These are the 10 best engines in the world
Dodge
Ward's Automotive releases an annual list of the world's 10 best engines — and last year's was the most diverse selection of powerplants in the 21-year history of the award. Six use turbocharging tech to boost horsepower, while one uses supercharging to create ridiculous amounts of power.
There's one naturally aspirated internal combustion engine, one fuel cell, and one electric motor on this list. Of the 10 best engines, four are holdovers from last year's list and six make their debut.
According to Ward's, only new or significantly re-engineered engines or propulsion systems that are available for sale in the US and are installed in cars having a base price of less than $60,000 are eligible for the top 10.
Of 37 entries — 10 returning winners from 2013 and 27 new contenders — were evaluated by Ward's team of editors. All of the cars were put through their paces under normal daily commutes by the editors over the past two months in Detroit. Ward's editors scored each engine based on power, torque, technology, fuel economy, and relative competitiveness, while taking noise, vibrations, and refinement into account.
Ward's new list will be out next month. We're looking forward to seeing what's on it. Until then, check out this lineup.
The Subaru WRX is a legend in world rally racing. One of the big reasons for WRX's success is the company's signature 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine.
Subaru
The 268-horsepower engine is one of the three turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplants to make the list.
Subaru
Volkswagen's owes its recent sales resurgence to the Golf. Although the car may be new, its 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is a holdover from last year's top 10 list.
Volkswagen
Ward's editors loved the 170-horsepower engine's power, versatility, and fuel economy.
Volkswagen
The third and final turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is Volvo S60 T5's Drive-E; it will serve as the basis for all of the company's powerplants for years to come. The 2.0 liter 240-horsepower version featured on the list is lauded for its abundant power and effortless acceleration.
Volvo
Having spent time behind the wheel of a Drive-E-equipped S60, I can attest to its smooth, potent power delivery. Although not as fuel efficient as the T5's engine, the S60 T6's turbo and supercharged 302-horsepower Drive-E do a fair impersonation of a V6 or a small V8 engine.
Volvo
As great as small four-bangers are, there's no substitute for a real V8. One that made the list again is the Corvette's potent LT1 small-block V8.
General Motors
Ward's editors drove an 8-speed automatic-transmission-equipped Vette for 300 miles and managed a respectable 20 mpg.
General Motors
The most talked-about engine of the year is Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Hellcat Hemi.
Dodge