This 10,000-RPM four-cylinder engine produces 325 horsepower without any forced induction.

      Boreham Motorworks

      The latest in car news and reviews, minus the fluff.

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the essential stories directly to you every weekday.

      Vintage rally cars and lively four-cylinder engines go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly—or rather, like gravel flying at high speeds with slightly tipsy racing fans cheering on. This is the reason behind the creation of the new Boreham Ten-K engine. It is a 2.1-liter engine featuring individual throttle bodies, dual overhead cams, and billet internals. With extensive weight-saving measures, it tips the scales at just 85 kilograms, which is about 187 pounds, and reaches its maximum power at 10,000 rpm.

      You won't see major automakers developing four-cylinder engines like this one. When they need to achieve 325 horsepower like the Ten-K’s output, they usually opt for a turbocharger. While I understand that mindset, it doesn't align with the ethos of Boreham Motorworks’ next-generation Ford Escort Mk1 RS. This small British company is producing these continuation chassis under license from Ford, and these vehicles will even come with a two-year, 20,000-mile warranty.

      In its press release, Boreham describes the Ten-K as a “motorsport-derived, belt-driven twin-cam with modern electronics.” It boasts all the premium components typical of high-end engines, including a crank, cradle, dry sump, cam cover, and rods made from billet materials. Since it’s an entirely new design, Boreham incorporated “F1-inspired” port geometry right from the outset. This term has become somewhat clichéd in discussions about trucks being “military grade,” but the company asserts that it enhances gas flow and power delivery. Additionally, modern manufacturing techniques were employed to minimize weight; Boreham “sculpted” the engine block around the internals using 3D-printed casting technology.

      The 2.1-liter engine is actually the premium option among the two that Boreham is offering customers. If someone thinks that 325 hp at 10,000 rpm is excessive, they can opt for a 1.85-liter twin-cam that delivers 185 hp, which is still quite impressive. The smaller engine will be combined with a four-speed manual in the Escort Mk1 RS, while the larger Ten-K benefits from a five-speed manual. Regardless of which engine buyers choose, they’re in for a thrill in a car anticipated to weigh under 1,800 pounds.

      Pricing for the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS begins at £295,000, or around $380,000.

      Have a tip or a question for the author? Reach out directly: [email protected]