Quote:
Originally Posted by Maynard
For the first time since 1995, Nissan's VQ V6 didn't make wards list? Looks like "greener" engines bumped it off the list. 
Ward's Auto declares Ten Best Engines of 2009 - Autoblog
Ward's Auto declares Ten Best Engines of 2009
Posted Dec 7th 2008 2:33PM by Jeremy Korzeniewski
Filed under: Green, I.C.E.
Ward's Auto has released its annual list of Ten Best Engines for the new year, and our first assessment is that it's just as interesting for what isn't present as for what is. First of all, let's get the official list out of the way:
* Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
* BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
* BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
* Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
* Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
* General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
* Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
* Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
* Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
* Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)
Take a good look. Nissan's ubiquitous VQ, which up to this point, was the only engine series that had made Ward's Ten Best ever since the list's inception in 1995, is conspicuously absent. That's a big deal. We also note a couple of turbodiesel engines, one in BMW's favored inline-six configuration and one that powers VW's Jetta TDI. Ford's updated 2.5L hybrid four cylinder is also recognized, rounding out this year's trio of green powerplants. We also note that there's only one American V8 engine, the redesigned HEMI from Chrysler. More snubs? How'd they miss the amazing powerplants that sit under the hoods of the Corvette ZR1 and the Nissan GT-R? Update: Thanks goes to our commentators, who point out that the ZR1 and GT-R are too expensive to make the list. |
Interesting...Hmmmm..."BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)", "3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)", "3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)"....The 3.7 is more powerful that all of those and probably gets just as good gas milage. Very interested in Wards take on why the VQ37, which is better in every way than the other VQ's they have had on there list over the years, somehow isnt worthy this time. No knock on those three engines I highlighted as they are very good motors.
Also as good as the Chrylser Hemi is I would have left it off the list in favor of the VQ37 if I had a say in the matter. Just think about it..The VQ37 is just down 8hp to the 5.7ltr V8 Hemi. Oh well we'll get back on the list next year..