From turbocharged Hurricane I6s to hybrid small-block V8s, there’s a bit of one thing for each automotive fanatic among the many winners of 2024’s Wards 10 Finest Engines & Propulsion Programs. And it is not simply the variety of powertrain configurations that makes 2024’s record outstanding, however the broad cross-section of producers represented. On the opposite aspect of the identical coin, we observe a couple of conspicuous absences. Let’s dive in.
V8
Sure, within the yr of our electrons, 2024, there is a V8 on the Wards 10 Finest record — and an American V8 at that. It is the 6.2-liter V8 discovered beneath the hood of the 2024 Chevy Corvette E-Ray. OK, so on this case it occurs to be a part of a hybrid powertrain, however the truth that GM managed such a well-executed hybridization of its iconic efficiency mannequin on the primary go-‘spherical is nonetheless spectacular. Now, talking of hybrids …
Hybrids
Technically, the E-Ray’s V8 needs to be right here too. It is no surprise Wards referred to as 2024 the “Yr of the Hybrid.” Six of the ten winners are battery-electric fashions, although we’ll observe that the combo nonetheless dramatically favors customary hybrid configurations over heavier and more-expensive plug-ins. Solely BMW’s I6 PHEV made the lower within the latter class. This class can also be house to the 2 most reasonably priced vehicles on this record: the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Camry XSE.
Turbos
Just like the Hybrid class, this one is bigger than our record suggests. Three of this yr’s hybrid alternatives are primarily based on turbocharged gasoline engines. The Stellantis “Hurricane” I6 is one in all two 3.0-liter inline-sixes on the winner’s record this yr, they usually’re joined by Porsche’s 3.0-liter V6. The three.0-liter turbo-six appears to be the candy spot for premium gasoline engines in 2024. Shout-out to Toyota for the GR Corolla’s 1.3-liter turbo-three. That automotive is an absolute gem.
Electrical
Korea managed to brush this yr’s all-electric honors. Of the 11 eligible nominees, solely two battery-electric vehicles made the winner’s record in 2024.
Conspicuous absences
Old style, naturally aspirated, non-electrified engines
Rely ’em: zero.
All 4 of those producers had not less than one eligible finalist in 2024 (Nissan’s within the type of the 2024 Infiniti QX80), however all ended up with goose eggs. Each VW nominees have been battery-electric choices; Audi was nowhere to be discovered.