In the spirit of our just announced 2013 10 Best Engines winners list, what are some of the best engines in automotive history? Give us the four you would like to see carved into Mount Rushmore of great powertrains.
I would imagine Ford's 351 Cleveland would be on the mountain as well.
Come on guys. It's not that hard!
I'll keep my selections to the recent past:
Ford 5.0L V-8
BMW 3.0L inline-6, naturally aspirated or new N55 twin-scroll turbo
Nissan 3.0L VQ V-6
Audi/VW 2.0L turbo I-4
It's no mistake that all four had good runs on Ward's 10 Best Engines list.
Tom, you read my mind. But also would suggest the original Chrysler Hemi as a potential candidate, if not for performance, certainly for its iconic branding.
Apparently Murphy's Mount Rushmore only includes living presidents. I think we need to dig a little deeper. Although to Zoia's comments, I think original Hemi is overrated and the current version is underrated. Original had dirty exhaust and couldn't change with the times. Current version has very good thermodynamics and continues to improve.
Ford's Model T inline four-cylinder would seem the natural candidate for the George Washington "founder's" spot on the hill - the grand-daddy of mass produced engines for mass produced vehicles.
Specs (from wikipedia) - 177-cubic-inch (2.9 L) front-mounted inline four-cylinder engine,producing 20 hp for a top speed of 40–45 mph (64–72 km/h), with fuel ecomony of 13–21 mpg (18–11 L/100 km).
Not only that, but it was an early flex-fuel engine, that could run on gasoline, kerosene, or ethanol. Even after the Model T's demise, the engine remained a popular powerplant for DIYers, racers and hot rodders.
I would also through the model T-'s 4 banger in the list. I know people that still run tractors with those motors and continually pull people out that get their cars stuck in the snow.
First-generation Prius Hybrid powertrain needs to be on our Mount Rushmore, along with original Ford V-8.
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I'd have to think for a long while to come up with four, but Chevy small block definitely would be one of them.