MV Agusta Teases 5-Cylinder Engine Concept
EICMA 2025 has come to a close, and we were able to get a glimpse at plenty of exciting motorcycles for the coming 2026 season. Among the more interesting reveals during the show, MV Agusta announced a concept for its all-new 5-cylinder "quadrato" engine platform, developed at the Italian firm's R&D headquarters in Schiranna, Italy.
Although performance and displacement figures are being kept under wraps for now, the concept showcases some compelling engineering. The 5-cylinder engine features a unique crank layout, using a 3-cylinder front crankshaft and a rear twin-cylinder crankshaft, both oriented in what MV Agusta refers to as a "U" configuration. If that seems a bit opaque, imagine three cylinders lined up in the front and two in the back, all on the same engine block. According to the brand, this design proves to be narrower than a traditional Inline-Four powerplant, while also being shorter than V-4 engines.
Other interesting tidbits include the fact that it uses electric-powered water and oil pumps, as opposed to mechanical pumps, which are rare in production motorcycles. Electric pumps offer advantages such as more precise control and, in most cases, higher flow rates.
MV Agusta has not stated what motorcycle platform this engine will power. However, the brand is allowing the wheels of speculation to turn by ending its press release with this statement: "The debut of the 5-cylinder engine is planned for a highly anticipated model that is currently no longer in the lineup, which will be unveiled in the coming years." A notable omission in MV Agusta's overall lineup is its liter-class superbike, the MV Agusta F4, that was discontinued in 2018. Perhaps we are getting a glimpse at the engine destined to power a new "F5" superbike, but only time will tell. For now, feast your eyes on some Italian metal.
Begin Press Release:
5-Cylinder Engine Concept: Pure Excitement
Following the unexpected appearance of the 5-cylinder engine concept at EICMA 2025, MV Agusta is proud to share further insights into this engineering masterpiece, whose development is already underway within the R&D department at the brand’s headquarters in Schiranna, Italy.
This all-new 5-cylinder “quadrato” engine platform represents the next step in performance, innovation, and Italian engineering excellence.
Developed to redefine expectations across multiple segments - from Supersport to Naked and Touring - this new platform marks a bold step forward in MV Agusta’s ongoing pursuit of perfection.
With a modular displacement range from 850 cc to 1150 cc, the platform is capable of delivering over 240 horsepower at more than 16,000 rpm and up to an astonishing 135 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm, all while maintaining exceptional smoothness and compactness.
Weighing under 60 kilograms, this 5-cylinder power unit combines lightness, balance, and advanced electrification, featuring both an electric water pump and electric oil pump to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.
Its architecture offers inherent advantages: thanks to its unique 5-cylinder firing order, the engine achieves outstanding torque delivery and rideability without the need for variable valve timing, ensuring both low-end usability and maximum power output.
A distinctive cranktrain layout, with a 3-cylinder front crankshaft and twin-cylinder rear crankshaft in “U” configuration, delivers remarkable smoothness and reduced vibrations, resulting in unparalleled refinement and dynamic balance.
The outcome is a narrower engine than an inline-four and shorter than a V4, setting a new benchmark for compact, high-performance design.
The debut of the 5-cylinder engine is planned for a highly anticipated model that is currently no longer in the line-up, which will be unveiled in the coming years.
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Bigger is not always better. Funny how all manufactures, keep producing bigger motorcycle motors, for the "next" bike. When truly what is needed is a more efficient, or more longevity motor. Or possibly instead of messing with a motor that already works great, they tweak the riders ergonomics.
I’m not following the “U” description. That implies a bended connection to the crankshafts which is unlikely.