7 Four-Cylinder Sports Cars That, Dare We Say, Could Be Called Super

Key Points:

• Supercars are typically mid-engine with powerful engines like V8s or V12s, but some four-cylinder models have earned supercar status due to their performance and engineering.
• The 1960s ASA 1000 GT, designed by Giugiaro and based on Ferrari's Colombo V12 concept, featured a 1.0-liter inline-4 engine and Ferrari-inspired design and instrumentation, offering a unique compact supercar experience.
• Lotus Esprit evolved over 28 years with four-cylinder engines, where turbocharged models produced up to 300 hp and achieved 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, rivaling V8-powered supercars of its era.
• Porsche's 924 Carrera GT and 968 Turbo S were homologation specials with turbocharged four-cylinder engines producing up to 305 hp, with the rare 968 Turbo S highly sought after by collectors.
• Modern four-cylinder supercars like the BAC Mono and Alfa Romeo 4C use lightweight materials and advanced technology to deliver supercar-level performance, while the Lotus Emira offers a potent 400+ hp AMG-sourced inline-4 engine with track-ready features.