The two Audi FSI engines shortlisted are turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine with the A4, and supercharged six cylinder 3.0 TFSI engine for the sporty upgrade S4 model.
For the purpose of nomination, six editors of Ward's Automotive World tested 34 engines from 13 different car manufacturers. This year the focus was how these engines are designed to give higher fuel economy with lower emissions without affecting the performance as a whole.
The engines were judged during driving cycles in Detroit where the judges assessed and assigned score to each engine on the basis of horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance and comparative data.
Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter said.
“Auto makers are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency.”
This is not the first time that the Audi engine is ranked with such a high esteem. In fact the Audi engines have been on the "Top 10 Engines" list for the last consecutive six years and 8 times for the last 10 years. Audi is the first car company to sell 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology, starting with model year 2010. The Audi S4 sedan, new for 2010, ushered in a new era of downsizing while enhancing performance and handling over the previous generation 2008 sedan model.
The eligibility criteria for the competition was to be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2010, in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.
Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America said:
“Audi fuel-efficient powertrain technologies excel at delivering exceptional driving performance with reduced environmental impact. The well-rounded approach the brand is undertaking will keep Audi in a leading position for the foreseeable future.”
