Bhp

abbreviationStandard termAutomotive

A measurement of an engine's power output before drivetrain losses.

BHP stands for brake horsepower, the measure of an engine's raw power output measured at the crankshaft using an engine dynamometer. It represents the actual power the engine generates before parasitic losses from the transmission, differential, and water pump reduce the power delivered to the wheels.

Heard on the job

The factory rates this crate motor at 450 bhp, but it only puts down about 380 to the tires.