The Most Potent Three-Cylinder Motors to Date

In an effort to curb emissions and improve fuel efficiency, automakers have embraced downsizing, resulting in more frequent implementation of three-cylinder engines. While not as widely embraced in the United States compared to other regions where compact urban vehicles dominate, their prevalence may surprise you. Known for their reduced weight, minimalist moving components, and typically smaller displacement compared to four-cylinder alternatives, these engines are well-suited for compact vehicles, where their slightly lower power output is less of a concern. Despite their reputation for efficiency, three-cylinder engines can also pack a punch, with some variants delivering up to 600 horsepower. So, just how potent can these three-cylinder powerplants be? We’ve compiled a list featuring the most robust examples ever manufactured.

The three-pot engines featured in this lineup boast a minimum output of 200 metric horsepower (PS), meeting the performance criteria for compact and subcompact vehicles. Performance specifications have been obtained directly from the respective manufacturers and have not been independently verified by
CarBuzz
through real-world testing.

Top-Rated Triple-Cylinder Vehicles

Ford Fiesta ST – 194 hp

The Ford Fiesta bid farewell last year, concluding a 47-year legacy that also marked the end of the Fiesta ST hot hatch. Ford justified its decision based on dwindling sales, changing consumer preferences leaning towards crossovers, and a focus on expanding product lines like electric vehicles. In the US, the Fiesta ST label was retired after the 2019 model year, depriving American markets of the latest edition with its impressive three-cylinder powerplant. Produced from 2018-2023, it featured an enhanced 1.5-liter ‘Dragon’ EcoBoost engine churning out 197 horsepower (equivalent to 200 PS) and 236 lb-ft of torque (exclusive to 2022-2023 models), all from a three-cylinder configuration. Despite any lingering doubts about triple-cylinder engines, these figures translated to a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph, all while retaining the Fiesta ST’s renowned nimble chassis that blended precise front-wheel drive handling with an enjoyable driving experience.

BMW i8 – 228 hp

The BMW i8 demonstrated innovation and defied conventional norms. It embodied a mid-engined design with supercar aesthetics and gullwing doors, emerging as a transitional archetype towards BMW’s venture into electrification. Unlike its electric counterparts, this model integrated a hybrid power unit comprising a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder in conjunction with a hybrid synchronous motor. The total power output reached an impressive 369 hp and 420 lb-ft, yet given the era’s technological limitations, it could only deliver 228 hp and 236 lb-ft from the combustion engine when the battery was depleted.

Spanning the production years from 2014 to 2020, the i8 showcased a swift 0-60 mph acceleration of four seconds under ideal circumstances, although it couldn’t entirely fulfill the promises implied by its exotic appearance.

Toyota GR Yaris – 300 hp

Toyota’s introduction of the GR Yaris post a halted motorsport initiative signified a remarkable automotive achievement and heralded a resurgence in the brand’s high-performance portfolio. The GR Yaris, alongside the GR86 and the new Supra, brought substantial performance enhancements to a modest compact hatch label, notably powered by the G16E-GTS engine.

A testament to engineering prowess, the GR Yaris housed one of the most potent three-cylinder engines ever engineered. Even before the 2024 update, it showcased an outstanding power density of 166 per liter, generating 268 hp. Notably, after an upgrade in January 2024, the power escalated to 300 hp and a specific power output of 187 hp per liter. Accompanying the power boost was a substantial torque increase to 295 lb-ft, transforming the compact hot hatch into a formidable machine. Its rally-derived AWD system, compact wheelbase, and various differentials with adaptable torque distribution between the front and rear axles bestowed the GR Yaris with diverse performance capabilities for every driving scenario.

Regrettably, the US market missed out on the GR Yaris due to the discontinuation of the standard Yaris hatch. However, as compensation, an equally appealing alternative was made available…

Toyota GR Corolla – 300 horsepower

Although the GR Yaris never made it to the United States, the Toyota GR Corolla did, bringing along all the essential mechanical components unchanged but housed within a larger and more practical body. It remains an all-wheel-drive, turbocharged hatchback with manual transmission and, notably, the 300-hp three-cylinder engine. This results in a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.9 seconds, quicker than the initial version of the GR Yaris.

Its most potent variant was limited to the debut year, with the Morizo Edition boasting increased torque (295 lb-ft), shorter gear ratios, and a rear-seatless configuration. Following model years have reached a maximum of 273 lb-ft, but we anticipate the GR Corolla to mimic the Yaris’ evolution and soon equip all regular models with that maximum torque. There are rumors of the impending arrival of the Yaris’ eight-speed automatic transmission to the Corolla, purportedly slated for the 2025 model year.

Nissan ZEOD RC – 400 horsepower

At the 2014 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the ZEOD RC made an appearance as the innovative ‘Garage 56’ contender, bearing a striking resemblance to the 2012 DeltaWing. This design similarity was intentional, optimized for aerodynamics, speed, and eventually, fuel efficiency. While it may give the impression of a trike, the ZEOD is equipped with two tires discreetly housed in the front. The likeness to the DeltaWing led to a legal dispute against the car manufacturer, which was resolved outside court with an undisclosed settlement.

Despite also featuring dual 148-hp electric motors, it was the heart of the ZEOD RC, a three-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo engine, that captivated enthusiasts worldwide. Despite its diminutive size and featherweight of merely 88 lbs, it boasted a power output of 400 hp and 280 lb-ft, a figure Nissan proudly claimed to surpass the power-to-weight ratio of Formula One cars of that era. Nissan even highlighted that the engine was as compact as a carry-on aircraft case, exemplified by NISMO President Shoichi Miyatani effortlessly cradling it in his arms. This powerplant was never intended for mass production, yet one can’t help but wonder about the possibilities it could have unlocked.

2020 Koenigsegg Gemera – 600 hp

Koenigsegg is behind the creation of the most potent three-cylinder engine seen to date, with one major catch – it has yet to enter mass production. While every other vehicle on this roster has had its engine crafted and utilized (even in competitive racing), the Koenigsegg Gemera never progressed to the production stage with a triple-piston powertrain. Nonetheless, this does not diminish the uniqueness of the Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG) powerplant.

The TFG model sports a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged three-cylinder engine packing impressive figures, claiming 592 hp and 443 lb-ft. Before the addition of an electric motor, these numbers were raised to a total output of 1,381 hp and 1,364 lb-ft (in the final version; the pre-production model utilized three electric motors and generated a total of 1,676 hp). A standout feature of the TFG was its absence of camshafts, employing Koenigsegg’s FreeValve technology with electro-hydro-pneumatically controlled valves, delivering enhanced power, efficiency, and reduced heft compared to a traditional engine.

However, the fate of the TFG story has encountered an obstacle. Following Koenigsegg’s unveiling of a V8 variant for the Gemera last year, so many purchasers chose the HV8 model that the manufacturer was compelled to persuade TFG enthusiasts to alter their preferences, and the TFG project has been indefinitely put on hold. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the appeal of the Gemera in any way since it remains a hyper-GT with all-wheel drive and exceptional performance capabilities.

Three-Cylinder Engines: The Advantages And Drawbacks Of the Compact Triple

In the automotive realm, three-cylinder engines typically adopt an inline configuration. When compared to an equivalent inline-four engine, turbocharged three-cylinders present numerous advantages as well as a few drawbacks.

Three-Cylinder Engines Are More Widespread Than You Might Imagine

Vehicles with three-cylinder powertrains are not restricted to hybrid oddities or sporty compact cars alone; the simple inline-3 engine can be found in various other models available for purchase. In the United States alone, numerous vehicles feature three-cylinder engines, many without a substitute four-cylinder variant:

• 2024 Chevrolet Trax
• 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
• 2024 Buick Envista
• Buick Encore GX
• Mini Cooper Countryman
• Mini Cooper Hardtop
• Mini Cooper Convertible
• Mitsubishi Mirage
• Mitsubishi Mirage G4
• Toyota GR Corolla
• Ford Escape
• Ford Bronco Sport
• Nissan Rogue
• Karma GS6

Some automakers might not emphasize the cylinder count in certain cases, and brands like Buick actively try to conceal this detail on their consumer-oriented websites. Nonetheless, the prevalence of the three-cylinder powerplant is expanding, and sooner rather than later, you are likely to come across one.

References:
Ford, BMW, Toyota, Nissan, Koenigsegg