Ward's names 10 best engines of 2011

Direction fuel injection is the way, and seven of the 10 best engines recognized by Ward's are equipped with it.

Direct injection was first utilized in turbodiesel engines over a decade ago. Recent years, though, saw high-pressure gasoline direct injection technology make inroads from luxury cars to entry-level compact cars and full-size pickup trucks.

According to Ward's, direct injection, whether deployed in diesel or gasoline engines, "has been proven to reduce fuel consumption and improve low-end torque, which makes for quicker acceleration."

"With so many engines featuring gasoline direct-injection and forced induction, we're pleased to have a list that is rich in technology," said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of Ward's Auto World magazine. "Plus, every engine reinforces the idea that even fuel-efficient vehicles must be fun to drive."

Ward's 10 best engines for 2011 are:

* 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)

Of the 10 engines, the only ones using conventional multi-port injection instead of the modern direction injection technology are the Infiniti hybrid, the Chrysler Pentastar and the Ford V8.