Ward's 2013 10 Best engine awards

[Ryephile]

As dropped on Autoblog:

3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S5)
2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (BMW 328i)
3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 135is coupe)
3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Ram 1500)
2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I-4 (Ford Focus ST/Taurus)
5.8L Supercharged DOHC V-8 (Ford Shelby GT500)
2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Cadillac ATS)
2.4L DOHC I-4 (Honda Accord Sport)
3.5L SOHC V-6 (Honda Accord)
2.0L FA DOHC H-4 Boxer (Subaru BRZ)


What do you think of the list? Curiously no Diesel, electric, or hybrid powertrains anywhere. Do you feel the FA20 honestly deserves to be on the list? Dual injection and especially 100HP/L naturally aspirated aren't terribly common on affordable cars anymore.

I'm disappointed with a few selections. None of the 2.0L turbo's approach the HP/L of the rally giants of years past [STI/EVO], and frankly the engines in the BMW 328i and Caddy ATS sound terrible; not a shred of aural satisfaction to be had. I also have a tough time rationalizing Honda's cost-cut engines that don't really offer anything new or better.

The blown V8 in the Shelby Mustang is incredible for its sheer output given its price point. Audi's 3.0L TVS blown V6 is a very satisfying engine to pilot.

Let's hear your takes!

[Wes B.]

You make some excellent points, Ryephile. It seems like the two companies producing the most exciting engines right now would have to be Ford and Volkswagen. Ford has perfected everything from turbo'd 3 cylinders to bulletproof V8's that literally chuck out power like it's no tomorrow. Volkswagen, on the other hand, is sticking to the tried and true method of improving on what has already been perfected. Kudos to both companies for providing the spark that the automotive industry truly needed.

On a side note, I'm surprised Hyundai's 5.0l Tau GDi engine did not make the list this year.

[Allch Chcar]

I probably would have put the 1.0L Ford ecoboost on there instead of the Shelby V-8. Just in my humble opinion.

The FA-20 is actually a very good engine. The dual injection is a very good idea even if it takes the two most expensive fueling systems and combines them.

[gmookher]

GREAT list!

[serialk11r]

Confused by the Honda engines, are they talking about the newer ones that are DI?

[CSG Mike]

You guys are all so concerned with power, but that's not the big priority of the list. They take into consideration the versatility of the engine, as well as efficiency, smoothness, and expected reliability.

The Honda V6 is on there because AMAZINGLY efficient for what it is. I mean, come on, it's a SOHC!

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

You guys are all so concerned with power, but that's not the big priority of the list. They take into consideration the versatility of the engine, as well as efficiency, smoothness, and expected reliability....

That's where Ward's list usually falls apart; when you try to put any sort of continuity to it. Way back in the day, the list was all about HP/L. Now, their metrics are less disclosed and less apparent. If the list was about efficiency, how come none of the big players are on there? Tesla Model S, Prii, Volt, Leaf, and the new Ford Hybrids? Perhaps the list is more about market segment impact or political payouts? It's tough to say without being on the inside.

IMO a notable engine missing from this list is the 1.4L Multiair turbo in the Fiat 500 Abarth. That's one of the best sounding and most fun engines money can buy, despite the clown car they put it in. The 1.6L Valvetronic turbo in the MINI John Cooper Works should get mention too for its 130HP/L and great fuel economy. Perhaps the 1.6L DI turbo in the Hyundai Veloster too, with it's super low price point and great numbers.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

IMO a notable engine missing from this list is the 1.4L Multiair turbo in the Fiat 500 Abarth. That's one of the best sounding and most fun engines money can buy, despite the clown car they put it in. The 1.6L Valvetronic turbo in the MINI John Cooper Works should get mention too for its 130HP/L and great fuel economy. Perhaps the 1.6L DI turbo in the Hyundai Veloster too, with it's super low price point and great numbers.

Maybe they didn't want to put the 1.6 in because its older brother (N20) is already there. The Multiair however is a really neat little engine.

[Turbowned]

The Audi 3.0 TFSI is the best motor in a car under $55k, period. If you haven't driven a car with one yet, get your ass to the nearest Audi dealer and ask to test drive an S4 or S5. The BMW N55 is a brilliant close second. I'm very excited about the new N20! I hope the next 1 coupe doesn't look as ugly as the hatchback that's currently out. Since getting another BMW E30 I've been looking at 1 series cars again. Oh well, I'm still gonna get a BRZ.