Edited by: Giorgos Pallikaris
Over the decades, engine configurations have evolved to meet a wide range of automotive needs. From efficient four- and six-cylinder engines to beastly V12s, innovation has always found its way, pushing automakers to balance power and efficiency. Among the various configurations, three-cylinder engines have often been overlooked, as they are traditionally associated with budget-friendly midsize cars rather than high-performance ensembles.
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However, recent developments have turned this “humble” engine arrangement into a powerful powerhouse. Automotive engineers have harnessed turbocharging, hybrid technology and lightweight construction to squeeze impressive performance out of relatively tiny power units.
The 5 fastest models equipped with a 3-cylinder engine
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The Toyota GR Yaris is essentially a rally car for the road. It is equipped with a 3-cylinder 1,600cc petrol engine. and delivers 280 hp and 390 Nm of torque. At the same time, it is combined with either an 8-speed Gazoo Racing automatic transmission, or a 6-speed manual. It is 4-speed, has a top speed of 230 km/h and does 0-100 in 5.2 seconds. while it carries many technologies from the company’s racing cars that star in the WRC.
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The B-SUV, which has the driving and extremely fun to drive DNA of the Fiesta, is yet another proof that 3 cylinders work wonders. In the ST version, it is equipped with the 1,000 hp EcoBoost which with direct injection produces 170 hp and cooperates with a 48V mild hybrid system. The torque is at 248 Nm (with Overboost mode) with the top speed reaching 210 km/h and 0-100 coming in 7.4 seconds.
BMW i8
The BMW i8 redefined the concept of a hybrid sports car. Combining futuristic looks with innovative engineering, it featured a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine that combined with an electric motor, delivered a total system output of 375 horsepower. More specifically, the 3-cylinder gasoline engine produced 231 horses, while the electric motor produced 143 horses. The 0-100 time in just 4.2 seconds and the top speed of 250 km/h placed it in the supercar category, but its low sales brought its premature end.
Nissan ZEOD RC
The Nissan ZEOD RC was Garage 56’s entry at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014. It featured a turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine weighing only 40kg, producing 400bhp. At the same time, being a plug-in hybrid, it also had two electric motors with a combined power of an additional 300 hp. The set had a top speed of 300km/h and despite never making it to the production line, it remains a shining example of how three-cylinder engines can power record-breaking sets.
Koenigsegg Gemera
The crown for the most outrageous three-cylinder engine goes to the Koenigsegg Gemera. The 2-liter, 3-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine of this hypercar produces 600 horsepower on its own. Combined with three electric motors, the Gemera produces 1,700 hp, capable of sprinting from 0-100 in 1.9 seconds and having a top speed of over 400 km/h. Now the model has left the 3-cylinder and uses a V8 engine, producing a total of 2,300 horses.
Source: www.zougla.gr
