BMW took a sensational victory at this year’s prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards, scooping the International Engine of the Year for its 1.5-litre three-cylinder electric-petrol hybrid powertrain found in the revolutionary BMW i8.
Ford had been hoping to clinch the award for a fourth year running for its 999cc three-cylinder turbo Ecoboost motor, but was beaten in a closely-fought contest.
The awards are recognised as the industry’s top accolades for the world’s best powertrain technology, judged by an independent international panel of 65 industry experts from 31 countries, including our own Padraic Deane (managing editor at Automotive Publications ) who represents Ireland on the jury.
BMW’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder electric-gasoline hybrid powertrain emerged as triple winner, also taking home the 'New Engine' award designed to mark the most important engine development in the last 12 months, and the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category. BMW also took the honours in the 2.5-litre to 3-litre category for its 3-litre twin-turbo six cylinder found in the M3 and M4, in what proved to be a memorable night for the Munich-based company.
Despite missing the top spot, Ford did not leave empty handed. Its multi-award-winning 1.0 Ecoboost engine again took the sub 1-litre category, bringing the engine’s total number of award wins to a staggering eight in just four years.
Mercedes-AMG took the 1.8-litre to 2-litre award with the 2-litre turbo found in the A45, CLA45 and GLA45 models, in a repeat of last year’s results. PSA Peugeot Citroën fought off a 44-strong field in the 1-litre to 1.4-litre category to win with its new 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo, its first solo venture engine project win in more than 10 years. The engine is found in a variety of cars, including the Peugeot 208 and 308, and Citroën C3, DS3, C4 Cactus, C4 and DS4.
Audi’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo, found in the new RS3 and RS Q3, took the 2-litre to 2.5-litre title for a sixth consecutive year, in a night that saw multiple return winners: Ferrari stormed to its fifth 'Performance Engine and Above 4-litre' category awards win with its 4.5-litre V8 in the 458 Italia and 458 Speciale; competitor McLaren was not left empty handed either, retaining the 3-litre to 4-litre award with its V8 turbo found in the 650S, 625C and 12C.
