![12N360 Engine](https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/15/20230515-12N360-Hero.jpg?w=1920)
![12N360 Engine](https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/15/20230515-12N360-Hero.jpg?w=1920)
Engines come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations. The majority of cars on the road today use the tried and true inline-four, but it wasn’t long ago that the norm meant adding (or even doubling) overall cylinder count.
Cylinder layout also varies by application. Inline and V-configurations are the most common, but others also existed, such as horizontally-opposed engines, and staggered “V” motors (like the Volkswagen Group’s “VR” and “W” series motors). Add-in rotaries, radials, and more—you’ve got no shortage of options. But have you ever heard of a 12-cylinder motor with its cylinders arranged in an X-configuration?
![12N360 Engine](https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/15/20230515-12N360-Inline.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
Meet the Chelyabinsk 12N360—the heart of Russia’s too-expensive T-14 Armata battle tank, which I was instantly intrigued by when someone posted it to the Apex Automotor Facebook group. This beast of an engine is essentially two diesel-powered V6 engines horizontally opposed to one another, forming an “X” layout with a whopping 34.6 liters of displacement.
The 12N360, also called the A-85-3A, makes 1,500 horsepower on a conservative tune, but is capable of providing more than 2,000 horsepower at the cost of a decreased service life all the way up to its redline of 2,000 rpm. With its normal power output, the engine is said to last a minimum of around 2,000 hours, while its power output can be decreased for a longer 10,000 service hours at 1,200 horsepower. At its max power output, the engine consumes around 98 gallons of diesel per hour of use.
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Moc8SuyhXc8/hqdefault.jpg)
That much power and displacement means one massive engine. In fact, the entire unit weighs around 3,300 pounds, which is almost the same as a 2023 Toyota GR Supra. But that’s nothing compared to the absolute unit that the engine is powering.
The 12N360 found a home in Russia’s T-14 Armata when it was introduced back in 2015. The modernized battle tank, which has only recently appeared in use with Ukraine due to massive per-unit production costs, weighs in around 50-plus tons. And when coupled to a 16-speed gearbox (that’s eight forward and eight reverse gears), the engine is capable of propelling the military vehicle at speeds of up to 50 mph in both directions.
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KkD9-PH7TNM/hqdefault.jpg)
It’s not clear why the Russians decided to go with this oddball X-layout over a traditional V-configuration. Perhaps packaging considerations were the driving force, or, maybe there were balancing concerns that couldn’t be satisfied with an V-engine.
Regardless of the reasoning, it’s pretty cool that such a weird configuration exists. Many other automakers have toyed with the idea of an X-layout, but none have come to fruition in a modern road-going vehicle—and with the rise of electrification, it’s unlikely that one ever will.
Still, it’s fun to dream.
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