Hellcat, Corvette V8s On 2015 Ward’s 10 Best Engines List

A well-rounded mix of muscle and eco-friendly hardware is showcased in the 2015 Ward’s 10 Best Engines list. Topping the annual celebration of powertrain innovation is the 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 found in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Another highly regarded V8, the 6.2-liter LT1 that powers the C7 Corvette, is also on the list. Chrysler had another winner with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel that’s available in the Ram 1500 pickup.

Regarding the Hellcat, Ward’s acknowledged it’s rare that an engine saddled with the gas-guzzler tax makes the list, but its flexibility with a 2-stage fuel pump and sophisticated engine controls convinced the editors.

On the small side is a pair of 3-cylinder engines: the 1.0-liter EcoBoost from Ford and the 1.5-liter turbo found in the MiniCooper. They’re followed by a trio of 4-cylinder turbocharged engines: the 2.0-liter H-4 in the Subaru HRX, the 1.8-liter in the VW Jetta and the 2.0-liter in the Volvo S60.

Rounding out the field are the 127-kW electric motor found in the BMW i3 electric vehicle and the 100-kW fuel cell that powers the Hyundai Tucson FCV.

“We spend a lot of time reading the powertrain tea leaves throughout the auto industry, and we’re proud that this year’s list is a microcosm of all the latest innovation coming from automakers,” says WardsAuto World editor-in-chief Drew Winter. “It’s not just a list for enthusiasts or for environmentalists,” he says. “There’s something for every vehicle shopper and every budget. All the powertrains on this list deliver a first-rate driving experience.”

EngineLabs has covered many of these engines, including the Hellcat, Gen V LT platform and the EcoBoost.

To be eligible for the Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition, an engine or propulsion system must be all-new or significantly re-engineered and available in the U.S. market with a base price not exceeding $60,000.  This year’s pool of 37 nominees includes last year’s 10 winners and 27 new entries.