SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — WardsAuto announces the winners of the annual Wards 10 Best Engines award program, and for the first time, four electrified powertrains have made the cut to be included alongside traditional, gasoline-powered internal combustion engines.
The new list is also notable for its lack of winners from German automakers for the first time in the award’s 24-year history. And while luxury brands are typically well-represented on the Wards 10 Best Engines list each year, only two – Infiniti and Jaguar – made the cut for 2018.
“We’re happy to recognize great engines in luxury cars, but we’re thrilled to see so many high-volume automakers whose vehicles are more affordable for average Americans delivering truly outstanding powertrains,” said Drew Winter, WardsAuto’s senior content director.
“And we certainly didn’t set out to find four electrified drivetrains to honor this year,” Winter added. “These four belong on our list because they are extremely efficient while at the same time fun to drive.”
This year’s winners:
- 150-kW Electric Propulsion System (Chevrolet Bolt EV)
- 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6/PHEV (Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid)
- 2.7L Twin Turbo DOHC V-6 (Ford F-150)
- 5.0L DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang GT)
- 130-kW Fuel Cell/Electric Propulsion System (Honda Clarity)
- 2.0L VTEC Turbocharged DOHC 4-Cyl. (Honda Civic Type R)
- 3.0L Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Infiniti Q50)
- 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC 4-Cyl. (Jaguar XF)
- 3.3L Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Kia Stinger)
- 2.5L Atkinson DOHC 4-Cyl./HEV (Toyota Camry Hybrid)
Since 1995, the Wards 10 Best Engines competition has recognized outstanding engines and electrified propulsion systems, as well as the technology and engineering behind them. All new or significantly improved powertrains, as well as last year’s ten returning winners were eligible. Vehicles must have a base price no higher than $63,000.
Editors score each powertrain based on horsepower, torque, comparative specs, noise attenuation, observed fuel economy and the application of new technology.
The winning automakers will be honored January 17 at a WardsAuto ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show.
The full feature on the Wards 10 Best Engines winners for 2018 is posted on WardsAuto.com. Profiles of the winning engines, judges roundtable discussion videos, and additional commentaries on other engines considered for the list will appear on WardsAuto in the coming days and weeks.
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WardsAuto is a world-leading provider of automotive insights and analysis, having served the industry’s information needs for more than 90 years. WardsAuto provides a forward-looking perspective on all aspects of the automotive business, from the tech center to the plant floor to the showroom. Its services include the premium WardsAuto.com resource and suite of customizable data reporting tools, the WardsAuto Interiors and WardsAuto Outlook Conferences, and digital newsletters and magazines. Subscribe to WardsAuto and attend its events by visiting http://www.wardsauto.com.
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Source: WardsAuto