As well as BMW, the winner here was automotive innovation. The top six engines in this category included two twin-turbos (one petrol, one diesel), a V10 with 580bhp, the world’s first diesel boxer engine, and a fresh version of Volkswagen’s TSI.

The Bavarian auto manufacturer triumphed with what it claims is the world’s most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine. The key advantages of the 1,995cc over its predecessor are threefold and form the basis of BMW’s ‘efficient dynamics’ mantra: increased overall power, lower weight, and a reduction in emissions.

Helping to achieve these goals are a number of technologies that first appeared on this 2-litre engine’s bigger brother, the 272bhp twin-turbo 3-litre. These include an all-aluminium crankcase, third-generation common-rail fuel injectors, and a state-of-the-art diesel particulate filter. Like the 3-litre, this engine, codenamed N47D, sports both a large and small exhaust gas turbocharger, the latter operating at lower engine speeds, the bigger one being called upon when extra power is required.

Weight savings have been made largely thanks to a new engine design that helped to cut 17kg from the outgoing version. Arguably the biggest change was made to the intake ducts, which now have a larger diameter to aid the gas charge cycle, and are placed upright, fitting straight into the combustion chambers. The shape of said chambers has been refined, helping to realise a 16:1 compression ratio.

In a battle of pure performance versus technical innovation, the oil-burner kept the BMW M3’s V8 off the top, and also managed to receive credit from the predominantly diesel-free North American market. Automobile magazine’s Marc Noordeloos’ view was typical of the nine judges from the region that awarded points: “More than 100bhp per litre from a diesel? Forget the gasoline engine in your 1- or 3-Series – this is the powerplant to get.”

http://www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyear/winners_08/bestnew.html