We’ve all heard the phrase: “there’s no replacement for displacement,” but what if there is? Smaller and more efficient engines are replacing bigger motors, but that doesn’t mean they’re duds.
We asked our editors what their favorite car is that features a diminutive engine. Only 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines were allowed, although forced induction, hybrids, and diesels could have been picked too. Let’s see what they said:
Jodi Lai, Managing Editor: Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster
Sami Haj-Assaad, Features Editor: Volvo S60 Polestar
Dan Ilika, Road Test Editor: Audi S3
Craig Cole, Associate Editor: Audi A4
Jason Siu, News Editor: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 AMG
Jonathan Yarkony, Editorial Director: VW Golf R
Michael Accardi, GM Inside News: Chevrolet Camaro
Yes, I know, the 2.0T Camaro has been lambasted for not being a real muscle car, and it’s true, the 2.0 Camaro isn’t a muscle car — it’s a sports car. What the grousing fails to take into account is that wrapped around the 275-hp turbo four is one of the absolute best chassis you can buy. The lighter engine injects a sense of balance missing from the 6.2-liter V8-equipped SS.
If that doesn’t do it for you, word from the street has GM toying wit the idea of 1LE handling pack for 2.0T Camaros as well.
Sebastian Bell, VW Vortex: VW GTI
Just GTI.
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