23 Winners Of The Engine Of The Year Award
It was a cool evening in 1999 when I first heard the purr of a Porsche 911’s engine, and something clicked. I couldn’t help but wonder… what goes into making an engine so perfectly refined?
Fast forward a few years, and the Engine of the Year awards started to make more sense. These accolades aren’t just about raw power; they celebrate the marriage of performance, efficiency, and innovation.
Whether it’s the growl of a V8 or the hum of a hybrid, these engines represent the pinnacle of engineering – each winner deserving its time in the spotlight.
1. Ferrari 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8
Prancing horses don’t just gallop—they thunder with this masterpiece from Maranello. Ferrari’s 3.9L twin-turbo V8 has dominated the Engine of the Year awards, winning overall honors multiple times since 2016.
Delivering up to 720 horsepower in some applications, this engineering marvel combines blistering performance with a spine-tingling soundtrack that only Italian engineers could perfect.
The reduced displacement from previous Ferrari V8s proves sometimes less is more—especially when you add twin turbochargers!
2. BMW 1.5L TwinPower Turbo 3-Cylinder Hybrid
Small but mighty, BMW’s revolutionary 1.5L three-cylinder hybrid powertrain turned the automotive world upside down when it debuted in the i8 sports car.
Combining a turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors, this pint-sized powerhouse delivers supercar performance with compact car efficiency.
Engineers overcame the inherent vibration issues of three-cylinder designs to create a smooth operator that punches well above its weight class.
Who knew three cylinders could sound so exotic while sipping fuel like a economy car?
3. Volkswagen 1.4L TSI
Volkswagen’s plucky 1.4L TSI engine revolutionized the compact car segment with its twin-charging system.
Using both a supercharger for low-end grunt and a turbocharger for high-end power, this clever German powerplant delivered V6-like performance from four tiny cylinders.
Found in everything from Golfs to Polos, the 1.4 TSI brought performance to the masses without sacrificing fuel economy.
The “twincharger” concept might have been complex, but it proved Volkswagen’s engineering prowess and willingness to think outside the conventional forced-induction box.
4. Ford 1.0L EcoBoost
Tiny terror alert! Ford’s 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine proved that displacement isn’t everything.
This pint-sized powerplant has collected multiple Engine of the Year trophies, shocking judges with its smooth power delivery and impressive torque.
Cleverly engineered to eliminate the need for a balance shaft, the EcoBoost even uses the flywheel and pulley to counterbalance the engine’s natural vibrations.
The little engine that could has found homes in everything from the Fiesta to the Focus, proving that downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading!
5. Tesla Electric Powertrain
Electrons never felt so exciting! Tesla’s revolutionary electric powertrain changed the game when it snagged Engine of the Year honors, despite not having an engine in the traditional sense.
The Model S performance variant’s instant torque delivery left conventional powerplants in its silent, emissions-free dust.
With simple design but complex software, Tesla proved electric motors could deliver supercar-slaying acceleration while maintaining impressive range.
No pistons, no valves, no problem—just pure, instantaneous power that transformed how we think about performance cars.
6. BMW 3.0L TwinPower Turbo Inline-6
Silky-smooth doesn’t begin to describe BMW’s legendary inline-six.
The 3.0L TwinPower Turbo engine represents everything the Bavarian brand stands for—refined power, effortless performance, and engineering excellence.
Unlike V6 engines, the inline configuration naturally balances out vibrations, creating a powerplant that feels like it’s running on butter.
Clever turbocharging technology eliminates lag, delivering power across a wide rev range. Whether in an M3 or a 5-Series, this straight-six sings a mechanical melody that car enthusiasts can’t resist.
7. Audi 2.5L TFSI Inline-5
Musical magic happens when Audi fires up its award-winning 2.5L five-cylinder.
This unconventional cylinder count creates a distinctive warbling soundtrack that harkens back to the rally-dominating Quattros of the 1980s.
Powering the TT RS and RS3, this turbocharged gem delivers supercar-level acceleration with character that four and six-cylinder engines simply can’t match.
The odd number of cylinders creates perfect power pulses and torque delivery. Think of it as automotive jazz—it breaks the rules in the most beautiful way possible.
8. Mercedes-AMG 4.0L Biturbo V8
Handcrafted fury comes standard with Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-liter biturbo V8. Each engine is built by a single technician who signs their work—talk about personal responsibility!
Unlike most V8s, the AMG places its twin turbochargers inside the “V” of the engine for better response and compact packaging.
The result? A Jekyll and Hyde personality that purrs in comfort mode and roars in sport settings. From the C63 to the GT, this German muscle maker delivers old-school V8 character with modern efficiency.
9. Porsche 3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-6
Flat is where it’s at for Porsche’s 3.0L twin-turbo boxer engine. This horizontally-opposed six-cylinder masterpiece powers the latest 911 Carrera models with a distinctive sound only a flat engine can produce.
The low center of gravity helps the 911 corner like it’s on rails, while twin turbochargers deliver immediate response throughout the rev range.
Porsche engineers somehow managed to add forced induction without losing the mechanical symphony that makes a 911 so special.
The result is an engine that’s both more efficient and more powerful than its predecessors.
10. Fiat 875cc TwinAir
Good things come in tiny packages! Fiat’s diminutive 875cc TwinAir engine proves you don’t need big displacement to win big awards.
This two-cylinder turbocharged powerplant shocked the automotive world when it claimed Engine of the Year honors.
Despite having fewer cylinders than most motorcycles, the TwinAir delivers surprising punch in the Fiat 500, along with character and charm by the bucketload.
Its distinctive thrumming sound is unmistakable, like a happy bumblebee on espresso. Efficiency and fun rarely come together so perfectly in such a small package.
11. Toyota 1.5L Hybrid (Prius)
Revolutionaries rarely look as unassuming as Toyota’s 1.5L hybrid powertrain. This groundbreaking system in the original Prius changed automotive history by bringing hybrid technology to the masses.
Combining a gasoline engine with electric motors through the ingenious power-split device, Toyota created a seamless hybrid experience that became the template for efficient motoring.
The Atkinson-cycle engine sacrifices some power for efficiency, but the electric motors fill in the gaps perfectly. Not all heroes wear capes—some just sip fuel while silently saving the planet.
12. Honda 1.5L VTEC Turbo
VTEC just kicked in, yo—but this time with turbo assistance!
Honda’s 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder brilliantly combines the company’s variable valve timing magic with forced induction for the first time in a mainstream Honda engine.
Found in everything from the Civic to the CR-V, this versatile powerplant delivers impressive torque at low rpms while still offering that high-revving Honda character.
The engine represents Honda’s successful adaptation to modern downsized turbo trends while maintaining their engineering DNA. It’s like they taught their VTEC engines a new party trick!
13. General Motors 6.2L LT1 V8
American muscle flexes hard with GM’s thunderous 6.2L LT1 V8.
This pushrod powerhouse might seem old-school with its overhead valve design, but cutting-edge technologies like direct injection and variable valve timing make it thoroughly modern.
Powering Corvettes and Camaros to victory, the LT1 proves there’s no replacement for displacement—especially when that displacement is engineered to be surprisingly efficient.
The compact design allows for perfect weight distribution despite its size. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? GM’s V8 continues to evolve while maintaining its unmistakable rumble.
14. Mazda 2.0L SkyActiv-G
Compression obsession paid off for Mazda’s innovative 2.0L SkyActiv-G engine.
While other manufacturers chased turbocharging, Mazda zigged where others zagged by perfecting naturally-aspirated performance through an astonishingly high 14:1 compression ratio.
Using a complex exhaust manifold design and direct injection, Mazda’s engineers achieved diesel-like compression without the knock issues that would normally occur.
The result is exceptional efficiency and throttle response with a linear power delivery that turbo engines can’t match. It’s proof that sometimes the road less traveled leads to award-winning destinations.
15. Nissan 3.8L Twin-Turbo V6 (GT-R)
Hand-built perfection powers Nissan’s legendary GT-R supercar slayer.
The VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is assembled in a dust-free clean room by master technicians known as Takumi, whose names are proudly displayed on each engine.
Capable of producing over 600 horsepower in NISMO tune, this Japanese jewel combines bulletproof reliability with supercar-crushing performance.
The plasma-coated cylinder bores reduce friction while improving cooling and durability.
16. Peugeot 1.2L PureTech
French flair meets efficient engineering in Peugeot’s plucky 1.2L PureTech three-cylinder.
This turbocharged triple packs a punch well above its weight class, delivering surprising performance while sipping fuel with Parisian restraint.
Clever technologies like an offset crankshaft reduce friction losses, while the integrated exhaust manifold speeds warm-up times for better efficiency.
The compact design allows for creative packaging in small European cars. Who says you need a big engine to have big fun? This little lion-hearted engine proves that three can indeed be the magic number.
17. Jaguar Land Rover Ingenium 2.0L I4
British engineering prowess shines in JLR’s modular Ingenium 2.0L four-cylinder.
Developed from a clean sheet after Tata’s acquisition of the iconic British brands, this versatile powerplant serves in everything from F-Type sports cars to Range Rover luxury SUVs.
Available in various power outputs and in both gasoline and diesel forms, the Ingenium features all-aluminum construction for light weight.
Balance shafts ensure smoothness worthy of the luxury brands it powers. The engine proves that with clever engineering, a humble four-cylinder can deliver performance and refinement worthy of premium vehicles.
18. McLaren 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8
Formula 1 DNA flows through every cylinder of McLaren’s magnificent 3.8L twin-turbo V8.
Developed with racing specialist Ricardo, this bespoke powerplant delivers supercar performance with surprising daily drivability.
The flat-plane crankshaft design allows for lightning-quick revs and a spine-tingling soundtrack that screams McLaren’s racing heritage.
Dry-sump lubrication ensures oil pressure even under extreme cornering forces.
From the 570S to the 720S, this compact powerhouse proves that McLaren’s engineering excellence extends beyond their championship-winning race cars to their road-going masterpieces.
19. Renault-Nissan Electric Motor (Leaf)
Silence can be golden, as proven by the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s award-winning electric motor in the pioneering Nissan Leaf.
This compact powerhouse delivers instant torque without a drop of gasoline, changing perceptions about electric vehicle performance.
The synchronous AC motor design optimizes efficiency while minimizing size and weight.
Unlike complex combustion engines with hundreds of moving parts, this elegant solution has just one moving component.
20. Subaru 2.5L Turbo Boxer
Rally racing legends were born from Subaru’s turbocharged 2.5L flat-four boxer engine. Powering the iconic WRX STI, this horizontally-opposed powerplant delivers the distinctive Subaru rumble that enthusiasts crave.
The boxer configuration keeps the center of gravity low, improving handling, while the symmetrical layout pairs perfectly with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system.
Forged internals handle impressive boost pressures with bulletproof reliability.
Whether conquering dirt stages or snowy commutes, this engine’s character is unmistakable—the sound alone has created a cult following that transcends typical brand loyalty.
21. Hyundai 1.6L T-GDI
Korean engineering excellence surprised the automotive world with Hyundai’s sophisticated 1.6L turbocharged direct-injection engine.
This compact powerplant delivers performance that belies its small displacement, proving Hyundai’s transformation from budget brand to technological innovator.
Found in everything from the sporty Veloster to the practical Tucson, the versatile T-GDI combines strong low-end torque with impressive fuel economy.
The continuously variable valve timing optimizes performance across the rev range.
22. Volvo T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid
Swedish sensibility meets electrified performance in Volvo’s innovative T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Combining a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0L four-cylinder with electric motors, this technological tour de force delivers V8 performance with four-cylinder efficiency.
The “Twin Engine” name refers to the gas engine driving the front wheels while an electric motor powers the rear, creating an electric all-wheel-drive system.
The clever packaging doesn’t compromise interior space or safety. Volvo’s approach proves that sustainable luxury doesn’t require compromising performance or the brand’s core safety values.
23. Koenigsegg 5.0L V8 (Jesko)
Hypercar territory requires hyperbolic engineering, and Koenigsegg’s 5.0L V8 in the Jesko redefines what’s possible from an internal combustion engine.
This hand-built Swedish masterpiece produces a mind-bending 1,280 horsepower on regular gasoline—a figure that jumps to 1,600 hp on E85 biofuel!
The flat-plane crankshaft weighs just 12.5 pounds, allowing the engine to rev to 8,500 rpm. Christian von Koenigsegg’s patented Light Speed Transmission provides virtually instantaneous gear changes.
This engine isn’t just powerful—it’s a mechanical artwork that pushes the boundaries of what’s physically possible from pistons and valves.