Every year since 1994, Ward’s AutoWorld magazine has compiled its “best automobile engines” list available in the United States, and for the fist-time since its inception- plug-in electric hybrid powerplants are included, proving that Ward’s 10 Best Engines list too is “embracing the age of electrification.”
According to Ward’s- “Both the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV earn their way onto the 2011 list, as selected by Ward’s editors after evaluating 38 vehicles with new or significantly improved engines for the ’11 model year.” But as in the past- economy is not the only criteria to make the grade- power, torque outputs as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) still count.
Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter insists “It’s the most diverse mix we’ve ever had, as well as the most technologically advanced.”
2011’s winners and the applications tested include:
• 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4)
• 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 335i)
• 1.6L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mini Cooper S)
• 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Dodge Avenger)
• 5.0L DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang GT)
• 1.4L DOHC I-4/111kW Drive Motor (Chevrolet Volt)
• 5.0L Tau DOHC V-8 (Hyundai Genesis)
• 80kW AC Synchronous Electric Motor (Nissan Leaf)
• 2.0L DOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Volkswagen Jetta TDI)
• 3.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (Volvo S60)
The Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition “is designed to recognize powertrains that set new benchmarks in their respective vehicle segments.” Ward’s editor Winter continues “The one thing they have in common is they all are stand-out performers in their own way and sell the value proposition of the vehicles they power.”
Winter adds “This year’s list represents the biggest turnover in the history of the competition, with six completely new engines or propulsion systems, two heavily modified engines (from BMW AG and Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.) and only two direct carryover engines (from Volkswagen AG and Audi AG) from the 2010 list.”
Eligible engines must be available in standard-production cars on sale in the U.S. market no later than the first quarter of the given model year. The engine also must be available in a vehicle with a base price of no more than $54,000.
During a two-month testing period, Ward's editors evaluate each engine according to a number of objective and subjective criteria in everyday driving situations without instrumented testing.
Some standout Ward’s winners in the past have included the General Motors 3800 Series V6, and the Nissan/Infiniti VQ-based V6 powerplants. Nearly every year since it’s inception seventeen years ago, a version of the Ford V8 and the BMW straight-six have made the popular Ward’s 10 Best Engines list.
Source: WardsAuto.com
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