The combustion changed the way we operate and our list of the ten best car engines of all time will change the way you think about cars. These engines changed the automotive world through innovation and performance.
Pistons, crankshafts and camshafts are more than just a bunch of metal parts working together in harmony. Buckle up as we power through the most iconic, terrifying and abused car engines ever:
10. Audi 2.5 TFSI
Audi’s five-cylinder engines have achieved cult status ever since it made its debut in the Audi 100 in 1976. After its phasing out in the 90’s, the five-cylinder stormed back in 2009 with the 2.5 TFSI.
The 2.5 TFSI makes for a stunning exhaust note and some serious power. In the Audi RS 3 model it can push up to 395 hp (294 kW). Don’t ask how, but Audi has somehow turned the oddity of five cylinders into a multi-award winning engine.
9. BMW S54
This isn’t the smoothest BMW engine, nor is it the quickest. With that said, the S54 is without a doubt charismatic especially for a German. In production between 2000 and 2008 the 3.2-liter inline-six delivered the distinctive sound that made the E46 M3 a hero.
Only the Honda S2000 and Ferrari 360 Modena had more horsepower per liter than BMW’s S54 making it one of the best car engines in history. The S54B32HP variant on the 2003 E46 M3 CSL delivered a terrifying 360 HP (265 kW).
8. Nissan VR38DETT
Used in the GTR since its launch in 2007, Nissan’s VR38DETT took seven years of testing and development for an engine worthy of replacing the RB26DETT. The result is a twin-turbo animal capable of handling 3046 hp (2240 kW).
The RB26DETT is specially hand built by only five trained “takumi” craftsmen with an individual nameplate badged on every entire. So powerful is the RB26DETT, the GT-R embarrassed the Porsche 911 on its home track at the Nurburgring.
7. Chevrolet LS V8
Over 100 million Chevrolet LS V8 engines have been produced. They’re favored because of their ability to handle more punishment and brutality than a Detroit winter, as well as coping with significant supercharger mods.
The fifth generation LS V8 is used in anything from Corvettes, Escalades and Tahoes. It’s the LT5 variant used in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 which is the pick of the bunch producing a thumping 755 hp (563 kW) of power.
6. Nissan RB26DETT
Nissan’s RB engines were built between 1985 and 2004. The 2.6-liter inline-six twin-turbo “Godzilla” engine is worshipped around the world by enthusiasts and street racers for its ability to take more punishment than a sumo wrestler.
Found in the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, R33, and R34, RB26DETT engines somehow remain as reliable as a Japanese train timetable despite the work done on them and the hammering they cop. Nissan even brought the RB26DETT back into production in 2019.
5. Porsche Flat-Six
Since 1963 the Porsche flat-six has been made famous by their rear-engined cars. The Flat-Six design sees three cylinders sit on each side of the central crankshaft with the flat formation lowering the center of gravity helping improve handling, stability and control.
Porsche flat-six’s is one of the best car engines we’ve ever heard. Its association with the 911 and its signature exhaust sound has earned it icon status. The 992.1 GT3 RS can pull off a ferocious 518 hp (386 kW) of power with the engine.
4. Bugatti W16
Introduced in 2005, the quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine made by Bugatti is an extraordinary engineering feat by the Germans with the engine tuned in the Bugatti Bolide peaking at 1,361 kW (1,825 hp).
Also found in the Veyron and Chiron, the engine is the only one to use 16 cylinders. Arranged in a “W” formation, the Bugatti W16 changed the game with the leap in power spawning a new definition we now know as hypercars.
3. Lamborghini V12
Since 1963 Lamborghini’s V12 engine has been terrorising our streets with the “Raging Bull” one of the best car brands in the world. The unmistakable testosterone-fueled roar has propelled the Lambo into a modern day flex.
The first-gen V12 made Lamborghini the company it is today. The second generation V12 engine the L539 launched in the 2011 Aventador pushing out 690 hp (515 kW), and the SVJ squeezing 760 hp (565 kW).
2. Ferrari F154
Since 2013 the Ferrari F154 engine has been tearing up roads and earning accolades along the way winning multiple awards. The 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is as sexy as it is scary, with its aggression edging it ahead of Lamborghini
The Prancing Horse’s F154 engine features in the 488, F8 and SF90. Extracting every bit of its incredulous power will squeeze upward of 769 hp (574 kW), and its iconic roar will leave you begging for more of the Italian.
1. Toyota JZ
Toyota is the best car brand in the world and the iconic JZ engine is the best car engine of all time. Made famous by Paul Walker’s antics in the Fast & Furious franchise, the JZ engine can cope with abuse and the mod options limitless, just like in the movie.
The hero of the JZ series is the 2JZ-GTE variant which is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 which was used to power the Supra RZ in 1993. The RZ is now one of the most sought after classics and is worth an absolute fortune.
