The Fastest Three-Cylinder Engine Cars Ever Made – CarBuzz

Over the decades, engine configurations have evolved to suit a spectrum of automotive needs. From efficient inline-fours and sixes to screaming V12s, and even the odd ones in between, innovation has always found its course, pushing automakers to balance power and efficiency. Amid the various configurations, three-cylinder engines have often been overlooked, traditionally associated with budget-friendly subcompacts rather than high-performance machines.

However, recent advancements have transformed this unassuming engine layout into a potent powerhouse. Automotive engineers have harnessed turbocharging, hybrid tech, and lightweight designs to squeeze out impressive performance from relatively tiny power plants – to the point that fast three-cylinder cars have become a reality amid the world of “no replacement for displacement.”

History Of The Triple

Three-cylinder engines date back to the early 20th century, primarily found in motorcycles and small city cars where space and efficiency trump outright power. Among the early three-pot cars was the Rolls-Royce 15 hp, which happened to also be one of the first four cars produced after an agreement between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. Only six were made then, but the rest after that, as they say, was history.

Rolls-Royce

One of the oldest and most respected ultra-luxury automakers, Rolls-Royce was established in 1904 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. The duo quickly made a name for themselves as excellent engineers, and later on developed aeroplan engines through the world wars. In the early 70s, the business was liquidated and some parts of it bought over by a government-owned company. It was sold to the public in 1987, and since 2003, has been a subsidiary of Rolls-Ryce Holdings plc. It is recognized as a leader in ultra-high-end coachbuilt cars that require a substantial outlay to acquire.

Founded

1906 (Rolls-Royce Limited)

Founder

Charles Rolls & Henry Royce

Headquarters

Goodwood, England

Owned By

BMW

Current CEO

Chris Brownridge

The inherently compact design of the straight three, together with fewer moving parts and its light weight, makes the three-cylinder an ideal choice for frugal commuters. Over time, manufacturers realized their potential in performance applications, thanks to advanced materials and turbocharging technologies. From rally-inspired hot hatches to hybrid supercars, these engines are no longer limited to fuel-sipping economy vehicles.

8 2022 Karma GS-6

Top Speed: 135 MPH

Born in 2021, the Karma GS-6 features a unique range-extending powertrain. Made as the more affordable version of the California-based automaker’s Revero, the GS-6 uses a BMW-sourced 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that acts as a generator for its electric drivetrain, producing 536 horsepower in total. With a 0-60 mph time of under 4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 135 mph, it’s less about outright speed and more about delivering a smooth, electrified driving experience. The GS-6 is perfect for those seeking a stylish, eco-conscious car without sacrificing performance.

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7 2021 Ford Puma ST

Top Speed: 137 MPH

A coveted gem from Ford, the Puma ST takes the heart of the Fiesta ST and places it in a sporty crossover. Powered by the same 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, the Puma ST produces 197 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, giving it excellent pull even in a heavier body. With a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph, it’s proof that crossovers don’t have to be boring. Plus, the raised ride height and roomy interior make it a practical choice for families who crave a bit of excitement during the daily grind. A newer mild-hybrid Puma ST has been introduced this year, though that one is powered by a less-powerful but award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost, tapping out at 130 mph – and, like the Pumas before it, it’s not for the US market.

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6 2024 Toyota GR Yaris

Top Speed: 143 MPH

A long-revered forbidden fruit for Americans, the Toyota GR Yaris is essentially a rally car for the road. Sharing the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the US-spec GR Corolla, the GR Yaris produces 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in its latest iteration introduced this year, in a lighter, more compact package. Performance figures of the enhanced version aren’t declared, but earlier versions can do 0-60 mph in under 5.5 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 143 mph. Toyota’s attention to detail is evident in the GR Yaris, from its advanced all-wheel-drive system to its aerodynamic design, delivering exciting performance on a small, nimble chassis.

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5 2025 Toyota GR Corolla

Top Speed: 143 MPH

Built for performance enthusiasts, the Toyota GR Corolla is a rally-bred hatchback equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo three-cylinder G16E-GTS engine producing 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the most power-dense Toyota engine ever built. This AWD beast rockets from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, with a controlled top speed of 143 mph – it’s quicker than the GR Yaris before it, although it shares an engine and outputs, hence it climbs one place on the list. What sets the GR Corolla apart is its focus on driver engagement. A six-speed manual transmission (now available with an 8-speed Gazoo Racing direct automatic transmission with paddle shifters), limited-slip differentials, and aggressive styling make it an all-around performer that excels on twisty roads or track days.

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4 2022 Ford Fiesta ST

Top Speed: 144 MPH

Despite being a small hatchback, the Ford Fiesta ST punches well above its weight in the performance category. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-pot engine it shared with the Puma ST churns out an impressive 197 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a clever turbocharging system. With a 0-60 mph time of under 6.5 seconds, the Fiesta ST’s sharp handling and playful personality have made it a favorite among enthusiasts. It may not boast supercar figures, but its top speed of 144 mph is remarkable for such an affordable and practical car. Plus, the driving dynamics are pure joy, thanks to Ford’s mastery of chassis tuning. Sadly, Ford discontinued the Fiesta line last year (even though it was booted off US shores after 2019 already), and with it the perky Fiesta ST.

2:34

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3 2020 BMW i8

Top Speed: 155 MPH

The BMW i8 redefined the concept of a hybrid sports car. Combining futuristic looks with innovative engineering, it features a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a total system output of 369 hp. Its 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph put it firmly in supercar territory. The i8’s plug-in hybrid system allows for short bursts of electric-only driving. It’s not the most desirable BMW ever made, but a special version of the discontinued nameplate fetched a hefty sum of $825,000 in 2014 at Pebble Beach, marked as one of the most expensive BMWs ever sold.

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2 Nissan ZEOD RC

Top Speed: 186 MPH

The Nissan ZEOD RC (Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car) was a Garage 56 entry in the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans. Powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder DIG-T R engine, it produced 400 hp while weighing just 88 pounds. This revolutionary design helped it become the first car to lap Le Mans using only electric power. With a top speed of over 186 mph, achieved during its short-lived Le Mans run, the ZEOD RC showed Nissan’s innovation turned up to 11. Though it never reached mass production, it remains a shining example of how three-cylinder engines can power record-breaking machines.

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1 Koenigsegg Gemera

Top Speed: 249+ MPH

Taking the crown for the most outrageous three-cylinder engine is the Koenigsegg Gemera. This hypercar’s 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged Freevalve engine, nicknamed the Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG), produced 600 hp on its own. Combined with three electric motors, the Gemera delivers an astonishing 1,700 hp in its original concept, capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds and claimed to have a top speed of over 249 mph. The Gemera is in a league of its own but, unfortunately, the wonder three-pot has been canned, with the 2,300-hp V8-powered model retained as the option for the four-seat hypercar. The three-pot still keeps the crown, however, for the highest top speed bestowed on the Gemera in this configuration.

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Source
: Karma Automotive, Ford, Toyota, BMW, Nissan, Koenigsegg