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Ward's Names Top 10 Engines for 2006

Ward's AutoWorld magazine has released its 12th annual list of 10 Best Engines. Each year, Ward's conducts extensive testing on the powerplants of the new crop of cars, trucks and SUVs, rating a number of engine characteristics: power; torque; noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); technical relevance; and basic comparative numbers. Winners for 2006 are:

* Audi's 2.0L FSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3);

* Audi's 4.2L DOHC V8 (Audi S4);

* BMW's 3L DOHC I-6 (33i);

* DaimlerChrysler's 5.7L HEMI Magnum OHV V8 (Dodge Charger RT);

* Ford's 4.6L SOHC V8 (Mustang GT);

* GM's 2L supercharged DOHC I-4 (Chevy Cobalt SS);

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* GM's 2.8L turbocharged DOHC V6 (Saab 9-3 Aero);

* Mazda's 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed6);

* Nissans 3.5L DOHC V6 (Infiniti G35 6MT);

* Toyota's 3.5L DOHC V6 (Lexus IS 350).

Ward's says it considered two technology developments as very important when selecting this year's winners: direct-injection gasoline (DIG) technology and forced induction (supercharging and turbocharging). These systems, the magazine says, "allow engineers to develop engines that generate startling power yet return acceptable fuel economy."

DIG systems are featured on three of this year's winners, including Audi's 2.0L Fuel Straight Injection system (FSI) DOHC I-4, found on the A3. Audi's FSI system, combined with a variable-geometry turbocharger, helps the 2.0L powerplant pump out an impressive 100 hp per liter.

Likewise, Mazda's 2.3L Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) DOHC I-4, which powers the all-new Mazdaspeed6 sport sedan, combines DIG technology and turbocharging to generate 274 hp-a remarkable 119 hp per liter.

Toyota takes a unique approach to direct injection with its 306-hp, 3.5L DOHC V6 in the Lexus IS 350. The normally aspirated engine, designated as 2GR-FSE, uses a dual-injection system of both direct injectors as well as port injectors to achieve optimum the fuel/air mixture for precise burn, resulting in higher output and lower emissions.

Audi enjoys its second 10 Best Engines winner for 2006 with its 4.2L DOHC V8, found in the S4 performance sedan. Racking up its third consecutive award, the Audi V8 once again impressed Ward's testers with its remarkable blend of performance and refinement. At 81 hp per liter, the Audi 4.2L V8 remains at the forefront of the class of "premium" V8s.

Cylinder deactivation, which allows an engine to operate with half its usual number of cylinders when full power is not necessary, is another recently developed fuel-saving technology that makes DaimlerChrysler's now-famous 5.7L HEMI V8 even more attractive. Winning for a fourth consecutive year, the 5.7L HEMI incorporates the company's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) to instantaneously shut down four of the engine s cylinders when they're not needed. When the HEMIs power is required, MDS reactivates the cylinders to generate the engine's full power.

General Motors has two winners this year. The 2.0L supercharged DOHC I-4 used in the Cobalt SS performance coupe is recognized for squeezing out 205 hp-more than 100 hp per liter-while achieving 23/29-mpg city/highway fuel economy. Also selected was GMs 2.8L turbocharged DOHC V6, currently used exclusively by Saab for its 9-3 sport sedan and wagon. Ward's calls it "an outstanding mix of performance and refinement" and "an impressive performance-car engine."

Taking its unrivaled twelfth consecutive 10 Best Engines trophy is Nissans 3.5L DOHC V6. Its 298 hp (as used in the Infiniti G35 with manual transmission) rivals or beats many V8s.

BMW has dramatically improved the company's 3L DOHC inline six-cylinder design to produce more power while simultaneously delivering markedly improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. It employs an innovative construction technique of magnesium and aluminum for the engine block that enabled significant weight reduction.

Ford's 4.6L SOHC V8 is back as a winner for a second year following a significant design change that yields more horsepower and torque.

Automotive Industry

Ward's Names Top 10 Engines for 2006

Motor, Feb 2006 by Nash, Tom

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