Summary
- Four-cylinder engines have become potent and powerful, allowing them to be used in a wide range of vehicles, including high-performance cars and SUVs.
- Turbocharging has become the preferred method of generating power in four-cylinder engines, offering increased performance and fuel efficiency while reducing turbo lag.
- Performance-focused cars with four-cylinder engines now offer practicality and features similar to SUVs, catering to daily driver needs while still providing exhilarating driving experiences.
Under the hood of any normal vehicle, you expect to find an engine, and most likely it will be a four-cylinder engine. This engine configuration is what powers most vehicles on the road from compact vehicles to big SUVs. In the past, most big vehicles made use of a V-8 engine to power them because of their heft. But in recent times, the four-cylinder has become so potent that it is widely used on almost any vehicle.
But when it comes to performance, most vehicles have to switch to bigger engines. The smaller high-performance cars do not have to do this, and it has led to some of the most incredible new cars. High-end cars and SUVs use big V-6 and V-8 engines, power, and trick engineering to make them fun. But the four-cylinder units are some of the most exciting cars. This has led to a host of new vehicles and innovations despite the mass focus on SUVs
Introduction Of Newer Vehicles To The Market
Most manufacturers have focused on the production of SUVs. Even Ford has completely ditched their sedans in favor of trucks and SUVs with the Mustang being their only vehicle. But manufacturers like Honda, Subaru, and VW have continued to offer high-performance versions of their regular compact vehicles. Mazda may not have the Speed line of performance cars but the Turbo 3 and Miata coupe are great vehicles.
Even Hyundai who came late to the performance game have some of the most exciting cars. Their N performance division makes some of the most precision-driving vehicles. The Elantra N may look very busy but drives very well. All of these cars are made possible because they make use of the trusty four-cylinder engine. Although they still have to meet strict emissions targets, they don’t have to make huge changes like the bigger engines and this allows them to continue being exciting.
More Turbocharged Engines
High-revving naturally aspirated four-bangers used to be how these engines were made. They never used to chase big power but fun and engagement. Cars like the Honda S2000 and the first gen Honda Civic Type R would rev to 9,000 RPM where they made full power. They also made some of the best sounds when hitting the high notes. But in recent times, such engines are not favorable anymore, and high revs have been traded for low-down torque.
Turbo Vs. Naturally Aspirated Engine
|
Vehicle |
2022 Honda Civic Type R |
2022 Toyota GR 86 |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
Turbo four-cylinder |
NA four-cylinder |
|
Displacement |
2.0 liters |
2.4 liters |
|
Power |
330 horsepower |
230 horsepower |
|
Torque |
310 pound-feet |
184 pound-feet |
Turbo charging has become the go-to way of making power as most of its disadvantages have been eliminated. Modern turbo technology does not suffer from the huge turbo lag earlier turbo cars used to have. While it still exists, it has been significantly reduced and allows these engines to feel linear just like the naturally aspirated ones. It also allows manufacturers to play with the sound of loud overruns like the Hyundai Elantra N.
More power with the same displacement or less is also a great side effect of turbocharging these engines. While bigger engines have to downsize or even change engine configuration, these engines can maintain their size and make more power. They still get to maintain great fuel economy since they’re smaller and with the turbos, they can be driven normally and still get great gas mileage.
Even Bigger Performance Vehicles Are Switching To Four Cylinder Engines
As previously mentioned, many big SUVs and performance cars are switching to smaller engines. This has allowed the four-cylinder powered vehicles to remain as exciting as they’ve always been. The most recent vehicle to make this switch is the Mercedes C63 E performance which made a drastic change from a V-8 to an inline four. This is the same phenomenal four-cylinder engine in the Mercedes A45 AMG which is the most powerful four-cylinder engine. But with the hybrid assist in the C63, it makes 670 horsepower.
Another vehicle is the new Lotus Emira which is known for the V-6 engines sourced from Toyota. But they’ve also partnered with AMG and used the same four-cylinder engine from the A45. Many manufacturers also offer four-cylinder options for their performance cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro.
They Are Just As Practical As Crossovers
There are a lot of expectations from performance cars these days. In the past, you could get away with cheap interiors and basic features but not anymore. Most SUVs and Crossovers offer great practicality and features. These performance cars are now being adapted to suit daily driver needs. They have better interior features, better technology, and cars like the Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra have done a good job of blending these requirements.
The Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra used to be two-door sports cars but not anymore. They are now four-door hatchbacks but are much bigger, back seats can easily fit full-size adults and their hatches give them enough room similar to any crossover. Even hatchbacks like the Golf R have become even more usable than their predecessors. Some of these cars have power-operated seats, power trunk openers, keyless entry, remote start, and many more creature comforts.
All-wheel drive is another great practical feature being used on these cars now. Cars in this segment are mainly front-wheel drive vehicles since they don’t have big power. But all-wheel drive is being fitted to them foe more usability in all conditions. Having an all-wheel drive practical performance car with adequate power gives you the power when you need it but the utility in less than ideal condition. The Subaru WRX has always had this as well as the discontinued Ford Focus RS, and now the VW Golf R and Mercedes A45 AMG
They’re a lot of advantages to owning cars like this, if you do not have a large family they work just fine. You get a smaller vehicle that doesn’t weigh so much, has a smaller footprint, gets good gas mileage, and can fit five people with good luggage space. The Mazda 3 in general even does a good job with a premium feeling interior similar to what you get in their SUVs. When it’s time to have fun, these types of cars offer them in full without breaking the speed limit.
Four-Cylinder Cars Still Have A Long Lifespan
The rest of the automotive world is looking for other solutions like hybridization and electrification to keep making power. These four bangers are just beginning to explore their capabilities. The Honda K-series engine has shown that these engines are capable of handling more power. But big power was never the goal of four-cylinder performance cars. They’ve always been about maximum fun with adequate power, cars like the Mazda Miata and Toyota GR86 prove this point.
Without the need for massive power, cars with these types of engines can stay around a lot longer than others. Many of these high-performance four-cylinder engines are well under 400 horsepower. Knowing the automotive industry it would take almost another decade before we see stock 500 horsepower four cylinders. This means while the rest of the other engine configurations are going extinct, many will start looking to the four-cylinder as the performance engine of choice.
Some of the most exciting cars with four-cylinder engines include:
- Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ
- Mazda Miata
- Toyota Supra
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Ford Mustang Ecoboost
- Subaru WRX
- Volkswagen Golf GTI/ R
- Lotus Emira
- Audi S3
- Mercedes A45 AMG
- Porsche Cayman
Source
https://www.topspeed.com/the-current-state-of-four-cylinder-high-performance-cars/
