--- title: "This Turbocharged 12-Rotor Engine Revs to 9,000 RPM With a Noise That Rips Space-Time" date: "2025-01-31" modified: "2025-01-31" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-turbocharged-12-rotor-engine-revs-to-9000-rpm-with-a-noise-that-rips-space-time" categories: - "Builds" - "Culture" - "News" --- # This Turbocharged 12-Rotor Engine Revs to 9,000 RPM With a Noise That Rips Space-Time ![]() *\Rob Dahm\* While Rob Dahm's garage is no stranger to monstrous [rotary engines](), including four-rotor units cranking out more than 1,000 horsepower, this one is mind-bending. Here we have a massive, triple-turbocharged, *12*-rotor engine that revs to 9,000 rpm and produces the most outrageous noise I've ever heard from an internal combustion power plant. Dahm originally wanted to bring this monstrosity to [SEMA]() 2025 but couldn't get it ready in time. Since then, he and his team have continued their work through [quite a few ups and downs](), and it's finally ready for the dyno. ![]() **Rob Dahm** Beyond that, who knows what this engine could possibly fit into; it's enormous. While much of its complex turbo plumbing looks suited for dyno testing, and it can probably be tightened up somewhat to fit in an engine bay (a big one), the dimensions of the 12-rotor lump itself are staggering. It's one of the largest engines I've ever seen. Throw in all of the piping, and it resembles something that should power a Victorian-era steam train, not a car. It doesn't sound fit for a car, either; it makes a noise more akin to something powering a WWII-era aircraft. The way it starts, with its long crank and sudden explosion of life, and that lumpy idle is reminiscent of an old-school radial engine. Actually, forget planes—this 12-rotor nuke sounds so violent, it belongs in Doom Guy's chariot into hell. When it revs, it seems to bend physics. And yet, at the same time, watching it get assembled three-rotor block by three-rotor block is oddly calming. It's also remarkable to see some of the more delicate-looking parts holding the whole contraption together, when you consider the titanic power it makes. Dahm assures us that this engine will be put into something, and like everyone else, we can't wait to find out what. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN5pp8UFCjA *Got tips? send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()