As the adage goes, true beauty lies within. Cars can easily be good-looking with posh interiors and sharp exterior design. What’s under the hood might not be that appealing to look at with all the wires and contraptions, but some manufacturers made sure the engine bays they made are works of art, too.Many drivers fail to appreciate the inner workings of their cars. For gearheads, tuners, and backyard mechanics, what’s under the hood is a treasure trove. This compartment is all about function, but it doesn’t mean that only mechanics can appreciate it. Right there is the bay that hugs one of the busiest car components—the engine—but even so, most drivers ignore it come cleaning time. That’s a no-no as it needs proper attention, too.The engine is where the magic happens, and most brands just cover it with materials like plastic. That’s fine but for the busiest part of a vehicle, the engine needs a good home. Listed below are some of the coolest four-cylinder engine bays that deserve lots of stares and praises.
10 Honda Civic Type R VTEC
The Civic Type R’s VTEC engine is worthy of a good bay since it boasts 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. torque, making it a competitive racing machine. Honda’s turbocharging prowess is evident in this compact car.
The engine alone exudes strength and the clean arrangement of the bay is a mechanic’s dream. Under the hood, the Type R is a sight for sore eyes.
9 Saab B234R
Saab 9000 probably has one of the best four-pot engines made by the now-defunct company. Beyond power and performance, it is versatile. It is known for having a ‘slant’ design, which is rare nowadays, but it is straightforward when it comes to delivering a satisfying drive.
In 1996, the B234 was named one of the world's best engines by Ward's AutoWorld. It looks solid and clean; the engineers made sure to make a convincing Saab story.
8 Mitsubishi 4G63T
Launched during the "turbo era" of the '80s, the 4G63T played an important role in making the Lancer Evolution one of the most famous Japanese domestic market vehicles. Considered by some as among the best, this engine knows how to impress.
Though heavier, it has a solid build from its iron block to the cylinder head. Ask any gearheads and JDM lovers, and they would mention this machine as a worthy companion on the road.
7 Alfa Romeo Giulia
This Italian machine has a turbocharged engine with aluminum blocks. Though it is not as muscular as its counterparts, it’s not shy of delivering pure performance. It’s sweet and simple.
The turbocharger, intercooler, and a wet sump system are incorporated in the liquid-cooled engine, all working to deliver good acceleration (0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds). The silky-looking engine defines black beauty.
6 Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
This 2+2 coupe sports an engine bay that looks like a map: easy to navigate and good in the eyes. The BRZ can produce 228 hp and torque of 184 ft-lb. The 86, meanwhile, has the same torque but with 205 hp.
This user-friendly engine is all about quick work: it does not have plastic covers and does not complicate with a legion of screws and such. For the hands-on, the engine bays of this twin are perfect hangout spots.
5 Honda Integra Type R DC2
Just like the Civic, the Integra Type R has a VTEC engine, and it can deliver up to 195 hp. The improved engine has better inlet valves, light connecting rods, a larger bore exhaust, and a wider throttle frame.
The list goes on when it comes to the capability of this JDM, from its performance to its looks. The red on the top of the engine is appealing. Its head was hand-finished, so every piece is a labor of love.
4 2011 Subaru WRX STI
The engine bay of this sedan is a colorful mix of red, yellow, metallic chrome, and black. Its EJ207 engine has an aluminum alloy block and cylinder top, matched with belt-driven dual overhead camshafts.
It's not all about the looks under the hood as the engine can give 310 hp and torque of 290 lb-ft. Without being too technical, the engine bay is pleasing – it’s like a treasure cave without the maze and puzzles.
3 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S
Mercedes-AMG claims the A 45 has the most powerful 4-pot turbocharged engine. It is proud of the car's 421 hp and the fact that it can go from 0-100 mph in just 3.9 seconds. What a champion.
This subcompact has a busy engine bay without the mess. The front-facing intake and exhaust and turbo in the back lowered the engine height, making the hood aerodynamic. This well-engineered car is a mechanic’s dream.
2 Audi S3
The S3 has an inline 4-cylinder engine with an aluminum alloy head. It is dressed with improved pistons, bolts, mounts, and rings plus reinforced connecting rods. All that to strengthen its service, not just to look solid.
The engine bay has a sleek, modern look. With an increase in its performance, Audi made sure that S3’s TFSI engine has a good-looking home.
1 Ford Focus RS
The Focus RS is equipped with a reliable Duratec turbo engine. The design is simple because it need not be overly glamorous to convince anyone that it is a performer.
Looking under the hood of this model is cool, thanks to the sight of the blues and some yellows. For the Blue Oval, home is really where the heart is and by the looks of the RS engine bay, they mean well. The Focus RS has a happy retirement, for sure.