Ward's Auto Announces the 10 Best Engines of the Year

The annual list of Ward's 10 Best Engines of the year has been released. The magazine's editors chose the winners after spending October and November driving 36 vehicles with 34 of those featuring new or significantly upgraded powerplants.

To be eligible to participate in the competition, Ward's states that "each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2012, in a vehicle with a base price below $55,000".

And the winners of this year's competition are:

• 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)

The magazine's editors pointed out that seven out of this year's 10 Best Engines came equipped with direct fuel-injection technology.

"With so many engines featuring gasoline direct-injection and forced induction, we're pleased to have a list that is rich in technology," commented 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."

Notably, all 10 engines are gasoline units with no diesel or electric engines making the final cut. The only hybrid powerplant is the Infiniti M35h's V6 unit. Ford and BMW where the only companies to be represented twice in the list, while GM had only one engine, the Buick Regal GS's 2.0L turbo, as did Audi, Chrysler, Hyundai, Mazda and Infiniti.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

2013MY Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pays Homage to the 1970s

Ford says the Mustang Boss 302 is a show - and 5.0-liter V8 engine from 444 HP to send and 380 Nm of torque and the rear wheels, no doubt. Most of the big changes that were introduced last year, the new leader may be some updates for 2013MY.

With the settings of the soft regular Mustang 2013, the Boss 302 and Boss past Laguna Seca to get new graphics hockey stick with reflective tape and paint yellow school bus, both of shelves to 1970 Trans-Am racer driven by Parnelli Jones.

"Last year we proved that the car had what it takes to achieve and this year we focused on increasing its striking look and celebrates its history," said chief engineer Dave Mustang Pericak.

"Everything we did for 2013 is compatible with a direct link to our heritage in 1970. The reflective stripes and hockey stick graphs primarily means something for Mustang enthusiasts, "he added.

The 2013MY Mustang Boss will also get a redesigned splitter, functional hood vents, standard HID headlights and easily removable for increased cooling track days, instead of the front fog lamps, LED tailamps more that are "associated" with a glossy black panel on the back.

Inside, Ford has added SYNC infotainment standard in the data sheets. It includes hands-free voice activated calls via a Bluetooth connection, a USB connection for digital music players, an automatic "911 Assist" emergency service free for life, and a diagnosis on the request and information service .

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Grateful Auction One-Off Designer Ford Mustang Boss 302 For Charity

Melvin Betancourt is a designer of Ford, 11 years ago, suffered a severe heart problem. Betancourt is now 49 and healthy, thanks to Henry Ford Hospital doctors, who made a very difficult open-heart surgery and saved his life.

You want to give something back, decided to design a thank Betancourt once 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, which will be auctioned for the benefit of cardiovascular care, research and education departments at the Henry Ford Health System.

"There are talented people who have the ability to do what they do," said Betancourt. .. "I'm here because of them we are all here for the purpose, and perhaps my purpose is to help people through my abilities One of the things I do is customize the vehicle well - Taking a car that already exists and improve it, which is a one-of-a-kind vehicle. "
The Mustang is a one-off Betancourt is a modern version of the 1970 Boss 302, which Parnell Jones won the 1970 Trans-Am Championship. And 'painted the icon of "school bus" yellow AutoAlliance International factory, where all the Mustangs were built.

Instead of using the 1970's style racing stickers, Betancourt decided to paint the black stripes and number 15 on the doors. "I approached the project from the perspective of collection car," he said. "I wondered what would happen if I was given in 1970 and asked me to design a car for Parnelli Jones."

The Mustang was auctioned Saturday, October 15th at "speeds up your heart" of the event and Parnelli Jones signed the order this collector's item even more special.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More