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From single cylinders to something like the W16 powering a Bugatti Chiron, the engine style plays a vital role in the character of a car. This is especially true for performance cars. Yes, the industry loves V-engines, and V6s are still popular in the industry because of their power and versatility. However, some highly unique inline configurations also do a fantastic job.


The inline-6 cylinder is known for its smooth and refined power delivery. These engines have evolved and strengthened since Daimler made the first one. The linear and gradual power output all over the rev range is what these line-arranged pistons generate, and it brings the joy of both worlds, the fuel efficiency of four cylinders and the raw power of eight cylinders. Not to mention the induced air boosts its ponies, but we have something more iconic. The naturally aspirated straight six! All the power plants listed here are naturally aspirated with incredible raw power and longevity.

10/10 Toyota Yamaha 2.0-Liter MF10

Toyota-Yamaha 2.0-Liter Inline-6
Via Mecum

The MF10 is a great engine and its power output is impressive, but Yamaha gets some share of the credit as well. Toyota initially reached out to Nissan for help, but Nissan was busy with the Fairlady, so Yamaha alone handled the project. That wasn’t their only partnership, though. The two forces are collaborating once again to produce a 5.0-liter V8 engine that runs on Hydrogen.

1967 Toyota 2000GT In Red
via Motor Authority

There are 148 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque acquainted with this NA inline-6 powerhouse that helps captivate drivers’ enthusiasm on the straights and the corners. They build the engine excellently, and Yamaha’s help is noticeable. Toyota used this one for their legendary 2000GT after all.

Related: Why Yamaha Is Developing A 5.0-Liter V8 Hydrogen Engine For Toyota

9/10 Chrysler/AMC 4.0-Liter

Jeep's 5 Millionth Engine
CZmarlin via Wikimedia

The AMC 4.0-liter inline-six engine is Chrysler’s most renowned inline-six engine. Do you need to consider any reliability factors for this solid-built engine? Not if the owner didn’t miss many scheduled check-ups. Debuting in 1986, the 4.0-liter saw production till 2006, when the new 3.8-liter V6 overtook the legend (used in the Chrysler minivan).

1993-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-SUV
Via: BringaTrailer

However, the 4.0-liter inline-six has a status above the others. They made the engine substantial and can be able to do over 300,000 miles. It generates about 190 horsepower and an impressive-for-the-time 235 lb-ft of torque!

8/10 Nissan 26GT/25GT-X RB26DE

Nissan RB26 Engine Close-Up
Via Low Offset

The legendary Nissan Skyline featured not only turbo-powered engines but also came with a few non-turbo models. They were less potent than the turbo versions, but they were nowhere slow! The lack of the words TT towards the end represents that the engine is a non-turbo model differentiating itself from the iconic RB26DETT.

Nissan Skyline R32 GTS Non-Turbo (USA Import)
Via PacificCoastAuto

The RB26DE is a 2.6-liter inline-six motor that churns out a massive 217 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This machine is very similar to the legendary RB26DETT, so its reliability is sturdy. Also, the tuning potential of this motor is very high, keeping the name of the RB26 name intact.

Related: The 10 Best Japanese Engines For Aftermarket Tuning

7/10 BMW N52B30

BMW N52
Via: Wikimedia Commons

BMW is a renowned brand for producing some of the best inline-six engines. The N52B30 belonging to the N52 series is an iconic engine. It is robust, reliable, and carries a prominent character. Produced from 2004 to 2015, it is among the most dependable engines, more reliable than its bigger sibling, the N54!

2006-E90-BMW-325i-Touring-N52-engine
Via Wikimedia

The N52B30 is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder powerhouse that churns out anywhere between 218 horsepower to 272 horsepower and 199 to 232 lb-ft of torque, depending on the tune.

Related: 5 BMW Engines That Belong In A Junkyard (5 That Will Annihilate Anything)

6/10 BMW M88

BMW M88 in a 1986 BMW E28
Via hartge535inz on YouTube

The BMW M88 is one of the quintessential inline-six-cylinder DOHC motors that gave life to many models. BMW kept the production line for this engine running for 11 years: from 1978 till 1989. The first model to inherit the M88 is none other than the M1.

BMW M88 Engine outside
Via Wikipedia

The Aluminum pistons and cylinder head, cast-iron block, forged steel cam connecting rod, and various other engine parts make a robust motor that produces a crazy 277 horsepower and an insane 239 lb-ft of torque, pushing the driver to the seat.

5/10 Mercedes-Benz AMG M104

Mercedes-Benz M104 AMG 3.4 Engine
Via Tuning Pro

Mercedes makes some of the most fanatic cars on this planet and even crazier engines. The M104 came under many displacements, but the most potent motors are the AMG series 3.4-liters and 3.6-liters.

The 3.6-liter inline-six cylinder generates 276 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. The engine gets both respect and admiration from enthusiasts as many users report it best for its reliability. However, machines are bound to normal wear and tear, so keeping the regular fluids in check might save dollars.

Related: Swapped! Nissan 350Z Gets Turbo Mercedes M104

4/10 BMW M30B35

BMW E28 M30B35 Engine
Via Jan Ascher on Wikimedia

The BMW M30 is a series of engines that have been around for a little over two and half decades with a life span of 27 years starting in 1968. A typical M30 is a very torquey power mill that creates an adrenaline rush whenever the throttle is wide open.

The M30B35 is a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with about 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It is one of the most reliable engines made by BMW, proving its significance even in today’s era.

3/10 Ford Barra 195

Barra-XR6
Via Aussie Cars

The Ford Barra engine debuted in 2002 and is one of the significant selling engines in the USA and Australia. It also came with many options ranging from 2.0-liter to 4.0-liter. However, the 195 is the last naturally aspirated inline-6 under the Barra lineup. The Ford Barra 195 smokes out 261 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm.

Ford Barra Engine
Via Pinterest

Ford Australia made the Barra 195 for the Australian market. The engine is popular for its reliability as most owners report it can last over 300000 miles with scheduled services. Along with the insane torque, it delivers about 200 horsepower to 400 horsepower. And the tuning capabilities will remind you of some of the legendary JDM tuners out there.

Related: With Zero Traction This Barra Shelby GT350 Is A Bit Of A Handful

2/10 Jaguar XK-6 3.8L S

Jaguar XK6
Via Jaguar Heritage Racing

The Jaguar XK-6 does not need any introduction. This engine saw production for over four decades with minor changes. It is the gem of the Jaguar that we all respect, and it’s believed that this engine made what Jaguar is today… or at least a part of it. Like the Jaguars’ E-Type, this engine is also somewhat timeless.

The NA inline-6 3.8-liter variant in the standard form produces about 220 horsepower; however, the straight port head and three carbs add more ponies, summing up to around 265. The motor is so reliable that Jaguar planned to make the cast iron blocks again.

1/10 BMW S54

BMW M4 S54B32 Engine Cropped
Via Pinterest

Another BMW engine makes this list, and this one is even crazier. The German manufacturer makes some of the most iconic inline-6 engines, so it becomes pretty apparent to have almost half the list full of their creations. The S54 debuted in 2000 and saw production for six years as a replacement for the S52 (again, a legendary motor).

BMW M3 E46
 Via E46 Fanatics 

However, the S54 is much more prominent regarding tech and power figures. It makes about 338 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. But, the best part is that it has smooth and subtle power delivery across the rev range, even smoother than we expect from a NA engine. It does not shy away from doing thousands of miles! Check out this Datsun 240Z with an S54 under its hood.

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