(December 9, 2011) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Ward's 10 Best Engines, North America's only award program honoring excellence in vehicle powertrains, have been announced for 2012, and a record seven of this year's 10 winners have integrated state-of-the-art direct fuel injection, demonstrating the rapid pace of technology development as auto makers downsize their engines in anticipation of strict U.S. fuel-economy rules.

This year's winners and the applications tested:

    3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi A6)
    2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (BMW Z4/528i)
    3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 335i coupe)
    3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Chrysler 300S/Jeep Wrangler)
    2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I-4 (Ford Edge)
    5.0L DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang Boss 302)
    2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Buick Regal GS)
    1.6L DOHC I-4 (Hyundai Accent/Kia Soul)
    2.0L Skyactiv DOHC I-4 (Mazda3)
    3.5L DOHC V-6 HEV (Infiniti M35h)

"With so many engines featuring gasoline direct-injection and forced induction, we're pleased to have a list that is rich in technology," says Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine. "Additionally, every engine reinforces the idea that even fuel-efficient vehicles must be fun to drive."

Now in its 18th year, the Ward's 10 Best Engines competition recognizes the latest powertrain technologies that are affordable to most consumers, boost horsepower and torque, sound appeal and pair up well with their respective vehicles.

WardsAuto editors chose the winners after spending October and November driving 36 vehicles with 34 acquiring new or significantly upgraded engines in their routine daily commutes around metro Detroit.

Editors scored each engine based on power, technology, fuel economy and noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.  To be eligible, each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model and on sale no later than first quarter 2012, with a base price below $55,000.  Winners from the 2011 competition were automatically eligible and evaluated against the new engines for 2012.

The awards will be presented on Jan. 11 at a ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show.