This year’s winners and the applications tested:

• 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 all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is the smallest Hyundai engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) in the US, which helps deliver an estimated highway fuel economy of up to 40 mpg, lower emissions and higher reliability. Through the use of GDI technology, the Gamma 1.6-liter engine delivers a peak output of 138 hp (103 hp) at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 123 lb-ft (167 N·m) at 4,850 rpm.

The new Gamma also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

Seven of this year’s Ward’s 10 Best Engines winners have integrated state-of-the-art direct fuel injection. The awards will be presented on 11 Jan 2012 at a ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show.