MV Agusta introduces a new "U-5" engine! What a launch is coming soon! A power unit that delivers 240 PS is now available!

At EICMA 2025, MV Agusta unveiled the world premiere of its unprecedented "5-cylinder engine concept," with a variable displacement design ranging from 850 to 1150 cc and boasting maximum output of 240 hp and maximum torque of 135 Nm. The oddly shaped intake and design are interesting, but the "U-shaped crank train" layout is unique. Moreover, while one might expect this to be a mere development concept, it is surprising to learn that the company is actually aiming for commercial production!

MV Agusta's next generation will be multi-cylinder! The next generation of MV Agusta will be multi-cylinder!

At EICMA 2025 in Milan, Italy, MV Agusta unveiled its "5-Cylinder Engine Concept. This new unit, which was a surprise exhibit, represents the company's next-generation performance strategy and is currently already under development at the R&D department of the company's headquarters in Surianna, Italy. According to the official release, the five-cylinder engine is based on a new platform called "Quadrato (square)" and embodies the fusion of MV Agusta's technical ideals and Italian design. The modular design covers a displacement range from 850 cc to 1150 cc, with the idea of accommodating multiple segments such as supersport, naked, and tourer.

Development is targeting 240 hp and 135 Nm!

Slimmer than a straight-4 and more compact than a V4 "U-type cranktrain

The specifications are, of course, high-class. Maximum output is said to be more than 240 hp at over 16,000 rpm, and maximum torque reaches 135 Nm at 8,500 rpm. Weighing less than 60 kg, the configuration pursues light weight, high output, and high rpm at the same time. In addition, the latest electrification technologies have been actively introduced, such as an electric water pump and electric oil pump for improved efficiency and responsiveness. A further feature is the newly developed "U-shaped crank train" layout. This special configuration, with three cylinders in the front and two cylinders in the rear, achieves excellent balance and low vibration. The unique five-cylinder ignition spacing provides both torque characteristics and a smooth feel. According to MV Agusta, this five-cylinder unit is narrower than an inline four and shorter than a V4. The result is a combination of high performance and compactness, a good combination of an in-line 4 and a V4, and the advantage of greater freedom in body design. Another advantage is that it does not require a variable valve mechanism, and can achieve both easy handling at low rpm and good extension at high rpm.

The "U-shape" layout is less familiar than the L- and V-shape layouts, but this is not a new invention by MV Agusta. In the past, it was developed by Bugatti and others for aircraft engines, and has also been used in diesel engines for railroad applications. However, there is no doubt that the engine is very minor for motorcycles. Engines with similar mechanisms, such as tandem twin, square four-cylinder, and split-single engines, have only been marketed in recent years by Kawasaki, Suzuki, and a few other companies for two-stroke applications. Of course, it is no exaggeration to say that the current model, much less a five-cylinder engine, is a completely new engine type. The company explained that the purpose of developing this engine was to "set new standards in performance, innovation, and Italian engineering. In the future, the company plans to install the engine in models that do not currently exist in the lineup. Specific model names and the timing for commercialization have not been disclosed at this time. However, it has been stated that "commercialization in the near future" and it seems that the day when we will be able to see it running on the road is not far off!

Main target values of the engine under development (from MV Agusta's official announcement)

Displacement: 850-1150cc (modular configuration) Maximum output: Over 240hp / 16,000rpm Maximum torque: 135Nm / 8,500rpm Weight: Under 60kg Structure: 5-cylinder "U" crank configuration (3 front + 2 rear) Main mechanism: Electric Water pump, electric oil pump Development site: MV Agusta R&D Center (Surianna, Italy) To the gallery (6)