The awarding of the ten finalists will take place on January 11 next year at the auto show to be held in Detroit.
During October and November, specialists tested 36 models equipped with completely new or significantly updated powertrains in everyday city driving. The engine evaluation took into account power, the use of modern solutions, fuel efficiency, and the level of noise and vibrations. No special instrumental measurements were performed.
Cars intended for the American market, priced up to $55,000, with availability at dealers no later than the first three months of 2012, could participate in the competition.
According to the jury, this year the number of engines with direct fuel injection has noticeably increased—seven out of ten turned out to be such. Without this technology remained: the unit on the hybrid Infiniti M35h, the Chrysler Pentastar engine, and the Ford V8. Also on the list of laureates are five four-cylinder engines, whereas a year earlier there were only three.
The full list of competition winners is presented as follows:
3.0L TFSI DOHC V6 with mechanical supercharger (Audi A6)
2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I4 (BMW Z4/528i)
3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I6 (BMW 335i Coupe)
3.6L Pentastar DOHC V6 (Chrysler 300S/Jeep Wrangler)
2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I4 (Ford Edge)
5.0L DOHC V8 (Ford Mustang Boss 302)
2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I4 (Buick Regal GS)
1.6L DOHC I4 (Hyundai Accent/Kia Soul)
2.0L SkyActiv DOHC I4 (Mazda3)
3.5L DOHC V6 HEV (Infiniti M35h)
