Ford wins International Engine of the Year accolade

Ford Motor Company’s ultra-fuel efficient and spirited 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine yesterday was named 2013 International Engine of the Year, marking the second straight year Ford’s acclaimed three-cylinder engine has captured the award.
The 1.0-liter EcoBoost — which combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to lower fuel consumption without sacrificing power - received the highest score in the history of the awards. The engine also won the Best Engine Under 1.0-Liter category at the annual awards presented by Engine Technology International magazine.
Ford also confirmed plans to double production of the engine at its Cologne (Germany) Engine Plant to more than 1,000 engines a day from mid-August to meet demand.
“With a technology as mature as the internal combustion engine, it’s very rare to achieve a true breakthrough, but that is exactly what the team accomplished with this engine,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president, Global Powertrain. “You have to drive it to believe a small three-cylinder engine can deliver such performance and fuel economy.”
A panel of 87 automotive journalists from 35 countries around the world judged the awards on drivability, performance, economy, refinement and the successful application of advanced engine technology.