In the realm of automotive engineering, there’s an old adage that goes, “There’s no replacement for displacement.” The idea is that the larger the engine, the more power it can produce. But thanks to advancements in turbocharging technology, this isn’t necessarily the case anymore. A smaller engine with a turbocharger can deliver the same power and performance as a larger one, but with better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. In this blog post, we will delve into 15 excellent turbocharged engines that demonstrate this principle perfectly.
1. The BMW B58
The BMW B58 is a turbocharged inline-six engine that offers an impressively smooth and linear power delivery. It’s used in a variety of BMW models, including the M340i, M440i, and the Z4 M40i.
The engine combines a single twin-scroll turbocharger with a high precision injection system and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. This results in a power output of up to 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Despite its impressive performance, the B58 is also known for its efficiency, thanks to technologies like an integrated water-to-air intercooler and a heat management module.
2. The Mercedes-AMG M139
The Mercedes-AMG M139 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that holds the title for the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world. It can produce up to 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is an astounding accomplishment for an engine of its size.
The M139’s high power output is thanks to a turbocharger with roller bearings for reduced friction, an air-to-water intercooler, and a sophisticated fuel injection system. The engine is used in the Mercedes-AMG A45 and CLA45, where it delivers blistering performance while still offering reasonable fuel efficiency.
3. The Ford EcoBoost
Ford’s EcoBoost technology is a suite of turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engines designed to deliver power and torque consistent with larger displacement engines. The range includes engines from a 1.0-liter three-cylinder to a 3.5-liter V6.
The 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost, for instance, is used in the Ford F-150 Raptor, where it produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, it delivers impressive fuel economy for a truck of its size. The smaller 1.0-liter EcoBoost, on the other hand, provides the power of a traditional 1.6-liter engine with improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
4. The Porsche 911 Turbo S 3.8L Flat-Six
The engine in the Porsche 911 Turbo S is a 3.8-liter flat-six that’s been twin-turbocharged to produce an impressive 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This engine enables the 911 Turbo S to achieve a 0-60 mph time of just 2.6 seconds.
Despite its performance capabilities, this engine manages to be relatively efficient, thanks to technologies like variable turbine geometry (VTG), which optimizes the turbochargers’ response at low engine speeds. The result is a highly responsive and efficient engine that delivers the power and performance Porsche is known for.
5. The Audi 2.5L TFSI
Audi’s 2.5L TFSI engine is a turbocharged five-cylinder powerhouse that’s received numerous Engine of the Year awards. It’s found in the Audi RS3 and TT RS, where it produces 394 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
The engine’s turbocharger uses a twin-scroll design to minimize turbo lag and optimize power delivery. It also features Audi’s valvelift system, which adjusts the lift of the intake valves to improve combustion and efficiency. Despite its high performance, the 2.5L TFSI engine is known for its efficiency and smoothness.
6. The Volvo T8 Twin Engine
The Volvo T8 Twin Engine is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This setup delivers a combined output of 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.
The engine’s twin-charging system uses a supercharger for low-end torque and a turbocharger for high-end power, delivering a broad power band and excellent performance. The electric motor adds additional power while also improving efficiency, making the T8 Twin Engine an excellent example of how turbocharging and electrification can work together.
7. The Honda 1.5L Turbo
Honda’s 1.5L Turbo engine is a small but mighty powerplant found in the Honda Civic and CR-V. Even though it’s only a four-cylinder, this engine punches above its weight, delivering up to 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
The engine’s turbocharger helps it deliver a broad power band, with peak torque available from just 2,000 rpm. This makes for strong performance in everyday driving situations. Despite its power, this engine is also highly efficient, delivering excellent fuel economy in both the Civic and CR-V.
8. The Alfa Romeo 2.9L Bi-Turbo V6
The Alfa Romeo 2.9L Bi-Turbo V6 is a high-performance engine found in the Giulia Quadrifoglio. Developed in conjunction with Ferrari, this engine delivers a whopping 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines in its class.
The engine’s twin turbochargers are integrated into the exhaust manifolds to reduce turbo lag and improve throttle response. This, combined with a high-pressure direct injection system and a flat-plane crankshaft, results in an engine that delivers exhilarating performance while still being relatively efficient.
9. The Subaru FA20DIT
The Subaru FA20DIT is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Subaru WRX. Despite its relatively small size, this engine delivers a strong 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The engine uses a twin-scroll turbocharger for improved response and performance. It also features direct injection and a high compression ratio for improved efficiency. The result is an engine that delivers strong performance, yet is still efficient and reliable.
10. The Chevrolet LT2
The Chevrolet LT2 is a turbocharged 6.2-liter V8 engine found in the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. This engine delivers a potent 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines in its class.
The engine’s turbocharger helps it deliver a broad power band, with strong performance across the rev range. Despite its high performance, the LT2 is also known for its efficiency, thanks to technologies like direct injection and variable valve timing.
11. The McLaren M840T
The McLaren M840T is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the McLaren 720S. It delivers a blistering 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines in its class.
The engine’s twin turbochargers are arranged in a ‘hot V’ configuration, which places the turbochargers between the cylinder banks to reduce turbo lag and improve response. Despite its high performance, the M840T is also known for its efficiency, thanks to technologies like direct injection and variable valve timing.
12. The Volkswagen EA888
The Volkswagen EA888 is a family of turbocharged four-cylinder engines used in a range of Volkswagen Group vehicles, including the VW Golf GTI and Audi A3. These engines deliver a good balance of power, performance, and efficiency.
The latest version of the EA888 features a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, and variable valve timing for improved performance and efficiency. Despite their performance capabilities, these engines are known for their smoothness and refinement, making them a great choice for everyday driving.
13. The Hyundai Theta II GDI
The Hyundai Theta II GDI is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. It delivers a strong 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for these midsize sedans.
The engine’s turbocharger helps it deliver a broad power band, with strong performance across the rev range. Despite its power, the Theta II GDI is also known for its efficiency, thanks to features like direct injection and variable valve timing.
14. The Ferrari F154
The Ferrari F154 is a family of twin-turbocharged V8 engines used in several Ferrari models, including the 488 GTB and Portofino. These engines deliver a staggering amount of power, with the 488 GTB’s version producing 660 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque.
The F154’s turbochargers use variable boost management to deliver a broad power band and minimize turbo lag. Despite their high performance, these engines are also relatively efficient, thanks to technologies like direct injection and variable valve timing.
15. The Nissan VR38DETT
The Nissan VR38DETT is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine found in the Nissan GT-R. It delivers a potent 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful V6 engines in the world.
The engine’s twin turbochargers are mounted on top of the engine to reduce turbo lag and improve throttle response. Despite its high performance, the VR38DETT is also known for its reliability and durability, making it a great choice for high-performance driving.