Jalopnik Spotlights 7 Underappreciated JDM Engines With Up to 340 Horsepower
Updated
Updated · Jalopnik · Jul 26
Jalopnik Spotlights 7 Underappreciated JDM Engines With Up to 340 Horsepower
1 articles · Updated · Jalopnik · Jul 26
Summary
Jalopnik’s latest roundup names seven overlooked JDM engines, arguing they delivered far more performance than their reputations suggest.
The list spans Toyota, Nissan and Mazda, from the 232-hp Toyota 7M-GTE and 277-hp Nissan VH45DE to Mazda’s rare 20B-REW three-rotor, officially rated at 276 hp.
It also highlights historically important Nissan engines—the 160-hp S20 that launched the first Skyline GT-R, the VG30DETT twin-turbo V6, and the later VK45DE V8 with outputs reaching 340 hp.
Toyota’s 3S-GE Black Top rounds out the selections with about 200-207 hp from 2.0 liters, a naturally aspirated output Jalopnik says still stands out today.
The broader point is that JDM engine lore extends well beyond staples like the 2JZ, RB26, 13B and K24 that usually dominate enthusiast discussion.