Technology

Can 3-cylinder engines overcome their wimpy reputation?

BMW's i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe will get a performance-tuned version of the 1.5-liter three-cylinder.
May 26, 2014 05:00 AM
2014 Mitsubishi Mirage The Mitsubishi Mirage has a relatively low-tech three-cylinder engine.
Patrick McKennaMini

“Sometimes, we lose out to another competitor who has greater fuel efficiency. I think we will be more successful closing these people.”

Engineers have solved the technical problems that dogged the three-cylinder engine in the 1980s and early '90s. But even with turbochargers, it may take a while for the triple to outrun its historical baggage.

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