All articles tagged with #horsepower
A concise look at 11 of the world's most powerful heavy‑duty truck engines, from Cummins and Detroit Diesel to Weichai, detailing horsepower, torque, and key tech like turbo-compounding and advanced fuel systems to illustrate the ongoing power race in the global trucking industry.
At a drag strip, a 750 hp RTR Mustang faced the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, a factory-built 1,025 hp drag car. The Demon won decisively, running a 9.45 seconds to the Mustang’s 10.37 seconds in the quarter-mile (145 mph vs 135 mph), highlighting the Demon 170’s extreme straight-line speed despite the Mustang’s substantial power and RTR tune.
Ford's 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC, a hand-built 5.2-liter supercharged V-8, delivers 795 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. It exceeds the S550 Shelby GT500's output, starts at $108,485, and order books are open, while the GTD remains more powerful overall.
Post-1970s Clean Air Act and oil crises forced U.S. automakers to curb engine power; the 1975 Corvette produced only 165 hp from its V8, trailing earlier generations and rivals like the 1975 Trans Am, amid price hikes and GM political shifts (including Arkus‑Duntov's retirement). The era also introduced catalytic converters and the switch to unleaded fuel, plus lower compression ratios, all cutting performance. The malaise era hit numerous muscle cars before tech advances in the early 1980s—such as electronic fuel injection and improved engines—started restoring horsepower, a trend that culminated in later high‑performing models.
GM unveils the sixth-gen Small Block LS6 6.7L V8 for the 2027 Corvette lineup, delivering 535 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque with a stroked displacement to 6.7 liters and a 13:1 compression ratio. Through advanced controls, fuel delivery, forged internals, port- and direct-injection, and a new oiling system, the engine improves emissions and fuel economy while maintaining performance, featuring a center-exit exhaust and forged components, and is assembled in Flint, Michigan for the Stingray, Grand Sport, and Grand Sport X.
HP Tuners has cracked the C8 Corvette ZR1’s Global B E68 ECM, enabling about 1,180 hp and 1,094 lb-ft at the wheels on a safe tune; potential 25% gains with race fuel but higher risk. The package costs $1,499 and requires shipping the ECM to HP Tuners, with tuning demanding expertise to account for airflow, injection, thermal limits, and engine protection.
Five niche cars prove you can mount motorcycle engines in four-wheeled bodies, delivering extreme revs and razor-light weights: Morgan 3-Wheeler, Ariel Atom V8, Radical SR1 XXR/SR3 XXR, Caterham Seven, and Honda N600, each tuned to maximize torque and acceleration in tiny, high-revving packages.
Volkswagen marks the 50th anniversary of the GTI by reviving its wild Mk5-era W12 concept—the GTI W12-650. Powered by a mid-mounted 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 from Bentley and sending about 640 hp to the rear wheels, it borrowed parts from Audi, Lamborghini, and even a Phaeton transmission to create a rare, high-strung showpiece. Designed more as a celebration than a production model, the W12-650 remains a temperamental legend of VW Group’s extreme engineering ambitions.
Ford upgraded the 428 to the Cobra Jet in 1968, using a Police Interceptor block, 427 heads, a performance cam, and a Holley 735 CFM carb to produce about 335 hp and 440 lb-ft (with many experts arguing closer to 400 hp). Ford then injected the CJ into a broad lineup—Mustang GT/135, Mach 1, Fairlane, Torino GT, Cobra, Shelby GT500, Mercury Cougar variants, Comet, and Cyclone CJ—often with performance options like Drag Pack and Ram Air, creating a legendarily versatile big-block era aimed at beating rivals on the street and strip.
The article compares Honda's 2.0L K20 and 2.4L K24 engines, noting the K24 increases bore to 87 mm and stroke to 99 mm (raising displacement and deck height) with only about a 9 lb weight gain. Factory power ranges span roughly 156–316 hp for K20 variants (with the turbocharged K20C1 reaching 316 hp) and 160–206 hp for K24 variants (e.g., 206 hp in some). Tuning potential is high: K20s have safely surpassed 1,000 hp with stock crank and up to ~1,400 hp with upgrades, while turbocharged K24s can reach ~500 hp in stock form and up to ~1,600 hp with strengthened components. The K-series’ abundant parts and aftermarket support help fuel widespread swaps into many cars, including non-Hondas, making them a popular choice for performance upgrades.
Chevrolet's ZZ632/1000 is a massive 632 cubic inch crate engine producing 1,004 horsepower, priced at around $38,000, designed for high-performance muscle car projects, but requires significant customization for installation.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, with 1,250 horsepower, is so fast that its software had to be modified to accurately record its quarter-mile trap speed, highlighting its extreme performance capabilities that surpass many traditional supercars and drag racers.
BMW has updated the 2025 M3 Competition xDrive, increasing its horsepower to 523 HP while maintaining the same torque and acceleration times. The new model features redesigned headlights, a tweaked interior, and updated infotainment software. Prices have slightly increased due to a higher destination charge, with the M3 Competition xDrive starting at $86,475. The 2025 M3 will be available for sale in July.
The 2025 Audi S3 receives a mid-cycle facelift with a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine, producing 328 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the Golf R in power. It incorporates the RS3's rear torque splitter technology, enabling variable torque distribution for enhanced performance. The car features improved throttle response, shorter gear ratios, and upgraded brakes and tires for better handling. Stylistic updates include customizable LED daytime running lights and new color options. Pricing details are yet to be revealed.
Ford Performance has unveiled a $9,995 supercharger kit for the 2024 Ford Mustang, boosting its output to 810 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque. The kit is compatible with the Mustang GT and Dark Horse models, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 engine, and comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty when installed by an ASE-certified technician or at a Ford dealer. However, it is only 49-state legal and not approved for use in California due to emissions regulations.