Ward’s AutoWorld magazine had released the list of top ten best engines for 2015 model vehicles some time back. All these engines are now embedded in vehicles with a base price of at least $60,000. The Wards 10 best engines include:
127-kW Electric Motor
First one on the list is not a gasoline or diesel engine, but an electric motor that powers the BMW i3 city car. This motor produces maximum 170 horsepower and 250 Nm torque, allowing the BMW i3 to achieve a top speed of 150km/h and 0-100km/h acceleration in less than eight seconds.
6.2 liter OHV V8
Enclosed in the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, this 6.2 liter OHV V8 engine yields maximum 460 horsepower and 624 Nm torque. With such engine output, the new Stingray can sprint from 0 to100km/h in four seconds, while the top speed is 306km/h.
6.2 liter Supercharged OHV V8
Driving the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, this HEMI® engine provides an impressive 707 horsepower and 880 Nm torque. Using an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine can cover 0-100km/h distance in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 320km/h.
1.0 liter Turbocharged DOHC three-cylinder
This is a small engine used by Ford Fiesta subcompact hatchback. Based on Ford EcoBoost technology, this engine creates 123 horsepower and 169 Nm torque. The basic reason why this engine made it into the top-ten list is its high fuel economy and low carbon emission.
100-kW Fuel Cell
South Korean automaker, Hyundai has introduced this hydrogen fuel cell system for the Hyundai Tucson ECV. It is capable to produce around 134 horsepower and 221 Nm torque. Such output is quite enough to move the 1882 kg crossover from 0 to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds, and record a top speed of 159km/h. dd
1.5 liter Turbocharged DOHC three-cylinder
This lightweight engine belongs to 2015 Mini Cooper base version. The three-cylinder engine generates up to 136 horsepower and 219 Nm torque, ensuring a fuel economy of around 4.7 liters/100km and a top speed of 210km/h. Moreover, it enables the Cooper to deliver 0-100km/h acceleration is 7.8 seconds.
3.0 Liter Turbo-Diesel DOHC V6
Next is the EcoDiesel V6 engine from VM Motori, which is being used by Ram 1500. The maximum output of this power unit is 240 horsepower and 570 Nm torque, which allows the large pickup truck to maintain a fuel economy of 8.4 liters/100km.
2.0 Liter Turbocharged DOHC H4
It is the standard engine offered in 2015 Subaru WRX. The SUBARU BOXER® engine puts out 268 horsepower and 350 Nm torque, which results in a top speed of 240 km/h and 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.4 seconds.
1.8 Liter Turbocharged DOHC four-cylinder
The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf comes with a high-line 1.8 liter turbocharged engine that boasts 170 horsepower and 250 Nm torque. This lets the WV Golf race to a maximum speed of 290 km/h.
2.0 Liter Turbocharged DOHC four-cylinder
This is one of the most powerful, compact and efficient Drive-E powertrains that combines low fuel consumption and carbon emission with high performance. The Volvo S60 uses this engine to extract out 200 horsepower and 300 Nm torque.
Ward’s has been releasing the list of ten best engines each year, since last 21 years. Last year, the organization evaluated 37 engines from different automotive brands that qualified for the top-ten list. In 2014, the Ward’s 10 best engines list was topped by the 3.0 liter V6 engine (available in Audi S5), while in 2015 it is the 127-kW electric motor (that belongs to BMW i3). Stay tuned for 2016 Ward 10 best engine winners.