen in 2008 James Bond movie, Casino Royale. The Aston Martin DBS12 develops a maximum power of 510bhp from its super powerful 6.0-litre V12.
The Ferrari Enzo was first revealed at the Paris Motor Show, and till date, it remains as one of the most sought after Ferraris ever made. The Enzo incorporated a number of Formula One technologies such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style electro-hydraulic shift transmission, and Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite disc brakes. A total of 400 units were manufactured, out of which two were auctioned. The Ferrari Enzo is equipped with 651bhp, 485lb ft engine - which was, at the time, an all-new unit. 
Lamborghini unveiled the Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The SuperVeloce, powered by a V12 engine, produces 661 bhp at 8000 rpm and 660 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. The LP670-4 SV comes standard with the LP640's optional six-piston calliper, 15-inch carbon-ceramic disc brakes, slowing black 18-inch wheels. The LP670-4 SV is capable of reaching 100kmph from a standing start in 3.2 seconds. Lamborghini claims the car can reach 342 km/h (213 mph) with an optional smaller spoiler, or 337 km/h (209 mph) with the standard Aeropack wing.
The S model of the Aston Martin Vanquish debuted at the 2004 Paris Auto Show, and no prizes for guessing that this car has been featured in a James Bond movie too. The Vanquish S has a 6.0 litre V12 engine and produces 514 bhp @ 7,000 rpm and 576 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm. The super car can reach from 0-100kmph in just 4 seconds and the top speed of the car is 328 km/h.
The EB110 is a much celebrated car, and that's not only because it was built to commemorate the late Ettore Bugatti's 110th birthday, but because it features a super cool quad-turbo, 553bhp engine. The powerful engine allows it to reach 0-100kmph in less than 3.4seconds. And it'd hit 342 kmph. Quite an achievement for a car that was manufactured in the early 90s.
Despite facing competition from the new kids on the block such as the Veyron SS and Aero SSC, the McLaren F1 remains one of the fastest cars in the world. The McLaren F1, a sports car designed and manufactured by Gordon Murray and McLaren Automotive, is powered by a 627hp BMW engine and, thanks to its light weight, it has a power to weight ratio of 550hp/ton.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a car that was manufactured by Ferrari from 1962 to 1964 specifically for racing in the FIA's Group 3 Grand Touring Car category. The vehicle gave a power output of 300 bhp, which was an almost unachievable task during the 60s. The 250GTO has been praised as one of best Ferraris of all time. Ferrari made only 36 units of the car.
In December 2007, as part of Aston Martin's opening of their own design studio, the company unveiled a concept based on the V8 Vantage. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage featured the V12 engine from the DBS and produced 510 bhp. Other adornments of the car included carbon fibre flourishes and massive vents on the bonnet to keep it cool. Other additions include a new rear diffuser, a rear-wing which can be raised or lowered, and carbon-ceramic brakes.
The Ferrari 599 GTO is faster, even though by just one second, than the Enzo. It reaches 0-100kmph in under 3.35seconds and will hit 334 kmph. And you would find it interesting to note that Ferrari has only given the GTO moniker to two other cars - the 250GTO and 288GTO.
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