It’s considered by many to be the “Oscars” for automotive engines, and this year the 5.7-liter HEMI® is nominated for one of among Ward’s Top 10 best engines for 2009. In selecting the 5.7-liter OHV V-8 HEMI for nomination, Ward’s editors said, “Chrysler LLC’s venerable 5.7L Hemi V-8 returns to the rankings with added refinement, power and variable-valvetrain and induction technology. Its guttural roar and low-end grunt serves double duty this year in the all-new Dodge Challenger R/T and Ram pickup.” Thirty-two different engines vied for the for the honor, including 2008 winners and all-new, or significantly improved engines. The editors evaluated and scored each engine on a number of objective and subjective parameters. Each engine must be available in a regular production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first quarter 2009, in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, (a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.) The complete list of nominees is listed below. Winners will be announced at a Jan. 14 ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show. (Wardsauto.com)
Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)