Mercedes AMG engine voted best

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine took away two top accolades as part of the coveted "International Engine of the Year Awards 2010": the high-revving naturally aspirated engine developing up to 386 kW/525 hp comfortably took top spot in the "Best Performance Engine" and "Above 4 liters" categories. This is the second year running that the eight-cylinder engine from AMG has beaten off the competition.

Bearing the internal designation M 156, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimeters produces between 457 hp and 525 hp, develops up to 630 Nm of torque and features in various AMG models, including the C 63 AMG, the E 63 AMG and the SL 63 AMG. The basis for the agile power delivery is the consistent technology transfer from motorsport, which has been an inseparable part of the company philosophy at Mercedes-AMG for over four decades. The verdict of juror Jason Cammisa from Automobile Magazine (USA): "The absolute epitome of a German hot rod V8 engine!" Carl Cunanan, editor of C! Magazine (USA): For its fantastic engine sound alone it deserved first place!"

The great potential of the award-winning AMG V8 is also reflected in its character-packed, powerful evolution: the engine – dubbed the M 159 – for the SLS AMG super sports car is based on the M 156; in the gullwing the AMG high-revving naturally aspirated engine develops 571 hp and delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm. Another outstanding vehicle is the C 63 AMG with Performance Package Plus and maximum output of 487 hp. The overhauled features inside the engine are responsible for the increase in output: the forged pistons adopted from the SLS AMG together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft make the engine three kilograms lighter. The reduced inertia enhances the agility of the eight-cylinder unit, which offers even more exhilarating responsiveness.

Toyota’s engineering excellence has once again been rewarded with wins in the ‘Green Engine of the Year’ and ‘Sub-1.0 Liter Engine of the Year’ categories at the 2010 International Engine of the Year Awards.

These two victories represent true international recognition, the engines having been tested and judged by a panel of 72 motoring journalists from 35 countries. Toyota’s latest success reinforces the company’s impressive International Engine of the Year track record, with 22 wins (out of a total 144) since the awards began in 1999.

Green Engine of the Year – Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive®

Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® regains its crown as ‘Green Engine of the Year’ in 2010, winning the award for the fourth time in the last five years. Available in the Prius and Auris Hybrid, this iconic powertrain technology is one of the most successful in the history of the awards, with a total of 11 titles.

The Auris Hybrid, launched in the UK on 1 July, returns fuel consumption of 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km. Both the Auris Hybrid and the new Prius comply with Euro 5 emissions standards and are expected to meet those of Euro 6. Being a full hybrid powertrain, Toyota hybrids can operate in electric mode at speeds up to 30mph, with a driving range of up to two miles depending on battery charge level. The powertrain also produces exhaust air quality with very limited NOx and zero Particulate Matter (PM) emissions, unlike diesels.

Summing up, the judges praised Toyota hybrids as: “The essence of mechanical, electric and electrical ingenuity in one affordable package" and "Still the best green technology available on the market – reliable and durable, with very low real life CO2 emissions" .

Sub-1.0 Liter Engine of the Year – Toyota 1.0 VVT-i

Toyota’s light and compact 1.0-litre VVT-i engine has won the ‘Sub-1.0 Liter Engine of the Year’ category for the fourth year running. Featuring an all-aluminum construction, the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine weighs only 67kg, making it one of the lightest internal combustion car engines on the market today.

Developing 68 DIN hp/50 kW, this engine is not only the most powerful 1.0-litre unit in the city car market, but also generates class-leading speci�c torque of 93 Nm at 3600rpm. High levels of low to mid-range torque are essential to good drivability in stop/start, constant acceleration and braking urban driving conditions. The Toyota development team achieved this through a low-friction three-cylinder unit, and the fine-tuning of the intake system through optimized manifold length and the use of optimized diameter for the intake ports.

Featured in the Aygo, iQ and Yaris, Toyota’s 1.0 liter unit was acclaimed by the judges as “One of the most pleasant and frugal sub-1.0-litre triples that propels a four-seater" and “… still the one to beat in this category class". They added “This three-cylinder has the punch and the torque to ensure the car is fun to drive around the city, but best of all is its very, very low fuel consumption".

Engine of the Year Awards – Toyota roll of honor

1999

  • Best Eco-friendly: Toyota Hybrid (first generation Prius)
  • Sub-1.0-litre: Toyota 1.0-litre (Yaris)
  • 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota Hybrid (first generation Prius)
  • International Engine of the Year 1999: Toyota 1.0-litre (Yaris)

2000

  • Best Eco-friendly: Toyota Hybrid (first generation Prius)
  • 1.0-litre to 1.4-litre: Toyota 1.3-litre VVT-i

2002

  • 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota 1.8-litre VVTL-i 190 (Celica)

2004

  • Best New Engine: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (second generation Prius)
  • Best Fuel Economy: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (Prius)
  • 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (Prius)
  • International Engine of the Year 2004: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (Prius)

2005

  • Best Fuel Economy: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (Prius)
  • 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (Prius)

2006

  • Best Fuel Economy: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (Prius)
  • 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (Prius)

2007

  • Best Fuel Economy: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive ® (Prius)
  • Sub-1.0 liter: 1.0 VVT-i (Aygo, Yaris)

2008

  • Green Engine of the Year: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive ® (Prius)
  • Sub-1.0 liter: 1.0 VVT-i (Aygo, Yaris)

2009

  • Sub-1.0 liter: 1.0 VVT-i (Aygo, Yaris and iQ)

2010

  • Green Engine of the Year: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive ® (Prius and Auris HSD)
  • Sub-1.0 liter: 1.0 VVT-i (Aygo, Yaris and iQ)