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20 Cars With Engines So Good They Became Legends All by Themselves

Cameron Eittreim July 11, 2025

In the world of automobiles, some engines transcend the vehicles they inhabit, becoming icons of innovation, performance, and culture. These powerplants aren’t just mechanical hearts; they represent milestones in engineering and have left lasting imprints on both the road and the racetrack.
From thundering V8s to high-revving inline-sixes, these engines are revered for their unmatched reliability, exhilarating character, and influence on generations of enthusiasts.
It’s no wonder that many of these masterpieces are celebrated not only for their technical brilliance, but for the legends they inspired, both in motorsport and automotive history.
Join us as we explore 20 cars whose engines became legends all by themselves.

1. Toyota 2JZ-GTE

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The legendary 2JZ-GTE engine sits proudly under the hood of a Toyota Supra, showcasing pure performance engineering. | Photo by Антон Злобин on Pexels

The 2JZ-GTE engine from the Toyota Supra MkIV has achieved near-mythical status among enthusiasts. Renowned for its bulletproof reliability and astonishing tuning potential, this 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six has powered countless record-breaking builds.
Tuners around the globe have extracted well over 1000 horsepower from the 2JZ, making it a staple in both street and motorsports scenes.
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2. Honda F20C

Honda s2000 drifting cherry blossoms
The legendary Honda F20C S2000 engine sits proudly on display, showcasing its high-revving engineering brilliance. | Photo by Loifotos on Pexels

The Honda F20C, found in the S2000, stunned the automotive world with its record-breaking specific output for a naturally aspirated engine at launch. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder design features a screaming 9,000 rpm redline and the legendary VTEC system, delivering a rev-happy experience that pure driving enthusiasts crave.
The F20C’s high-revving character still captures hearts today.
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3. Chevrolet Small Block V8

3. Chevrolet Small Block V8
A gleaming Chevrolet Small Block V8 engine sits proudly under the hood, epitomizing classic muscle car power. | Photo by Olavi Anttila on Pexels

The Chevrolet Small Block V8 debuted in 1955 and quickly became an American icon. Its robust design and modular nature allowed it to power an astonishing range of vehicles, from Corvettes to family sedans and rugged pickups.
Affordable, endlessly upgradeable, and beloved by hot-rodders, this engine has seen countless variants and millions of builds over the decades.
Its legacy as the backbone of American performance is truly unmatched.
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4. BMW S54

4. BMW S54
The legendary BMW S54 inline-6 engine sits proudly in the E46 M3’s bay, showcasing precision engineering. | Photo by Mathieu Gervais on Pexels

The BMW S54 inline-6, most famously housed in the E46 M3, is a masterpiece of German engineering. Revered for its thrilling power delivery, high-revving nature, and mechanical durability, the S54 strikes a perfect balance between performance and daily usability.
Its sonorous exhaust note and eager response have cemented its place as a favorite among enthusiasts worldwide.
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5. Porsche Mezger Flat-Six

Porsche 911 carrera 4
The legendary Porsche Mezger flat-six engine sits proudly, its iconic turbochargers and precision engineering on full display. | Photo by Quentin Martinez on Pexels

The legendary Mezger flat-six, crafted by engineer Hans Mezger, is the beating heart behind the 911 GT1, 996, and 997 Turbo models. Famed for its racing pedigree, bombproof reliability, and immense tuning potential, this engine has become a hero among Porsche aficionados and collectors alike.
Its motorsport roots are evident in every rev, making it a true icon of German performance.
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6. Nissan RB26DETT

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A legendary Nissan RB26DETT Skyline engine gleams with polished components, showcasing iconic JDM engineering and performance heritage. | Photo by Pham Huynh Tuan Vy on Pexels

The Nissan RB26DETT, a twin-turbocharged inline-six, powered the legendary Skyline GT-R and earned the nickname “Godzilla’s heart.” Renowned for its robust design and exceptional aftermarket support, this engine dominated both Japanese motorsport and the global street scene.
Its ability to handle serious power upgrades has made it a favorite among tuners and racing enthusiasts.
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7. Ford Cosworth DFV

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The legendary Cosworth DFV F1 engine sits on display, showcasing its iconic design and historic racing pedigree. | Photo by Quentin Martinez on Pexels

The Ford Cosworth DFV V8 is a true Formula One icon, powering 12 world champions between 1967 and 1983. Its innovative, modular design made high-level racing more accessible and changed the face of motorsport.
With a staggering 155 Grand Prix victories, the DFV’s blend of power, reliability, and versatility still inspires awe among racing historians and engineers.
It remains one of the most successful engines in F1 history.
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8. Ferrari F140 V12

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The legendary Ferrari F140 V12 engine sits proudly in a pristine workshop, showcasing the heart of Ferrari supercar power. | Photo by Voisy Mirkovic on Pexels

The Ferrari F140 V12 made its debut in the legendary Enzo and still powers modern masterpieces like the 812 Superfast. This engine is revered for its spine-tingling sound and breathtaking power delivery. As one of the last great naturally aspirated V12s, the F140 stands as a symbol of Ferrari’s engineering artistry and relentless pursuit of performance.
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9. Mercedes-Benz M156 V8

9. Mercedes-Benz M156 V8
The legendary Mercedes M156 AMG V8 engine stands proudly, showcasing its performance pedigree and distinctive engineering details. | Photo by Luke Miller on Pexels

The Mercedes-Benz M156 V8 is an AMG masterpiece, handbuilt to perfection. This 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine delivers a unique blend of brute power and refined German engineering. Its thunderous sound and linear, responsive powerband earned it instant classic status among enthusiasts, making every AMG model it powered feel truly special.
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10. Mazda 13B Rotary

10. Mazda 13B Rotary
A pristine Mazda 13B rotary engine sits mounted in an RX-7, showcasing its unique twin-rotor design. | Photo by Deane Bayas on Pexels

The Mazda 13B rotary engine is a marvel of unconventional engineering, best known for powering the iconic RX-7. Its compact, lightweight design and smooth, high-revving character set it apart from traditional piston engines. While the 13B had its quirks, its distinctive sound and prowess in motorsport won the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. It remains a symbol of Mazda’s daring innovation.
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11. Alfa Romeo Busso V6

11. Alfa Romeo Busso V6
The legendary Alfa Romeo Busso V6 engine gleams under the hood, showcasing its signature polished intake runners and bold design. | Photo by Youness Hamiddine on Pexels

The Alfa Romeo Busso V6, designed by Giuseppe Busso, is beloved for its sonorous exhaust note and spirited performance. Found in classics like the Alfa 156 and GTV, this engine is celebrated for its lively nature and aesthetic beauty under the hood. Many enthusiasts consider the Busso V6 to be one of the most emotionally stirring and visually stunning V6 engines ever built.
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12. Subaru EJ20/EJ25

12. Subaru EJ20/EJ25
A legendary Subaru EJ20 WRX flat-four engine sits on display, showcasing its iconic turbocharged design and mechanical detail. | Photo by Justin Choi on Pexels

Subaru’s EJ20 and EJ25 flat-four engines are true rally legends, powering the WRX and STI to global fame. Their distinctive boxer rumble and turbocharged surge made them beloved by both tuners and rally drivers. The EJ-series engines are celebrated for their character, resilience, and motorsport pedigree, helping to define Subaru’s performance image worldwide.
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13. Dodge Hemi V8

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A powerful Dodge Hemi V8 engine gleams under the hood, showcasing classic muscle car engineering at its finest. | Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

The Dodge Hemi V8 is a cornerstone of American muscle, famed for its hemispherical combustion chambers that deliver both power and durability. From the legendary 426 Hemi dragsters of the ’60s and ’70s to today’s supercharged Hellcats, Hemi engines have become synonymous with brute force and performance. Their unmistakable roar and legendary torque make the Hemi an enduring icon.
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14. Volkswagen EA888

14. Volkswagen EA888
The powerful VW EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder engine gleams under the hood of a sporty Golf GTI. | Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

The Volkswagen EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder engine has become a modern legend, powering cars from the Golf GTI to various Audi models. Efficient, highly tunable, and remarkably versatile, the EA888 offers impressive performance alongside everyday practicality. Its widespread use and adaptability have made it a favorite among enthusiasts and commuters alike, cementing its reputation in the world of contemporary performance engines.
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15. Ford Flathead V8

15. Ford Flathead V8
A gleaming Ford Flathead V8 engine sits proudly in a classic hot rod, showcasing early V8 ingenuity. | Photo by Gaurav Kumar on Pexels

The Ford Flathead V8, introduced in 1932, revolutionized the automotive world by making V8 power accessible to everyday drivers. Its simple design and affordability sparked the birth of American hot rod culture and set a new standard for early performance. The Flathead V8 quickly became a symbol of ingenuity and freedom on the open road, beloved by generations of enthusiasts.
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16. Renault Gordini

1200px 1988 renault 9 gtl
A meticulously restored Renault Gordini rally engine showcases classic French performance engineering with polished components and signature blue detailing. | Photo by Phenyo Deluxe on Pexels

The Gordini-tuned Renault engines, most notably the 1.6L found in the Renault 8 Gordini, carved out a legendary status in European rallying. Their high-revving character and motorsport pedigree turned humble French sedans into competition icons. Gordini’s engineering brilliance became a defining element of French automotive heritage, inspiring generations of enthusiasts and racers alike.
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17. Jaguar XK Inline-6

17. Jaguar XK Inline-6
The legendary British inline-six Jaguar XK engine, famed for powering the iconic E-Type, gleams with polished metal and classic engineering. | Photo by Mick Latter on Pexels

The Jaguar XK inline-6 engine is a pillar of British motoring history, powering sports cars and sedans from 1949 through 1992—including the iconic E-Type. Renowned for its silky smoothness and legendary reliability, the XK engine set a benchmark for performance and engineering excellence. Its long production run and success on both road and track made it a defining element of Jaguar’s golden era.
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18. Lamborghini V12

18. Lamborghini V12
A gleaming Lamborghini V12 engine showcases Italian engineering mastery, with polished components and signature supercar details on display. | Photo by Quentin Martinez on Pexels

The Lamborghini V12 made its debut in the 350 GT and has since powered the brand’s most iconic flagships, from the legendary Miura to the modern Aventador. Its exotic wail and thrilling performance have become synonymous with Lamborghini’s uncompromising supercar image. Continually refined over decades, this V12 remains a symbol of Italian engineering and automotive passion.
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19. Toyota 4A-GE

19. Toyota 4A-GE
A pristine Toyota 4A-GE engine gleams under the hood, showcasing the classic heart of the iconic AE86. | Photo by Joaquin Delgado on Pexels

The Toyota 4A-GE engine, particularly renowned in the AE86, became a legend in grassroots motorsport and drifting circles. Its lightweight construction and high-revving nature delivered the perfect balance of agility and reliability. Beloved by tuners and driving purists, the 4A-GE helped cement Toyota’s reputation for building engines that are both durable and delightfully engaging.
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20. Peugeot XU9J4

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The legendary Peugeot XU9J4 rally engine stands out with its distinct red valve cover and intricate performance components. | Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels

The Peugeot XU9J4 16-valve inline-4 engine became a force in the world of rally and touring car racing, powering legends like the 405 Mi16 and 205 T16. Its high-revving character and robust design played a crucial role in Peugeot’s motorsport triumphs. The XU9J4 remains a celebrated engine among enthusiasts who appreciate French engineering prowess.
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Engines That Outlasted Their Cars

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A stunning collection of classic engines is showcased in an engine museum, highlighting decades of automotive innovation and craftsmanship. | Photo by Chris F on Pexels

These legendary engines have become far more than mere components—they are cornerstones of automotive history. Through innovation, uncompromising performance, and sheer character, they have transcended the cars they powered and gained lasting cult status.
Their influence is still felt today, inspiring modern engineering and fueling passionate communities of enthusiasts who keep their stories alive.
Whether on the racetrack, in garages, or at car meets, these engines continue to ignite imaginations.

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