Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2015 Announced
Top 10 Best Engines
Each year, WardsAuto evaluates and determines its top 10 best engines and this year, its editors evaluated 37 all-new or improved powertrains before choosing its favorites.
When all the dust settled, WardsAuto released its final list consisting of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell, a battery-electric vehicle, a pair of three-cylinder turbo engines, three four-cylinder turbo engines, a diesel V6 and two V8s. These are the results listed in alphabetical order.
BMW i3 – 127-kW Electric Motor
The BMW i3 was built from the ground-up to be an electric car, which means its electric powertrain had to perform. Sporting 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the BMW i3’s 127-kW electric motor allows the compact EV to go 0-60 mph in seven seconds. For those looking for additional range, buyers can opt for a 0.7-liter gasoline-fueled generator that doubles to range to about 150 miles.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray – 6.2L V8
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray’s V8 makes a returning appearance, having been named one of WardsAuto‘s top 10 best engines last year. Providing 455 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, the Stingray can also have its power boosted slightly to 460 hp with a performance exhaust option. The LT1 V8 is the “heart and soul of the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette,” as WardsAuto puts it and it’s a powertrain that we’ve been more than satisfied with on occasions.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – 6.2L Supercharged V8
The addition of Dodge’s new SRT Hellcat engine onto the top 10 best engines list shouldn’t really come as a surprise with the 6.2L V8 providing a massive 707 hp that brings a whole new meaning to the words American muscle. What makes the SRT Hellcat’s V8 even more special is its two-stage fuel pump and engine controller that’s programmed to upshift the eight-speed automatic transmission as quickly as possible. The result is an awesome sports car that can actually be somewhat fuel efficient – at least as fuel efficient as you can get with 707 hp.
Ford Fiesta – 1.0L Turbocharged Three Cylinder
Another returning engine to the list is Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that can be found in the Fiesta. Despite its small size and cylinder count, the 1.0-liter turbocharged engine provides 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque that gives the Fiesta impressive acceleration and adequate power on the freeway. Ward’s Auto called Ford’s compact engine “fuel-efficient, lightweight and fun to drive” and we’re inclined to agree.
Hyundai Tucson Fuel-Cell Vehicle – 100-kW Fuel Cell
A newcomer to the list of Hyundai’s first entry into the hydrogen fuel-cell market with its Tucson FCV which debuted last year. The five-passenger crossover is powerful and quiet with zero emissions and instant torque. Providing 134 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, the Tucson FCV is helping usher in a new generation of fuel-cell vehicles like the recently revealed Toyota Mirai.
