You can admire a car’s looks all day, but the real magic happens under the hood. That’s where modern engineering steps in and flexes hard. Today’s best engines aren’t just about going fast; they’re about doing it smarter and louder in all the right ways. Curious which ones made the cut? Here comes the ten engines worth knowing about right now.

Toyota 2.5L Dynamic Force Engine (A25A-FKS)

Drivers looking for quiet performance and better mileage will appreciate the A25A-FKS. It’s a 40% thermal efficiency that boosts fuel economy without sacrificing power. It also uses dual fuel injection to optimize combustion and has already been proven in the Camry and RAV4. Plus, quiet operation makes it ideal for everyday use.

BMW 3.0L TwinPower Turbo Inline-6 (B58)

Looking for a high-performance engine with proven credentials? The B58 from BMW delivers up to 382 horsepower and powers models like the Supra and M340i. This features durable components, like a forged crankshaft, and delivers silky throttle response. Repeated praise on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list highlights its consistent excellence.

Chevrolet 6.2L V8 LT2 (C8 Corvette)

Chevrolet’s LT2 V8 powers the C8 Corvette with 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The mid-engine layout improves handling and showcases the engine through a clear bay. Additionally, direct injection sharpens performance, and active fuel management helps conserve fuel. A redline set at 6,600 rpm also produces strong output at higher speeds.

Honda 2.0L VTEC Turbo (K20C1)

The K20C1 makes the Civic Type R a front-wheel-drive legend with 315 horsepower. That power comes on fast, thanks to quick revs and barely any turbo lag. It’s also tough under pressure, using sodium-filled valves to manage heat. Best of all, this engine was built right at Honda’s Anna Plant in Ohio.

Ford 5.0L Coyote V8

Shoppers looking for V8 power with modern engineering should consider the Coyote 5.0L. Delivering 480 horsepower in the Mustang GT and even more in select trims, it blends raw strength with precision. Twin independent variable cam timing enhances responsiveness across the rev range. That signature growl? It also powers Ford’s performance trucks.

Mercedes-AMG 2.0L M139 Turbocharged I4

Who says a four-cylinder can’t hang with the big dogs? The AMG M139 punches out 421 horsepower and even outruns some old V8s. Hand-built by a single technician and signed with a nameplate, this engine doesn’t just go. No surprise—it’s the strongest production four-cylinder on the market.

Hyundai 1.6L Smartstream Turbo GDI

Hyundai’s 1.6L Smartstream Turbo GDI engine produces up to 201 horsepower and supports hybrid operation. It powers models such as the Elantra N and Sonata Hybrid. A key feature is Continuously Variable Valve Duration, which adjusts timing to improve adaptability. Its everyday performance has drawn praise from both drivers and critics.

Ferrari 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 (F154)

Anyone looking for top-tier performance should know about Ferrari’s 3.9L twin-turbo V8. With 710 horsepower in the F8 Tributo and near-instant torque delivery, it’s built for serious speed. The flat-plane crank helps it sing like a V12. Industry judges agree, as it has earned multiple “International Engine of the Year” titles.

Porsche 4.0L Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six

There’s something special about this flat-six. No turbochargers, no artificial boost, just 502 horsepower hitting 9,000 rpm with ease. Porsche still mounts it in the rear and hand-builds each one in Zuffenhausen. The high-rev howl remains a key reason so many gearheads stay loyal to the GT3 badge.

Mazda 2.0L Skyactiv-X

The Mazda 2.0L Skyactiv-X is the first commercial engine to use Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition. This technology allows it to combine diesel-like efficiency with the smoothness of a gasoline engine. CO2 emissions are reduced by nearly 30% compared to previous models, making it a cleaner option without compromising drivability.