Events June 7, 2018 Updated April 7, 2026

The best engines of 2018 have been determined

Anna Tkach

AutoPortal editorial team

1,134 views 2 min read

The organizers of the "International Engine of the Year" competition have named the winners of 2018. The best power unit for the third time in a row was the 3.9-liter V8 from Ferrari.

The best engines of 2018 have been determined

The eight-cylinder twin-turbocharged unit powers the Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider, and 488 Pista models. On the latter, the engine develops 720 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque, allowing the coupe to accelerate to 100 km/h in 2.85 seconds and reach a top speed of 340 km/h.

In the overall standings, this engine scored 486 points, which is 288 points more than the result of its closest competitor — Porsche's three-liter turbocharged "six," which is installed on the 911 model. In addition, the Ferrari unit became the best in the "three to four liters" and "sports engine of the year" categories.

The title of "best new engine" also went to Ferrari. This is a six-and-a-half-liter naturally aspirated V12 from the 812 Superfast model. The engine, working with a seven-speed robotic gearbox with two clutches, produces 800 hp and 718 Nm. A car with such an engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, and the top speed is the same 340 km/h. This V12 is also recognized as the best in the class of units from four liters and above.

Among engines with a displacement of less than one liter, the victory was won by Volkswagen's three-cylinder engine with a volume of 999 cubic centimeters, which is used in the Golf, Up, Polo, and T-Roc models, as well as in compact cars from Audi, Skoda, and Seat. It managed to displace the previous leader — the "junior" Ford EcoBoost unit, which had held the lead for many years.

In the "from 1 to 1.4 liters" category, the 1.2-liter engine from PSA Peugeot Citroen again took first place. In the "from 1.4 to 1.8 liters" nomination, the three-cylinder unit with a volume of 1.5 liters, which is part of the hybrid system of the BMW i8 and i8 Roadster, won.

In the "from 1.8 to 2 liters" class, the best was Porsche's two-liter flat engine used in the Cayman and Boxster sports cars. In the "from 2 to 2.5 liters" category, the five-cylinder engine with a volume of 2.5 liters from the Audi TT RS, RS3, and RS Q3 won. The best unit "from 2.5 to 3 liters" was the three-liter "six" of the Porsche 911. And finally, the titles of "best electric" and "best green" engine were awarded to the powertrain of the Tesla Model S, Model X, and Model 3 electric vehicles.