2009: Nissans VQ V6 didn't make Wards list

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.

CrownR426

Wow...
Nissan makes great V6 engines!

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Maynard

Yes they certainly do. It's not "the sky is falling kind" of news by any means. It's not like the engine got worse because wards didn't list it. It just shows me two things...

1. Wards has adjusted their definition of what makes a great engine to be more inline with the current trend of becoming more "green".

2. Perhaps Wards just got bored handing Nissan the award after SO MANY years

BanningZ

A 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 is green???

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SnakeBitten

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..

Jadotch

I stumbled onto this forum while looking up ward's top ten and Hemi. Yes, I am a Chrysler fanboy, but I am not an import hater, just trying to stop misinformation (as I am sure you would do about the 370.) OK, to the point....

The 2009 5.7L Hemi has had its power bumped up significantly from the 340 hp it was making in previous models. It has the low end at 357 HP found in the Jeep products, to the High-End at 399 HP found in the Hybrids. I think wards was comparing the '09 Dodge Ram (390 HP), and the Challenger R/T (375 HP) in this particular competition. Just pointing out it is a little more than an 8 HP difference in 2009.

That being said, the VQ should have made the list! I am upset that it did not. Personally I would have bumped the Honda 3.5L off in favor of the VQ37. The VQ is a beautiful engine, and an incredible piece of engineering. Plus its almost a tradition it to have the VQ on wards top ten. It will be back next year.

SnakeBitten

I appreciate your candidness and the enlightenment. Didnt know they bumped the hp up. Sweet. Im a fan of Chryler SRT products and that hemi too. Great engines. With this new info I would definately look to bump another engine off the list instead of the hemi. The Honda you mentioned sounds like a good candidate lol.

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drwharton85

"All regular-production test vehicles must be available in U.S. showrooms during the first quarter of 2008 and must have a base price not exceeding $54,000."

I have lost all faith in Wards how dare they put the VQ series engine on the list for 14 years and then not put the most powerful most advance VQ ever built, something gives.

Ward’s 10 Best Engines 2008

dad

Don't bother me that it didn't make the Ward's list!
"I'd rather relay on opinions, experienced owners, and forum feedback"!

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Mr. BigHam

That list is LAME.

LawtotheRence

nothing but a bunch of ignorant bastards trying to tell me a V8 Hemi is more green than a VQ

BS!


VQFTMFW!

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MightyBobo

You guys doubt the efficiency of modern V8's far too much heh...my LS1 made in 1999 gets just as good gas mileage as the new VQ gets...

Far from that being the case for ALL of them (generally anything Chrysler touches instantly gets poopy gas mileage), but just look at the new LS9 in the ZR1...

iinviktus

Nissan probably didn't pay someone enough to have their name put on that marketing list.

What's so good about Hyundai's V8? LOL
Honda's 3.5 V6?

If those two mediocre motors can get on that list, then I'm not sure it's that celebratory.

Ridiculous.

Nissan doesn't need to pay for a spot on that list because the VQ's already proven itself. Its amazing what 'lists' brands with millions of dollars to spend on marketing can get on.

Who cares. LOL.

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t-ray

The LS1 in itself isn't exactly fuel efficient. The 40% overdrive and tall rear end help it to more efficient.

BalanBro

True, but remember that the only reason you can actually get away with the super tall gearing on the LS series engines is because of all the low end torque to keep it at highway speeds while the engine is little more than idling. A typical V6 or I4 for that matter will need more agressive gearing and/or higher rpms to do that, and there goes much of your efficiency.