What are the models of car engines?

[Tami]

Car engine models are identification codes set by engine manufacturers to recognize a specific batch of products. The engine model consists of four parts: the prefix, middle, suffix, and tail: 1. The prefix represents: the product series symbol and generation symbol. This symbol can be set by the engine manufacturer but requires approval from relevant authorities. 2. The middle represents: the number of cylinders, engine stroke, cylinder arrangement, and cylinder diameter. 3. The suffix represents: the structural and usage characteristics of the engine, denoted by letters. 4. The tail represents: the differentiation symbol used by the manufacturer for distinction.

[Caden]

I've been driving for over a decade and have come across quite a few engine models. For Mercedes-Benz, common ones include the M274 2.0T, and the M178 twin-turbo used in AMG models. BMW's most classic is the B48 four-cylinder, while the inline-six B58 is hailed by enthusiasts as the 'Engine King'. Among Japanese cars, Toyota's 8AR-FTS comes with a turbo, and Honda's K20C red-top engine was formidable in the Civic TYPE-R back in the day. Volkswagen's EA888 Gen3 is a common sight in repair shops, while the EA211 is widely used in small-displacement vehicles. Hyundai-Kia's Theta II has a low failure rate, and Ford Focus owners should be familiar with the EcoBoost. With the rise of new energy vehicles, BYD's DM-i hybrid and the range-extending Ideal Magic Carpet 3.0 have become the new internet-famous engines.

[MaverickMarie]

Engine model codes from different brands are like dialects, each speaking their own language. BMW uses B-prefixed codes to distinguish series, with B38 for three-cylinder and B58 for six-cylinder. Audi's EA followed by three digits, where the third digit indicates the generation. Volvo's Drive-E series all come with a T for turbo, and the T6 with twin-charging is particularly powerful. Mazda's SKYACTIV-G is naturally aspirated, while the X denotes the compression-ignition version. The most interesting is Porsche's horizontally opposed H6, with the 911 using the 9A1 engine. GM prefers naming its V8 muscle engines with LS/LT plus numbers. Nowadays, hybrid-dedicated engines are also on the rise, like Honda's e:HEV LFA series with a thermal efficiency of 41%, making gas station owners frown.

[MacValerie]

Structurally, engines are primarily categorized into three types: inline (L-type), V-type, and horizontally opposed (H-type). Common four-cylinder engines like the Volkswagen EA211 adopt an L4 layout, while V6 engines such as the Mercedes-Benz M276 are used in the S-Class. Subaru and Porsche persist with horizontally opposed engines, which pose cooling challenges but offer a lower center of gravity. Displacement varies from small engines like the 1.5L Earth Dreams to large ones like General Motors' 6.2L V8. Turbocharged models are denoted with a 'T' or 'Turbo' suffix, while supercharged versions are typically labeled 'Supercharged'. Nowadays, engines are also classified into three forms: pure internal combustion, 48V mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid dedicated engines, with the latter exemplified by BYD's Xiaoyun achieving a thermal efficiency of 43%.

[SanMila]

While repairing cars, I discovered that engine model numbers hide power level codes. The BMW 3 Series uses B48B20C, while the 5 Series uses B48B20D—the ending letter represents power output. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, M264.920 denotes the low-power version, whereas 950 indicates high power. Audi's 45TFSI corresponds to the high-power EA888 engine, while 40TFSI is the low-power variant. Cadillac's 2.0T engines are divided into LTG and LSY, with the latter featuring cylinder deactivation for better fuel efficiency. Performance cars often use special codes: Nissan's VR38DETT powers the GT-R, and the Mustang Shelby relies on the Voodoo V8 engine. When choosing a car, checking the engine suffix letters is far more practical than poring over the spec sheet.

[OQuinn]

When it comes to car modifications, potential engine performance is the top concern. Mitsubishi's 4G63T with its cast iron cylinder block is built tough, easily handling 400 horsepower with a simple tune. Toyota's 2JZ-GTE can surpass 1,000 horsepower even without modifications. Volkswagen's old EA113 cast iron engine is durable, while the third-generation EA888 has improved oil consumption issues. Honda's K20C red-top engine delivers 320 horsepower stock, and with forged internals, it can easily double that. Many newly designed engines now feature modular designs, like Mercedes' M139 engine, which offers a 200 horsepower difference between the A45S and C63 models. Although hybrid engines aren't suited for aggressive modifications, BYD's Xiaoyun engine boasts a 43% thermal efficiency, making long-distance drives cost just 25 cents per kilometer—truly impressive.