Audi AG 2L turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3)
BMW AG 3L DOHC I-6 (Z4 3.0si)
BMW AG 3L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (335i)
DaimlerChrysler AG 3L DOHC V-6 turbodiesel (Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec/Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD)
DaimlerChrysler AG Hemi 5.7L OHV V-8 (Chrysler 300C)
Ford Motor Co. Duratec 35 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX)
Ford Motor Co. 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang GT/Mustang Shelby GT)
Mazda Motor Corp. 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed3)
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G35)
Toyota Motor Corp. 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)

 

As a Ford guy I am happy about Ford having 3 of the top 10 (including the Mazda engine)......but a list without a GM engine is suspect. What is the criteria for the top 10 rating?

 

A mix of objective and subjective criteria. Has to be available in a car costing under $54,000 (so no Benz or BMW V8s).

I find parts of the list highly suspect. The new Ford 3.5 isn't that good, and I'm not sure what makes the Ford 4.6 or Chrysler 5.7 better than GM's latest V8s, which are both more powerful and more efficient.

Also, no Honda engines or non-turbo fours.

 

The Mazda engine is also tuned horribly and has had all kinds of issues in the MS6 (haven't heard one way or another in the MS3).

 

Had a pretty good feeling the VQ35 was going to be on that list .

 

It's done well in the CX-7.

 

It's done well in the 7 and in both MS examples too. Certain ricers just cant appreciate it since it doesnt sound like a lawn-mower or angry beehive and doesnt send pedestrians diving for cover when one passes by.