Updated
Updated · SlashGear · Jul 12
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Tops 5 Turbo Fours With 416 HP, Outmuscling Many V6s
Updated
Updated · SlashGear · Jul 12

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Tops 5 Turbo Fours With 416 HP, Outmuscling Many V6s

3 articles · Updated · SlashGear · Jul 12

Summary

  • 416 horsepower from the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Final Edition leads a list of five current four-cylinder engines delivering V6-like output, with the AMG model likely the most powerful production 2.0-liter turbo four.
  • 2.0-liter turbo technology is letting automakers replace larger naturally aspirated V6s with smaller engines that pair stronger output with better fuel economy, a shift driven by performance and efficiency targets.
  • 328 to 315 horsepower from the Audi S3 and Honda Civic Type R shows the trend extends beyond AMG, while Chevrolet’s 310-hp Silverado TurboMax and Toyota’s 278-hp Tacoma bring V6-grade power to pickups.
  • 3.7 seconds to 60 mph for the prior 382-hp CLA 45 underscores the performance ceiling of these engines, compared with 4.2 seconds for the S3 and 4.9 seconds for the Civic Type R.

Insights

With GHG regulations gone, will the powerful four-cylinder engine trend die, reviving the classic V6?
As most brands shrink engines, is Nissan’s contrarian bet on V6 power the smarter move?