Ford Focus RS 2017 HR 8

Wards Elected 2016 Top 10 Best Engines, V8 Didn’t Make it

The V8 engine is not in the 2016 Top 10 Best Engines

Ward’s Autoworld magazine selects every year the 10 best modern engines, since 1994. The 2016 Top 10 best engines had some surprises. To begin with, the V8 engine wasn’t elected as one of the best engines of the year, for the first time in 23 years of the Ward’s list. Instead, the downsizing technology, with turbocharging, and direct fuel injection engines were the chosen ones. Even though the V8 is not one of the best engines of 2016, there was torque and horsepower enough to honour an 8-cylinder block. On the other hand, three 6-cylinders powertrains made the cut. In particular, one 6-cylinder made a combo with an electric engine. Speaking of which, two more electrified engines are on the list.

The American magazine looked through all the models available on the US market below the price of £49,894.98. The result was a primary top 40 list of cars selected for daily drive test evaluation. Ward’s magazine measured the fuel economy, noise level, application of new technology, comparative features, torque and power. Based on these criteria, Ward’s scored all the models and the 2016 Top 10 Best Engines are:

BMW M240i – 3.0 Turbocharged DOHC I-6

According to Wards, BMW had two great 6-cylinder engines this year and it was hard to pick the best one. The first one was the N55, that produces 365 HP, which won three times since 2011. Last year, the B58 3.0 turbo 6-cyl. also made the cut. To conclude, the engine delivers 335 HP and 500 Nm of torque, and it sprints to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

Chevrolet Volt – 1.5 DOHC 4-cylinder / Dual Motor EREV

One of this Chevy Volt’s best features was the all-electric range. You can have 53 miles of driving distance without one single drop of gas in the tank. Also, if you want to go on a long-distance cruise, it will be a quiet and comfortable one. The 407 Nm of torque is instantaneously available, which makes the Volt fun to drive. Last but not least, the fuel economy was 106 mpg-e.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – V6 3.6 DOHC Dual Motor PHEV

The first plug-in hybrid minivan. One of the major positive points is the great driving experience without sacrificing comfort and space. Equally important, the petrol V6 3.6 produces 260 HP with the electric one. This Chrysler can achieve up to 566 miles using both the engines and fuel.

Ford Focus RS – 2.3 Turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder

Ford Focus RS 2017 PH 15

One of the few track-ready cars that made the cut, brings 355 HP and 475 Nm of torque, with no dead spots in the power delivery.

Honda Accord Hybrid – 2.0 4-cylinder Dual Motor HEV

The only conventional hybrid, out of the 3 in the list, did well. This Honda has 212 HP under the bonnet, plus 315 Nm of torque. The mileage? 47 mpg. The balance between the fuel economy and the performance is worth mentioning, according to Wards.

Hyundai Elantra Eco – 1.4 4-cylinder Turbocharged DOHC

Almost at the peak of downsizing and turbocharging, this Kappa 4-cylinder brought great performance, refinement and fuel economy for under 18,000 pounds. What more can you say? 128 HP and 210 Nm of torque at early 1,400 rpm, holding steady up to 3,700 rpm. Also, the dual clutch with a 7-speed transmission makes the job successful. In conclusion, don’t forget the 40 mpg fuel economy.

Infiniti Q50 – 3.0 V6 Turbocharged DOHC

This 400 HP Q50 has a well-deserved spot in Ward’s Top 10 Best Engines due to its powertrain capability. Being neck-and-neck with its German rivals it can be quiet when you want it, and ferocious as soon as you hit the gas. This V6 makes 23 miles per gallon.

Mazda Cx-9 – 2.5  4-cyl Turbocharged DOHC

The reason why Mazda’s 4 cylinder engine is among the Top 10, lies in its ability to deliver at a great low and mid-range rpm torque. The turbo lag is reduced due to its Dynamic Pressure turbocharged, which creates good pressure at a low engine speed. The 2.5-litre engine delivers 227 HP or 250 with premium fuel.

Mercedes-Benz C300 – 2.0 4-cylinder Turbocharged DOHC

Despite any Audi engine not making into the 2016 Top 10 best engines, this second German car, with rear-wheel drive releases all its torque at 1,300 rpm. It delivers its 370 Nm smoothly until the red line, like a gentleman. Add to the list, the great 26 mpg of fuel economy, a great asset.

Volvo V60 Polestar – 2.0 4-cyl Turbo/ Supercharged DOHC

Last but not least, using both supercharging and turbocharging, his 4 cylinders produces 362 ps, or 184 HP/L, unprecedented in Ward’s list. It goes from zero to sixty in 4,5 seconds, not bad at all.

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