If a cross-plane crank has its crank pins on two planes intersecting perpendicularly, then it would make sense that a flat-plane crank would be the opposite. With engines that use this ...

Flat-plane V8 engines are some of the most powerful ever designed, so naturally, the cars they're in are potent as well.

Have you ever wondered how two V8 engines can sound so different? It may come down to the crankshaft — here's why a flat-plane crank sounds so distinct.

The Flat-Plane Crank Twist. According to Autocar, that’s exactly what Mercedes will do. In fact, it says that there’s another reason that the new V8 is quiet beyond new filters.

Only one modern Ford model used a flat-plane V8, and that same model can be bought for less than a brand-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse.