Which cars have twin turbos?

Twin-turbo engines are a popular choice among car enthusiasts and performance-oriented drivers. These engines utilize two turbochargers to provide a significant boost in power and acceleration. In this article, we'll explore some of the top cars that feature twin-turbo setups.

What is a Twin-Turbo Engine?

A twin-turbo engine is a type of forced induction system that uses two turbochargers to increase the engine's power output. The two turbochargers work together to compress the air entering the engine, allowing it to produce more power than a naturally aspirated engine of the same size. This results in improved acceleration and overall performance.

Top Cars with Twin-Turbo Engines

Many high-performance and luxury vehicles feature twin-turbo engines to deliver exceptional power and driving dynamics. Some of the most notable cars with twin-turbo setups include:

• Porsche 911 Turbo: This iconic sports car has long been available with a twin-turbo flat-six engine, delivering up to 640 horsepower in the latest models.


• Mercedes-AMG GT: Mercedes-Benz's high-performance division offers the AMG GT with a twin-turbo V8 engine, producing up to 577 horsepower.


• BMW M5: The BMW M5 sedan is known for its powerful twin-turbo V8 engine, which can generate up to 617 horsepower in the latest generation.


• Nissan GT-R: Nissan's flagship sports car, the GT-R, features a twin-turbo V6 engine that can produce up to 600 horsepower in the most powerful variants.


• Audi RS6 Avant: Audi's high-performance station wagon, the RS6 Avant, is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine that can deliver up to 591 horsepower.

These are just a few examples of the many cars on the market that feature twin-turbo engines. The increased power and responsiveness provided by twin-turbo setups make them a popular choice among performance-oriented drivers.

Benefits of Twin-Turbo Engines

There are several key benefits to using a twin-turbo engine design:

• Increased Power Output: The two turbochargers work together to provide a significant boost in power, allowing the engine to produce more horsepower and torque than a naturally aspirated engine of the same size.


• Improved Acceleration: The instant boost from the twin-turbo setup results in faster acceleration, providing a thrilling driving experience.


• Better Efficiency: Twin-turbo engines can be more fuel-efficient than larger, naturally aspirated engines, as they can provide the same power output with a smaller displacement.


• Reduced Turbo Lag: The use of two smaller turbochargers can help minimize the "turbo lag" that is sometimes experienced with single-turbo setups, providing a more responsive and linear power delivery.

While twin-turbo engines offer numerous benefits, they also come with some potential drawbacks, such as increased complexity and maintenance requirements. However, for many performance-oriented drivers, the advantages of twin-turbo power far outweigh the downsides.

Is V6 twin-turbo better than V8?

A twin-turbo V6 is often better for fuel efficiency and has a lighter feel, while a V8 generally offers smoother, more effortless power delivery and potentially higher peak power for heavy towing. However, modern twin-turbo V6s can match or exceed V8 performance in many situations, making them a more efficient alternative that rivals the V8 in both power and torque, often at a lower cost. The "better" choice depends on whether you prioritize fuel economy and agility or raw, effortless power and a classic engine sound. 
This video explains the difference between V6 and V8 engines: 59sYuhcarsYouTube · Jul 28, 2025
Twin-turbo V6

• Pros:
  • Better fuel economy: Generally more fuel-efficient than a V8, resulting in cost savings. 
  • More torque at lower RPM: Can provide strong torque at lower engine speeds, similar to a V8. 
  • Lighter weight: Reduces the front-end weight of the vehicle, which can improve handling and agility in corners. 
  • Lower emissions: Turbocharging allows for smaller engines to meet power goals, which can help with emissions. 
• Cons:
  • Less traditional sound: Lacks the iconic rumble of a V8. 
  • Turbo lag: Some may experience a slight delay in power delivery as the turbos spool up. 

V8

• Pros:
  • Higher peak power: Often has a higher ceiling for peak horsepower. 
  • Smoother and more linear power: Offers a smoother, more predictable power band that doesn't require waiting for turbos to engage. 
  • Better for heavy towing: Provides effortless power for pulling heavy loads. 
• Cons:
  • Lower fuel efficiency: Consumes more fuel, leading to higher running costs. 
  • Heavier: Adds more weight to the front of the vehicle, which can impact handling. 
  • Higher maintenance costs: Has more moving parts and can be more expensive to maintain or repair. 

This video demonstrates the performance difference between a twin-turbo V6 and a naturally aspirated V8: 52sGetty's GarageYouTube · Sep 2, 2024

What cars come with twin turbos?

Many cars, from sports cars to trucks and luxury vehicles, come with twin-turbo systems, which use two turbochargers to boost engine performance. Examples include the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the C8 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO, and the Ford EcoBoost V6 found in models like the F-150 and other Ford vehicles.
 
You can watch this video to see a list of the top 5 twin turbo cars: 50sTedwardYouTube · Nov 14, 2025
Sports cars and performance vehicles

• Porsche 911 Turbo S: A well-known example of a car with a twin-turbocharged engine. 
• C8 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: This supercar features a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making it one of the most powerful Corvettes ever produced. 
• Nissan Z NISMO: The 2024 model uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 420 horsepower. 
• Infiniti Q50: Many models, including the Red Sport, use a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT engine). 
• Toyota Supra RZ: A high-performance sports car known for its twin-turbo engine. 

Trucks and SUVs

• Ford F-150: Many versions of the F-150 use the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine. 
• Toyota Tundra: The Tundra offers the i-FORCE twin-turbo V6 and the i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine options. 

Other vehicles

• BMW M4 GTS: Another performance car that features a twin-turbocharged engine. 
• Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series: A high-performance luxury vehicle with twin-turbos. 
• MINI Cooper S: The Cooper S model features a 2.0-liter engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. 

What are the downsides of twin turbos?

In the industry, the sequential twin turbos are used to overcome superior power and responsive agility. However, the downside of sequential twin turbos is that they are complex engine types. They require proper maintenance and might not be too reliable.

What car has a twin-turbo V6?

The Nissan Z is a well-rounded sports car that's a livable daily driver. The Z Nismo takes this balance and shifts it more into the performance realm. It has the same twin-turbo V6 but with 20 more horsepower and 34 more pound-feet of torque, for a total of 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.