EICMA 2025 has given a lot, in terms of new developments within the two-wheeled sector, but perhaps one of the most interesting is the engine. “VR5 Cinque Cilindri” which MV Agusta exhibited at its stand and which, on the other hand, has not expanded too much when it comes to offering information about it.
A mechanism that could be intended for different uses, both commercially and sportingly, if we take into account the latest steps taken by the Italian firm.
In this render, created by @carbonomantis, you can enjoy a 3D panoramic view of this “VR5 Cinque Cilindri” engine from the Italian brand.
MV Agusta VR5 Cinque Cilindri: What we know
The recently shown conceptual V5 engine called “VR5 Cinque Cilindri” mainly leaves the door open to different possibilities of use. Starting with the creation of a new range of F5 models that would join the current F3 and F4, with three and four inline cylinder engines. But it is also viable to think that this platform could end up being mounted on a future MotoGP of the brand…
In fact, and as we already know, the regulations of the World Speed Championship will change in 2027 and based on this, the current brands that already compete in it are in full development of the new generation engines that will end up powering the prototypes approved for this purpose. Within this theory, it is not the first time that there has been open talk of the possible return of MV Agusta to the “Continental Circus.”
Let us remember that the partnership between MV Agusta and Giacomo Agostini remains the most famous in the history of motorcycling: during his career on Cascina Costa motorcycles, “Ago” won 13 world titles, 18 Italian championships and 10 Tourist Trophies, becoming the most successful rider in the history of motorcycling.
At this point, the option of the “VR5 Cinque Cilindri” engine opening a new era for the brand within high competition is totally viable. Beyond possible assumptions, as for the engine itself, we would be talking about a V-shaped prototype at approximately 15º, with a displacement between 850 cc and 1,100 cc, which would follow a scheme similar to that used by VW in its VR5 models.
This technical architecture has also been used, at the time, within the world of two wheels, in the exclusive Horex VR6. At the time, it had a 15º V-shaped six-cylinder transverse engine with a displacement of 1,200 cc.
In the case of the MV Agusta engine, the “VR5 Cinque Cilindri” is presented with an architecture of three cylinders at the front and two at the rear, mounting a triple camshaft where the central one would control the intake valves and the two outer ones would do the same with the exhaust valves. Thinking back, we saw this distribution configuration in the Suzuki Falcorustyco prototype, presented at the 1985 Tokyo Motor Show, with a 4-cylinder in-frame engine (like that of the RG500) but with 4 strokes.
On the other hand, at a performance level we speak of a power around 240 HP, with about 130 Nm of maximum torque.
It is not clear when this VR5 Cinque Cilindri will debut, either in a production model, like the aforementioned F5, or in a competition motorcycle. The brand could be working on a new platform that would arrive no earlier than two or three years, as reported by several international media.
So, for now, we just have to wait for new information on the subject or for the Italian brand itself to reveal its future plans, on and off the track.
