AAH #766 - What Are the 10 Best Engines?
About this episode
A panel of judges from Wards discusses the recent 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards, highlighting the impressive advancements in both traditional and electric powertrains. They share insights on the competitive landscape, noting that every nominee showcased exceptional engineering, making it difficult to select the top ten. Notable winners include the Ford F-150 hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid, both praised for their performance and efficiency. The conversation also touches on the evolving automotive market, electrification trends, and the significance of recognizing the unsung heroes behind these innovations.
BorgWarner
"Auto Line After Hours is brought to you by Alex Partners, when it really matters, and by BorgWarner. The automotive industry continues to evolve..."
BorgWarner makes parts that help cars run better, like gearboxes and turbochargers.
BorgWarner is a global automotive supplier that designs and manufactures powertrain components such as transmissions, turbochargers, and hybrid systems.
Wards
"Last week, exactly one week ago today, Wards handed out its 10 Best Engines and Propulsion System trophies to deserving automakers for making engines and propulsion systems for EVs that were most impressive."
Wards is a popular car magazine that gives out yearly awards to cars and parts that are considered the best in their category.
Wards is a well-known automotive magazine that publishes annual awards recognizing excellence in vehicle design, performance, and technology.
10 Best Engines and Propulsion System trophies
"Last week, exactly one week ago today, Wards handed out its 10 Best Engines and Propulsion System trophies to deserving automakers for making engines and propulsion systems for EVs that were most impressive."
The 10 Best Engines and Propulsion System trophies are awards given to the best electric car engines and power systems each year.
This is an annual award presented by Wards that honors the most impressive engines and propulsion systems developed for electric vehicles (EVs).
propulsion systems
"for making engines and propulsion systems for EVs that were most impressive."
Propulsion systems are the parts of a car that make it move, like the engine or electric motor and everything that helps transfer power to the wheels.
Propulsion systems refer to the components and mechanisms that generate power to move a vehicle, including engines, electric motors, transmissions, and related electronics.
EVs
"for making engines and propulsion systems for EVs that were most impressive."
EVs are cars that run on electricity stored in batteries, so they don't use gasoline.
EVs stands for electric vehicles, cars that use electric motors powered by batteries instead of internal combustion engines.
Nissan VQ
"[263.7s] Nissan VQ. [264.7s] Yep, 14, three years, yeah."
The VQ is a type of engine made by Nissan that runs on gasoline and has six cylinders arranged in a straight line. It’s used in several popular cars for its good balance of power and smoothness.
The Nissan VQ is a family of inline‑six gasoline engines used in many Nissan and Infiniti models, known for smooth power delivery and high-revving performance.
Acura ADX
"And so this was everything from the Acura ADX, I'll start at the beginning of the alphabet..."
The Acura ADX is a type of SUV made by Honda’s luxury brand. It was sold in the U.S. from 2006 to 2011 and is popular for its roomy cabin.
The Acura ADX is a mid-size crossover SUV introduced by Honda’s luxury division, Acura. It was produced from 2006 to 2011 and is known for its spacious interior and smooth ride.
Volvo EX90
"to the Volvo EX90 electric propulsion system..."
The Volvo EX90 is an electric SUV that started selling in 2023. It has a big battery for long trips and lots of safety features.
The Volvo EX90 is a fully electric SUV announced in 2022. It features a long-range battery, advanced safety tech, and a minimalist Scandinavian interior.
electric
"And you can tell, you're trying to compare electric to electric to electric. And most people driving those would say, whoa, great low-end torque..."
Electric cars run on electricity stored in batteries, so they don't use gasoline.
Electric refers to vehicles powered by electric motors and batteries instead of internal combustion engines.
Ford F-150
"[555.7s] The Ford F-150, a 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 hybrid."
The F‑150 is a big truck that people use for work and family. It can pull heavy loads and has many different engines to choose from.
The Ford F-150 is a full‑size pickup truck that has been one of the best‑selling vehicles in North America for decades. It’s known for its ruggedness, towing capacity, and a wide range of powertrain options.
V8
"And truck guys are V8 guys."
A V8 is a type of car engine with eight cylinders shaped like a 'V'. It’s popular in trucks because it gives good power and is reliable.
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration, providing strong torque and smooth power delivery. It’s common in trucks for its balance of performance and durability.
hybrid
"[669.1s] You don't notice that you're driving a hybrid. [671.6s] No, the transitions are seamless between gas and electric."
A hybrid car uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to help it run better and use less gas.
A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
powertrain
"...in both cases of the Ford and the Honda, those were the only powertrains that were on..."
Think of a powertrain as everything inside the car that takes fuel or electricity and turns it into motion for the wheels. It’s like the heart and muscles of the vehicle.
A powertrain is the combination of components that generate and deliver power to a vehicle’s wheels, typically including the engine or motor, transmission, driveshafts, and differential.
$225,000
"Well, it's $225,000."
$225,000 is the price that the car company suggests you pay for this car before any extra costs.
This figure represents the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), indicating the base cost of the vehicle before taxes, fees, and optional add-ons.
Lexus LX700h
"Okay, another hybrid, the Lexus LX700h. It's a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6."
Lexus LX700h is a big, fancy SUV that uses both gasoline and electric power to save fuel and reduce pollution.
The Lexus LX700h is a luxury SUV from Toyota’s Lexus brand, featuring a hybrid powertrain that combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
turbocharged V6
"It's a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6"
A turbocharged V6 is a six-cylinder engine that uses extra air to make more power, like a supercharger but with a turbine.
A turbocharged V6 engine has six cylinders arranged in a V shape and uses a turbine-driven compressor to increase air intake, boosting power output.
all-EV
"So now another all‑EV, the Lucid Gravity."
All‑EV means the car runs only on electricity, like a battery-powered scooter but much larger. It doesn’t need gasoline.
All‑EV refers to vehicles that operate solely on electric power, with no internal combustion engine.
Lucid
"But Lucid also does some things, too, that I think is important in terms of they're really good at aerodynamics."
Lucid is a car company that makes electric cars, similar to Tesla but with its own style and technology.
Lucid is an American automotive company that designs and manufactures electric vehicles, known for high performance and luxury.
Mercedes
"[2061.6s] The Mercedes compared to the BMW."
Mercedes-Benz makes fancy cars that are usually very comfortable and safe. They’re a well‑known German brand.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automaker known for its high‑quality vehicles, advanced engineering, and strong brand heritage.
AMG
"[2068.6s] This is, you know, true to an AMG for certain."
AMG is a special line of Mercedes cars that are faster and more powerful than the regular models.
AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s high‑performance division that develops sportier engines, suspensions, and styling cues for select models.
Nissan LEAF EV
"[2129.6s] The Nissan LEAF, the new Nissan LEAF EV."
The Nissan LEAF is a small car that runs only on electricity, so it doesn’t use gasoline and produces no exhaust fumes.
The Nissan LEAF is a fully electric compact hatchback that debuted in 2010, known for its zero-emission driving and practical range for daily use.
Alex Partners
"So, we want to thank BorgWarner and Alex Partners for making all this possible."
Alex Partners is a business that helps fund shows about cars and driving.
A company that provides sponsorship and support for automotive media projects.
Stellantis
"Stellantis would break up, whereby there would be the American operation and then something else that would be different in Europe."
Stellantis is a big company that owns many car brands, such as Jeep and Peugeot.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive group formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, owning brands like Jeep, Dodge, Peugeot, and Citroën.
plug and play
"Well, that's the dream we've been told, right, that it's going to be plug and play."
Plug and play means you can drop a part in, turn it on, and it works right away—no fiddling with settings needed.
A plug‑and‑play system means components can be installed and used without complex setup or configuration. In automotive terms, it refers to modules that fit together seamlessly, reducing integration time.
advanced AVs
"We heard these proclamations so many times now about, you know, now we're going to have advanced AVs."
Advanced AVs are cars that can drive themselves using cameras, radar, and computers.
Advanced AVs are autonomous vehicles equipped with sensors, software, and connectivity to navigate without human input.
geofence areas
"Within geofence areas, I can see that..."
A geofence is a digital border you set on a map; cars can be told to stay inside or outside that area.
Geofence areas are virtual boundaries set on a map that restrict or allow vehicle movement within specified zones.
NVIDIA autonomous cars
"I started following NVIDIA and autonomous cars like 10 years ago, you know..."
NVIDIA makes computer chips and software that help self‑driving cars see and think like a human driver.
NVIDIA develops AI hardware and software platforms that power autonomous vehicle perception, decision-making, and control.
General Motors
"you see, let's take for example, General Motors, which is putting a lot of effort into its SuperCruise system."
General Motors is a big car company in the U.S. that makes many different kinds of vehicles.
General Motors (GM) is a major American automaker that produces cars, trucks, and SUVs under brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac.
V2X
"where you've got V to V and V to X"
Cars talking not just to other cars but also to traffic lights, road signs, and even pedestrians’ phones.
Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) extends V2V by communicating with infrastructure, pedestrians, and other road users to improve safety and traffic flow.
V2V
"where you've got V to V and V to X"
Cars talking to each other over wireless signals to share information about their movements.
Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication allows cars to exchange data like speed, location, and braking status with nearby vehicles.
GM
"[3628.6s] And and, you know, it may not still apply, but when GM sneezes, right, the country gets a cold."
GM is a big car company that makes many different kinds of cars and trucks, like Chevrolets and Cadillacs.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the United States, producing brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
Bosch
"[3654.6s] a German company, announced that it is going to be departing with 13,000 people as it works to save $2.9 billion."
Bosch is a big company that makes parts for cars, like the little pieces that help engines run and brakes stop the car.
Bosch is a German multinational engineering and technology company that supplies automotive components such as sensors, brakes, and powertrain parts to many car manufacturers.
average price of a new vehicle
"And it's obvious why, because when you're, you know, the average price of a new vehicle in the United States is $50,000."
It’s the usual amount people spend when buying a brand‑new car in America. It helps us understand how expensive cars are on average.
The typical cost that consumers pay for a brand‑new car in the United States, often used as a benchmark for market trends.
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