Downsizing is a trend that has been going on for several years, each successive generation getting a smaller engine. Increasingly stringent emission legislation and taxation rules have meant that large displacement engines have fallen out of favor. This has been coupled with many advances in technology such as cylinder shut off and the fitting of multiple turbo and superchargers.
Additionally, hybrid technology has enabled smaller four-cylinder engines to replace their larger predecessors. That is not to say that power output is reduced, in fact, many of the new replacements are actually more powerful. Here are 10 of the best examples available.
10 Mercedes-AMG A45 SL
The 2.0-liter unit found under the hood of the AMG A45 S puts out a massive 415 hp at 6750 rpm. The power output means this engine is one of the most powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinders ever produced. The A45 S is propelled to 60-mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 168 mph.
With a peak torque figure of 369 lb-ft of torque, the A45 S is provided with more than enough shove to rival almost all hot hatchbacks and sports cars. To aid cooling, the engine is mounted transversely with the air intake at the front. There are also two water pumps, the first for the cylinder head and the second for the engine block. Keeping AMG purists happy, and providing a talking point, each engine is hand-built by AMG in Germany's Affalterbach. Reliability should be a strong point, given Mercedes and AMG's reputations. As a consequence, servicing is only required every 12,500 miles or annually.
9 Ford Mustang Ecoboost
Strongly associated with the V8 muscle grunt, the Ford Mustang, as far as many purists are concerned, should only be sold with a 5.0-liter V8 under its hood. In fact, there is another option, Ford's 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged Ecoboost engine. Derived originally from the Ford Focus, this unit produces 330 hp that can be exploited through a 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The power is delivered well across the rev range due to a large turbocharger that minimizes lag.
One aspect of the engine that gives it an edge over the V8, is the fact it is around 200 lbs lighter than the V8. The weight reduction makes the Ecoboost more nimble and greatly improves handling. The Ecoboost has contributed to a number one rating in the sports car category according to Cars US News. Of course, compared to the V8 engine, noise is slightly lackluster, but Ford's active exhaust system does amplify the exhaust note, making it more like the V8.
8 Audi S3
The Audi S3's 2.0-liter TFSI 4 cylinder engine produces 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The car can go from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds and reach a 155 mph top speed. The torque, much of which is available from just 2000 rpm is really noticeable under acceleration, making for a very engaging and responsive drive.
Being a smaller displacement engine, fuel consumption is great, achieving 32.7 mpg combined. Regarding reliability, peace of mind is provided at least initially by Audi's four-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
7 Alpine A110 GT
French manufacturer Alpine has opted for a 1.8-liter, turbo four-cylinder to power its GT version. The unit puts out 288 hp allowing the GT to travel from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. 236 lb-ft of torque is produced, and being mid-engined, handling is great thanks to the even weight distribution.
The engine is fairly frugal, achieving 32.6 mpg. The same 1.8-liter engine can be found in all versions of the A110, albeit tuned differently. The same engine can also be found under its Renault cousin, the Magane RS, another powerful French offering.
6 Volkswagen Golf R
Arguably one of the most popular hot hatches, the Golf R, is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbo, four-cylinder unit. This engine produces 316-hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It is the latest version of Volkswagen's EA888, now in its fourth generation.
Given that emission regulations have continued to strengthen, a gas particulate filter is now fitted to all MK8 Golfs. This has made the new Golf R engine noise a bit suppressed, happily, this can be cured by selecting the optional titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic. This system is not only 15 lbs lighter, but really emphasizes the bangs and cracks from the engine.
5 Porsche 718 Cayman S
Slightly larger than most on this list, but similarly also a four-cylinder, the 718 Cayman S is powered by a 2.5-liter unit. Producing 345 hp at 6500 rpm, this turbocharged engine powers the Cayman S to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Despite being a smaller displacement engine, when compared to its predecessor, it is more powerful. The old engine was a 3.4-liter, 321-hp unit. The increase in torque is more noticeable, increasing from 273 lb-ft to 309 lb-ft and ensuring power can be delivered across the rev range. We'd happily buy the 718 Cayman over many of its rivals.
4 Toyota Supra
Recently introduced, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can now, for the first time be selected in the Cupra. Previously, the fifth-generation car was available with a BMW straight-six. The new four-cylinder is 100 kg lighter and means the car achieves almost 50:50 weight distribution for improved handling.
The unit produces 254-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, down on the six-cylinder, but as this is an option rather than a replacement, not that relevant. This is especially true when considering that the weight saving actually results in a 0-62 mph figure less than a second slower than the six-cylinder, 5.2 seconds vs 4.3 seconds. Both cars have a top speed of 155 mph so nothing is lost there and with a significantly cheaper list price, quite tempting.
3 Lotus Emira
The Lotus Emira is available with a V6, but also a similarly powered AMG-derived 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder. It is the same engine as found under the hood of the Mercedes AMG A45. The unit will produce around 360 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.
The 4 cylinder version will be available from mid to late 2022 and is expected to enable the Emira to go from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 170 mph. This AMG engine, as we discussed earlier, is one of the greatest four-cylinder engines ever made and is a great addition to the Emira engine lineup. The car, similarly, has some great features.
2 Honda Civic Type R
Powering the Type R is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder VTEC engine that is essentially an updated version of its predecessor. Variable valve timing (VTEC) and a turbocharger enable the unit to produce 316-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the previous versions, torque is more evenly spread through the rev range, resulting in improved responsiveness all the way up to the 7000 rpm redline.
Advancements in tuning mean the current version is 10 hp more powerful than the version that came before. The previous engine, which this new version is heavily based, has proven to be reliable and this reputation should be set to continue.
1 Jaguar F-Type
The base offering within the F-type range, the 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder found in the F-type's engine bay produces 296 hp. Available only as a rear-wheel-drive option, and Badged as P300, familiar to those who know Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) products, this gasoline engine can be found in the Jaguar E-Pace and Range Rover Evoque amongst others.
The engine is part of JLR's Ingenium range and utilizes a twin-scroll turbocharger with friction-reducing ceramic ball bearings. Maximum torque is generated from just 1500 rpm and is delivered across the rev range. 0-60 mph is reached in just 5.4 seconds and the car goes on to top out at 155 mph.