15 Best Engines Selling Today

For years, some have predicted his imminent demise. But the combustion engine is not dead at all - and will probably serve us for years to come. At the same time, it becomes more effective and less harmful.

As proof, the American publication Car & Driver has offered its version of the 15 best combustion engines currently available on the market. Unfortunately, some of them are available in the North American market (where the fight against carbon emissions is pretty emblematic), but not in Europe.

1-liter inline turbo petrol with 2,5 cylinders from Audi

Where: Audi RS3, Audi TT RS

American journalists got acquainted with this device in 2012 during the debut of the TT RS and found it "charming". This five-cylinder engine not only produces 400 horsepower at 7000 rpm, but 480 Nm at only 1700 rpm. Thanks to its unique design, it produces an unparalleled sound (thanks to the firing order 1-2-4-5-3).

It was also the first engine to use a cylinder block made of so-called "vermicular graphite", but apart from that there is nothing exotic in the design: 20 valves, direct injection, a compression ratio of 10,0: 1 and a turbine that provides pressure up to 1,36 , XNUMX bar. Press down hard on the pedal and you immediately feel the benefits of the extra cylinder.

2-liter SKYACTIV-G from Mazda

Where: Mazda MH-5

American journalists admit that they have long liked the fun nature of this engine, which Mazda makes small improvements every year. For example, the weight of each piston has been reduced by 27 grams, and the connecting rods are 41 grams lighter.

In addition, the exhaust valves and manifold are larger. The red line, which was previously at 6800 rpm, is now at 7500. Power has increased to 190 horsepower at 7500 rpm - almost thirty more horsepower than the original.

3-liter Twin-Turbo V-4,4 from BMW

Where: in many BMW models such as the M5 and X5M

The largest twin-turbo V8 on the list, although not the most powerful. This all-aluminum unit has been available since 2009 and has been used for a wide variety of Bavarian models including the M550i and 750i (in the N63 version) and monsters like the M5, M8 and X5 M (in the S63 version protected by the BMW M division).

It currently ranges from 530 to 625 horsepower, while the M models with the Competition package have a maximum torque of 750 Nm. In the C&D test, the M5 Competition accelerated from 0 to 96 km / h in just 2,6 seconds - much faster than official BMW figures.

4-liter V6,2 from Chevrolet

Where: Chevrolet Corvette

In the era of total domination of turbo engines, there are still cars with atmospheric engines. And quite spectacular. The new Corvette develops nearly 500 horsepower from its V8 and uses it to accelerate in 2,8 seconds to 96 km / h (with the Z51 package).

Even the more expensive and powerful versions of the C7 Z06 (650bhp) and the C7 ZR1 (755bhp) cannot get ahead of the more modest but new LT2 engine. We'll see this unit in the C8 Corvette Z06, the hyper ZR1 and the Zora hybrid.

5-liter V6,2 with compressor from Dodge

Where: Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

On paper, it's a real dinosaur: high volume, cast iron block, overhead valves and a huge Roots supercharger. But in practice, its capabilities are difficult to dispute: in the Hellcat models, this hemi produces 707 horsepower, and in the Redeye version, as much as 797.

The torque of 881 Nm can turn new tires into rags in minutes. The extra power comes from a larger 2,7-liter supercharger and an added second fuel pump.

6.The 3,9-liter twin-turbo V8 from Ferrari

Model: Ferrari 488 Pista, Ferrari GTCLusso T, Ferrari F8 Tributo, Ferrari Portofino, Ferrari SF90 Stradale

The Italians introduced this new generation of engines in 2014 with the California T, but they have been constantly improving it since then, and power has steadily increased from about 500 to over 710 horsepower (at 8000 rpm) and 770 Nm of maximum torque.

This is accomplished with a new flywheel, a completely new crankshaft and a set of titanium (and much lighter) connecting rods. In addition, Ferrari increased the compression slightly, replaced the exhaust system and even with the SF90 Stradale increased the volume to 4 liters and the power to 769 horsepower.

7-liter Twin-Turbo V-2,9 from Alfa Romeo

Where: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

This engine develops 510 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 600 Nm of torque at just 2500 rpm. The red line is at 6500 rpm, but in fact this engine can easily sprint up to 7 before the fuel supply is limited. This is the most powerful unit Alpha has ever produced and it looks like it has two more cylinders.

The claim that it was taken from Ferrari is a bit exaggerated - in fact, it was based on a V8 with a twin-turbo company from Maranello, but after that there were quite significant changes. The block and cylinder heads are made of aluminum, direct injection, 90 degree angle between the cylinders, two overhead camshafts, 24 valves and a compression ratio of 9,3: 1. You will also find it in the rear-wheel drive (Giulia Quadrifoglio) and 4-wheel drive model. × 4 (Stelvio Quadrifoglio).

8-liter TT V-3,5 High Output from Ford

Where: Ford F-150

The largest and most efficient (691 Nm) V6 engine on this list. This unit differs from the other twin-turbo V6 you'll find in the Ford GT supercar. High performance is standard on the Raptor and Limited versions of the best-selling vehicle in the United States.

It uses an aluminum block, direct injection and turbochargers from the stock 3,5-liter unit, but almost everything else is unique. The turbocharged pressure is 1,24 bar, the crankshaft and bearings are reinforced, the camshafts are lighter, and ultimately the three-ton pile sprints to 96 km / h in just five seconds.

9-liter twin-turbo V4 from Volkswagen

Where: many VW, Audi, Bentley and Porsche models

In fact, this unit can be found from the VW Touareg to all models of the group's luxury brands. Its most powerful version drives the Lamborghini Urus, which produces 650 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 850 Nm. Unsurprisingly, the massive crossover sprints from 96 to 3,1 mph in just XNUMX seconds, making it the fastest SUV ever tested by C&D.

The block is made of aluminum, the valves are 32, the turbochargers have a double spiral and are located between the cylinders. The red line is at 6750 rpm, but in fact this unit is most impressive at low rpms.

10-liter high power turbodiesel from Cummins

Where: Ram 3500

Even in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, Ram sales in America continue to grow. One of the main reasons is the diesel unit, which can pull the house along with the foundation. The High Output version has a maximum power of 400 horsepower and - hold your breath - maximum torque of 1355 Newton meters.

It is the most powerful diesel unit ever produced by a Cummins engine specialist, but it is also one of the smoothest and most efficient. The turbo runs at 2,27 bar and the compression ratio is 16,2: 1.

11-liter in-line turbo engine from Honda

Where: Honda Accord, Honda Civic Type R

The Japanese build the Civic Type R at a closed plant in Swindon, UK, but the two-liter DOHC engine is built in Anna, Ohio, USA.

It has an aluminum block with extra lightweight components and a reinforced forged steel crankshaft. The pistons have a cooling system taken directly from Honda Formula 1 engines.

With an additional 1,6 bar turbocharger and the ability to spin up to 7000 rpm, this unit is the most powerful unit ever sold by the Japanese in North America: 315 hp. 6500 rpm and 400 Nm. The power in the Accord is a little more modest, but still impressive.

12-liter V5,2 with compressor from Ford

Where: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

With 760 horsepower at 7300 rpm and 850 Nm at 5000 Nm, it is the most powerful production engine in Ford history. Called the Predator, or Predator, it shares its device with the atmospheric version of the Voodoo V8 GT350, but everything else is different.

Eaton's largest supercharger injects 0,82 bar into the cylinders. In fact, the torque is so great that a smooth start is a serious problem. Not to mention the monstrous sound that will wake everyone ten blocks away.

13-liter inline turbo from BMW

Where: many BMW models

It's available in single and twin turbo versions, but in both cases, this built-in six works as smoothly as Marvin Gaye's voice, C&D claims. In fact, there are two units with this volume in the Bavarian range.

One of them, the S55 / S58, drives the M2 and M4 sports motors and is a truly outstanding technological achievement with a magnesium oil pan, forged steel crankshaft and plasma treated cylinder walls. Power reaches 510 horsepower in the new models.

14-liter V-6,5 from Ferrari

Where: Ferrari 812 Superfast

Engine displacement is declining all over the world, but Ferrari won't give up its iconic V12 for a very long time. This unit, equipped with a special gas distribution system, rotates perfectly normal up to 9000 rpm.

The sound is not as loud as in the 911 GT3 or McLaren 720, but the sound touches to the core. And it proves once again that ministry engineers can be as creative as designers.

15 liter boxer from Porsche

Where: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, Porsche 718 Spyder

This is not just a weaker version of the engine used in the 911 GT3, but a completely different unit, in fact built on the basis of the three-liter boxers of the more modest 911 versions.

It is one of only two naturally aspirated units on the list with a 13,0: 1 compression ratio, variable valve timing and special valves in the intake manifold that can be opened wide when more air is needed. Porsche reports 420 horsepower at 7600 rpm, but the engine can easily churn out 8100 - with a Porsche-specific sound.