Mastery in engine creation
The art of engine design has a special appeal. Some are fascinated by large displacements, like Chevrolet with their 6.2-liter V8 or Bugatti with the incredible 8.0-liter W16, but no less fascinating are completely different solutions.
A small, high-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that spins up to five-digit values on the tachometer has its own unique magic. It lies not in displacement, but in precise engineering and the courage of innovation.
Technical features of the Boreham engine
Among similar compact power units, the new 2.1-liter engine from Boreham Motorworks looks like one of the most impressive we have encountered.
An engine that spins up to 10,000 rpm
This four-cylinder engine is intended for the modern Ford Escort RS from Boreham, which was first introduced at the end of last year. After a long and thorough development program, the company has revealed the details of its flagship power unit, and it has turned out to be truly exceptional.
Known as the Ten-K, this engine spins up to an incredible 10,000 revolutions per minute and produces 325 horsepower, which corresponds to a specific power output of over 155 hp per liter. This is an impressive figure for a naturally aspirated 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine.
For comparison: the 4.0-liter flat-six engine in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which is considered a technological masterpiece, is limited to 9,000 rpm and has a specific power of 126 hp per liter.
Serious technical solutions
The engine’s design matches its high performance. It uses individual throttle bodies, a forged steel crankshaft, forged connecting rods, and a 16-valve layout. The Boreham Ten-K engine also stands out for its low weight – only 85 kilograms.
Power is transmitted through a five-speed manual gearbox with a dog-leg shift pattern.
Alternative version and car details
The Ten-K will not be the only option for the revived Escort RS. The base version is equipped with a modernized version of the original Twin-Cam four-cylinder engine, enlarged from 1.6 to 1.8 liters and supplemented with a modern fuel injection system.
It develops 182 horsepower and is paired with a four-speed straight-cut manual gearbox, providing rear-wheel drive.
While it may seem like a restomod, the new Boreham RS is much more than a reworked classic car. It is entirely composed of new components; even the steel body panels are newly manufactured. The hood, trunk, and some interior elements are made of carbon fiber, minimizing weight.
Upon completion of development, the Escort RS is expected to weigh only 800 kilograms, promising excellent agility and sensation from the high-revving engine. Such technology is not available to everyone – the manufacturer plans to release only 150 units, with an estimated starting price of around £295,000.
This project demonstrates how automotive traditions combine with modern technologies to create unique products for demanding enthusiasts. The limited run and high cost make it not only a technical achievement but also a collectible object that preserves the spirit of the original models but with completely new capabilities.