Who makes the best engine in the world?

BMW has a fight on its hands as it guns for a fourth consecutive International Engine of the Year title. The German marque, which has scooped more trophies for engine excellence than any other company in the Awards’ 10-year history, faces tough competition from over 20 new entrants to the Awards in 2008.

Expected to fare well in this year’s Awards are three particularly strong challenges from Japan. Subaru’s first-ever diesel is a much-respected effort, while Nissan’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo, found under the hood of the GT-R, and Mitsubishi’s 2-litre turbo in the EVO X are technologically advanced and powerful.

Strong contenders for BMW’s crown also comes from Europe, with Audi’s 5-litre V10, Fiat’s small, but powerful 1.4-litre Turbo, and Volvo’s 3-litre turbo from the V70 to name just three. Meanwhile there are high hopes for North American success thanks to GM’s new 6.2-litre turbo that powers the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V, plus Chrysler’s 1.8-litre joint effort with Mitsubishi and Hyundai could well yield results.

However, BMW also has new engines to help defend its number one status: the mighty 4-litre V8, that powers the M3, and the innovative 2-litre twin-turbo diesel, housed in the 123d. Both engines have already earned praise in the world’s motoring press – can they help BMW retain the title?

The results of the International Engine of the Year Awards 2008 will be decided by a panel of 65 renowned automotive journalists from 32 countries and will be announced on Wednesday 7 May at Engine Expo 2008, held in Stuttgart 6-8 May 2008.