Think ‘International Engine of the Year’ awards would just concentrate on frugal, downsized powertrains? Not so. Along with Ford and VW’s fuel-saving efforts, Ferrari and Mc…Laren have been recognised for building the world’s best engines in the 2013 awards.
Ford took the overall prize for its 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost motor, available in the Fiesta, Focus, B-Max and C-Max. Capable of 123bhp or 65.7mpg depending on the spec, it’s the darling of downsizing, offering the performance of a 1.6-litre petrol but less thirst.
What awards did the supercar brands win?
Ferrari took Performance Engine of the Year for the F12 Berlinetta’s stupendous 6.5-litre V12. The normally aspirated engine produces 730bhp at a screaming 8500rpm, yet has 15% lower CO2 output than the old 599 GTB V12, at 350g/km. It’s also capable of a claimed 18.8mpg.
The F12’s V12 nicked first place from the 458 Italia’s 4.5-litre, 562bhp V8 – not that Ferrari will care. The V8 has won the high-performance award for the past two years running.
McLaren meanwhile took top honours in the 3 to 4-litre category, thanks to the 12C’s bespoke 3.8-litre bi-turbo V8. The judging panel praised its low mass (the engine weighs just 199kg) and McLaren’s recent upgrade, taking power from 592bhp to 616bhp. It’ll also do 24.2mpg, avoiding the top-rate of gas-guzzler tax in the US market. – carmagazine.co.uk