The petrol engine is a spark-ignition internal combustion engine designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels. In most petrol engines, the fuel and air are usually premixed before compression (although some modern petrol engines now use direct in- cylinder injection). Premixing was previously done in a carburetor, but is now done by electronically controlled fuel injection, except in small engines where the cost/complication of the electronics does not justify the added engine performance.
6. 22R/R-E: Toyota
While there are many American-built truck engines that could make the list, we think the Toyota 22R deserves a spot due to it being responsible for building the Japanese manufacturer’s reputation into the reliable one that it is today. The engine only had one real problem, stretching timing chains on high-mileage trucks, however it remains one of the most dependable motors ever built, with its longitudinal placement in such vehicles as the 4Runner, Celica and Hilux from 1981 through 1997.
5. XK6: Jaguar
Another engine that had a long production run – over four decades from 1949 to 1992 – is Jaguar’s take on a straight-six engine with the XK6. British engineering shone on this motor, as its versatility and ability to produce powerful torque at almost any engine speed made it a top competitor on the racetrack and popular consumer option on the road. Not only did it see use in Jaguars, but Listers, Daimlers and even the FV101 Scorpion tank also had versions of this engine.
4. B-Series: Honda
Another very successful engine, introduced in 1988, is known as Honda B-Series. These motors were made in 1.6 to 2.0 liter variants – and although there are variations among different car models, the basic design does not change much within B-Series engines. As a series, you can expect to see anywhere from 126 to 190 horsepower on average, and a reline in surpassing 8,500 rpm, at an astonishingly small 1,495 cubic centimeters.
3. Model T Engine: Ford
Arguably the most iconic car ever made, Ford’s Model T Engine may not have driven very fast, but it’s an extremely important aspect to the overall development of the modern automobile. This inline four- cylinder, 2.9-liter engine was able to reach a top speed of 45 mph and pump out 20 horsepower. Known for its reliability and simplicity, the engine remained central to the Ford Model T brand throughout its entire lifespan, and remained in use even after the car itself was discontinued.
2. Flat 4: Volkswagen
As one of the longest-running production engines of all time, you may not think much of this simple flat-four, air-cooled boxer engine, but was made for an impressively long time – from 1936 to 2006. Because of its simple design and efficiency it was used in a variety of different automobiles, including the iconic Volkswagen Beetle and Transporter. It even served as the basis of the first cars produced by luxury car manufacturer Porsche.
1. Small-Block V8: Chevrolet
The iconic American V8 engine has been sold in more than 100 million vehicles. Thanks to its innovative pushrod system, the engine was easy to upgrade. In fact, some race teams have been able to push out over 2,000 horsepower by making modifications to the original design. And, it’s just as popular off the racetrack, as it’s been seen in everything from muscled Corvettes to four-door sedans to pickup trucks to vans and more.
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