Forced induction is a highly effective way to enhance performance, prompting many automakers to replace naturally aspirated V8s with turbocharged inline-six engines, such as those in the 2025 Ram 1500.
While turbocharged engines have a reputation for being less reliable, several models have proven to be incredibly durable with proper maintenance. Some can even withstand extreme modifications, making them ideal for high-performance applications.
Despite concerns over longevity, advancements in engineering have made many turbocharged engines just as dependable as their naturally aspirated counterparts, offering both impressive power and resilience when well cared for.
1. Toyota Mk IV Supra – 2JZ-GTE VVT-i
The 2JZ-GTE VVT-i, part of Toyota’s JZ series, is a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six engine produced from 1997 for the Toyota Supra Mk IV. Known for its durability, it features a cast iron block, oil jet sprayers for piston cooling, and an aluminum cylinder head with sequential twin turbos and an intercooler.
As the most powerful engine in the JZ lineup, it excels in performance and tuning potential, capable of reaching around 1000 hp without modifying its hot-forged internal components. Its legendary reliability and strength have made it a favorite among enthusiasts and tuners worldwide.
2. BMW M5 Competition – S63 V8 Twin Turbo
The BMW S63 is a high-performance 4.4L twin-turbo V8 introduced in 2011 for the M5, making it the first turbocharged M5 engine. An improved version of the N63, it features twin-scroll turbochargers and a cross-engine exhaust manifold for efficient turbo spooling.
Later versions incorporated Valvetronic variable valve lift, working alongside Vanos for optimized performance, along with a higher compression ratio and increased turbo boost.
These enhancements raised the redline from 6,800 to 7,200 rpm. Producing up to 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in the M5 Competition, the S63 remains a powerhouse in BMW’s M lineup.
3. Chevrolet Camaro – 2.0L Turbo (LTG)
The Chevrolet 2.0L Turbo LTG is a 2.0L inline-four twin-scroll turbocharged direct-injection engine from the Gen 3 Ecotec family.
It features an electronically controlled wastegate, an air intercooler, a stainless steel dual-scroll exhaust manifold, and a rotacast aluminum cylinder head with sodium-filled exhaust valves for better thermal conductivity.
Producing 279 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, it powers several GM vehicles, with its highest output found in the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro. The LTG is known for its balance of efficiency and performance, making it a versatile option in GM’s lineup.
4. Volkswagen GTi – EA888
The VW EA888 is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine used across the Volkswagen Group, including the Porsche Macan, Audi TTS, and VW Golf R. Producing 316 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, it features a thin-walled cast iron block, lightweight internals, direct fuel injection, and high-precision sintered camshaft lobes.
With variable valve timing and lift for both intake and exhaust valves, it also includes an aluminum cylinder head with a water-cooled exhaust manifold and a KKK K03 turbocharger. Introduced in 2022, the EA888 balances performance and efficiency, making it a staple in high-performance VW Group models.
5. ToyotaCelica GT-Four – 3SGTE
The Toyota 3S-GTE is a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine from the Toyota S series, produced from 1986 to 2017. Used in models like the Celica GT-Four and MR2, it features a cast iron block, aluminum cylinder head, and LASRE technology for reduced weight.
Based on the naturally aspirated 3S-GE, it includes dual overhead cams, a 16-valve head designed by Yamaha with pentroof combustion chambers, and a cross-flow intake and exhaust layout.
The engine also has aluminum pistons with oil jet squirters, along with a forged crankshaft and connecting rods, making it both durable and performance-focused.
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6. Mercedes-Benz SLC 43 – M276 DE30LA
The Mercedes-Benz M276 DE30LA is a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine that powers various AMG models, including the SLC 43. Produced between 2019 and 2021, it delivers 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.
Built with an aluminum block, it features Nanoslide cylinder wall coating to reduce friction and weight compared to traditional cast iron sleeves.
This engine incorporates direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts with 2-stage timing, and hydraulic vane-cell camshaft adjusters for independent variable valve timing.
Designed with a 60-degree vee angle for improved refinement, the M276 DE30LA also includes a lightweight aluminum cylinder head, water cooling, and a wet sump lubrication system.
These features contribute to enhanced efficiency, durability, and performance. The SLC 43 AMG utilized the most powerful version of this engine, making it a key component of Mercedes-Benz’s performance lineup.
7. Saab 900T – B202
The Saab B202 is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine from the Saab H series, produced from 1981 to 2010. Developed as an evolution of the Saab B engine, the “H” designation refers to its high-compression design.
The engine lineup featured a slanted inline-four configuration, with the B202 emerging in 1984 when a 16-valve dual overhead cam cylinder head was added to the earlier single-cam B201.
This upgrade significantly improved efficiency and performance, making it a defining feature of Saab’s turbocharged models, including the Saab 900T.
Constructed with a grey cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, the B202 featured hydraulic valve lifters and a pentroof combustion chamber for enhanced airflow and combustion efficiency.
Over the years, different turbochargers were used, including the Garrett T25, Garrett GT1752S, and MHI TD04HL-15G-S in older Saab 900T models. Known for its durability and tunability, the B202 played a key role in establishing Saab’s reputation for turbocharged performance and innovation.
8. Subaru WRX STI – EJ257
The Subaru EJ257 is a 2.5L turbocharged flat-four engine from the EJ series, designed specifically for the WRX STI. Introduced in 2008 and still in production, it delivers 304 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
As part of Subaru’s renowned boxer engine lineup, the EJ257 features a 16-valve design with a horizontally opposed layout, improving balance and lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. Known for its durability and tunability, this engine has become a favorite among enthusiasts for its high-performance capabilities and rally heritage.
Constructed with an aluminum semi-closed deck block and cylinder head, the EJ257 utilizes sequential multi-port fuel injection and dual overhead camshafts. Its variable valve timing system optimizes both intake and exhaust profiles for improved efficiency and power delivery.
The engine’s design enhances thermal efficiency and allows for extensive aftermarket modifications, making it a staple in Subaru’s performance lineup and a key component of the WRX STI’s racing pedigree.
9. BMW M240i – B48
The BMW B58 is a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine introduced in 2015 and used in various BMW performance models, including the 2024 M240i. Producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, it is an evolution of the N55 engine, featuring an aluminum closed-deck block and an aluminum cylinder head.
With an increased compression ratio and displacement, the B58 is designed for improved efficiency and power. It incorporates a twin-scroll turbocharger and an integrated water-to-air intercooler within the intake plenum, enhancing responsiveness and thermal management for optimal performance.
This engine utilizes BMW’s advanced technologies, including double VANOS variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable valve lift, improving efficiency and throttle response.
The bottom end is reinforced with a forged steel crankshaft and forged connecting rods, ensuring durability under high-performance conditions. The B58 has gained a reputation for reliability and tunability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts while also serving as the foundation for BMW’s modern turbocharged inline-six engines.
10. Honda K20c1
The Honda K20C1 is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine from the K-series, introduced in 2015 and widely recognized for its performance in the Civic Type R. Producing 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, it features Honda’s signature VTEC system with a mono-scroll turbocharger and an air-to-air intercooler.
Designed for high-performance applications, the K20C1 also powers the Ariel Atom, showcasing its versatility and capability. Built with an aluminum block, it incorporates cast iron cylinder sleeves with plateau honing and reinforced main bearing caps for added durability under high stress.
Internally, the engine is equipped with a lightweight forged steel crankshaft, heat-forged high-strength steel connecting rods, and lightweight pistons for enhanced strength and efficiency. Its aluminum cylinder head features water-cooled exhaust ports, optimizing thermal management.
Additionally, the K20C1 utilizes variable valve timing control for both intake and exhaust, along with Honda’s variable valve timing and lift electronic control (VTEC) for improved power delivery. These features make the K20C1 a high-revving, reliable, and tunable engine favored by enthusiasts and racers alike.
Forced induction has transformed the automotive industry, allowing smaller displacement engines to deliver incredible power while maintaining efficiency.
The engines highlighted here exemplify the pinnacle of turbocharged engineering, combining durability, performance, and adaptability.
Whether it’s the legendary Toyota 2JZ-GTE, the high-revving Honda K20C1, or the powerful BMW B58, these engines have proven their reliability and tuning potential across generations of enthusiasts and motorsports applications.
As technology advances, turbocharged engines continue to push the boundaries of performance while improving efficiency and longevity. With proper maintenance and engineering innovations, they rival—and sometimes surpass—the reliability of their naturally aspirated predecessors.
Whether in factory form or heavily modified, these engines serve as benchmarks in the evolution of forced induction, ensuring that high-performance driving remains exhilarating for years to come.
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