The best engines of 2018 by category

A specialist jury selects the best engines of the year at the International Engine of the Year awards. These are the top finishers in every single category.

Today’s vehicles increasingly feature new technologies that make them much more than a car, and they generate more elements worth admiring. However, their most essential component will always remain, regardless of whether they run on petrol or electricity as their source of life, that is, the engine. As is customary, the International Engine of the Year awards for the best powertrains of the year have already been announced, and today we bring you the best of each category.

This list includes all kinds of engines and powertrains, since it encompasses everything from the most modest models to the most radical supercars. In this way, all powertrains are accommodated without discriminating by their configuration, and a ranking is established that allows users to use it as a guide when buying a new car, provided that one of the top priorities is to have a reference powertrain.

999 cc engine: small but mighty

Currently, manufacturers are betting on small-displacement, three-cylinder powertrains, with the aim of offering their customers adequate performance and low consumption. Within this category there are numerous contenders for the title, but only one of them has managed to become champion.

The award for the engine of the year under 1.0 litre displacement goes to Volkswagen with 283 points, a powertrain used in various models such as the Up!, Polo, Golf, T-Roc and several models from SEAT, Audi and Skoda. This engine is characterised by very low consumption and being the perfect partner for tackling urban environments.

However, we must also make room for other engines which, like the heart that Volkswagen offers across its model range, have very similar characteristics. The second place goes to Ford with 267 points, since its Ecoboost powertrain is used across several models and boasts admirable efficiency.

Last but not least, third place goes to BMW and its 2-cylinder 647 cc powertrain, which is used in its 100% electric models. The i3 and i3S are the ones to receive this engine and, although it does not drive the wheels, it serves as a generator for the main electric powertrain. With 127 points, the German brand enters directly into the top 3 of this category.

1.0 to 1.4 litre engines: low consumption, efficiency and commitment

If we take the corresponding step up, we find a second category, which ranges from 1.0 litre to 1.4 litre engines. These powertrains are characterised by a fuller performance, delivering more power without ever giving up low consumption.

The first place in this category has travelled directly to France, where the PSA Group has proudly collected it. The 3-cylinder, 1.2 litre PureTech engine has been awarded 295 points, a figure that takes it straight to first place in this segment. Its high level of versatility, low consumption and performance make this engine one of the best not only for the city, but also for tackling the open road.

In second and third place we once again find Volkswagen, which has stood out considerably with its 1.4 litre TFSI ACT and 1.4 TFSI powertrains. They have achieved 185 and 169 points respectively, where they stand out for their good performance and balance between efficiency and power. The letters ACT refer to the powertrains of the German group capable of deactivating cylinders, which considerably reduces consumption and, at the same time, is used interchangeably across several models of the VAG Group.

2.0 to 2.5 litre engines: the ladder towards pure sportiness

Within this ranking we must make room not only for the most efficient and environmentally friendly powertrains, but also for those that awaken our sportier side behind the wheel. Although today we can find many sporty compacts with smaller-displacement engines, the powertrains between 2.0 and 2.5 litres are the ones that concern us today.

The first place in this category goes to Audi, whose 2.5 litre TFSI five-cylinder engine was awarded 470 points. This powertrain brings to life the RS3, TTRS and RSQ3, making all three models not only emit a spectacular sound, but also capable of delivering performance befitting a supercar with its 400 CV of power. An engine that, through its successive evolutions, has dominated this category for nine consecutive editions.

The second position goes to one of the newest engines of the moment, the 2.5 turbo boxer of Porsche which, with 352 points, ranks among the most acclaimed. This powertrain brings to life the new generation of the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, which are presented as the entry-level option from the German firm, but don’t let that fool you, since the efficiency shown by the Porsche sports car is admirable.

In third place, with 174 points, we find the 2.3 litre supercharged powertrain from Ford, which brings to life one of the most acclaimed sporty compacts, the Focus RS. This engine is characterised by offering very pure and entertaining sensations but, at the same time, is also capable of offering a high degree of versatility. In this way, the American compact becomes one of the options to consider most in its segment.

4.0 litre engines and above: where perfection is approached

Another category we find is that of the most radical powertrains, which are responsible for bringing to life the most efficient and sporty models of the moment. Manufacturers show no restraint whatsoever when creating these engines, and that is why they are presented as some of the most acclaimed of the moment.

The first place goes to one of the most emblematic firms in the world with 346 points, as Ferrari takes it with its 6.5 litre naturally aspirated V12 capable of producing 800 CV and 700 Nm of torque. The firm of the Cavallino Rampante has managed to create one of the most efficient engines in the world, which makes the Ferrari 812 Superfast one of the fastest models in its segment and one of the most special.

In second place we find the 5.2 litre naturally aspirated V10 used by the VAG Group to bring to life both the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Huracán. This powertrain has repeatedly demonstrated that it lives up to expectations, since its versatility makes it the perfect partner both for daily use and for going to the track to release our adrenaline.

In third position we find BMW and its powerful 4.4 litre supercharged V8, which has been entrusted with the task of bringing to life the latest generation of the BMW M5. With 176 points it has been considered the third best engine in its category, something due to its incredible ability to dominate the track and, at the same time, to cover long journeys without sacrificing comfort.

Electric motors: the future also deserves recognition

The era of electric vehicles is just around the corner and, although they are not yet fully established in the market, more and more firms are turning to this type of powertrain. In this way, zero emissions, performance on a par with any combustion engine and, at the same time, a very respectable range will be achieved.

The first place goes to one of the pioneering brands of this segment, Tesla, which has achieved a total of 408 points that led it to victory. The American firm has the advantage of offering a wide range of options for its customers, thus catering to those seeking sportiness and, at the same time, those who simply want comfort and efficiency.

In second place we find BMW and its 281 points achieved thanks to the powertrain that brings the BMW i3 to life. The German firm’s first 100% electric model has been revolutionary, and its market success positions it as one of the best-selling vehicles in its segment, as it is presented as the ideal electric car for tackling both the urban environment and the open road.

Last but not least, the General Motors Group ranks third with 238 points, a figure that goes directly to the Chevrolet Bolt and Opel Ampera-e. Both models have enjoyed resounding success in their respective markets, where their affordable price and performance on a par with any traditional petrol engine make them two great options.

And the three best engines are…

Once the best engines of each category have been chosen, a selection must be made of those that have stood out considerably above the competition. This section brings them all together, and we find some of the best powertrains of the moment in both sporty cars and compacts designed for urban life.

The first global place goes to Ferrari and its 3.8 twin-turbo V8 which, with 486 points, has been chosen as the best engine on the market. This powertrain brings to life the 488 GTB and its respective variants, such as the Pista. It stands out above the competition thanks to its track performance and its ability to be used day to day.

In second position we find Porsche and its 3.0 litre twin-turbo six-cylinder, a powertrain that has collected 198 points. This engine brings to life the more “modest” variants of the 911 and, at the same time, some of the most radical ones. This powertrain stands out for its versatility and its performance, which continue to make the Porsche 911 one of the most impressive sports cars on the planet.

Ferrari has returned to the podium with its 6.5 litre naturally aspirated V12 and its 158 points, which leave it in an impressive third place globally. This powertrain brings to life the Ferrari 812 Superfast, one of the most powerful models ever built by the Cavallino Rampante firm, something that proves itself on any kind of terrain.