International Engine of the Year Awards to focus on fuel efficiency

Like the Oscars of the Otto cycle, the Grammys of gasoline, the International Engine of the Year Awards are a big deal in the industry.

For 2013, the awards will continue to focus on green technology, pitting gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid and all-electric powerplants against each other for the title of "international engine of the year." Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine took top honors last year.

Besides the top award, other categories include best green engine, best new engine and best performance engine, each voted on by journalists from around the world.

A full list of nominees hasn't been released, but a statement from organizers hinted that CNG engines from Fiat and Volkswagen, Tesla's all-electric Model S power unit and General Motors 1.4-liter gasoline range extender used on the Chevrolet Volt are all expected to make the list. Hybrid powertrains and cylinder deactivation technology are also expected to be highlighted.

Aside from the green awards, supercar engines from Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche and Mercedes-AMG are all considered in the best performance engine category.

Our guess is Fiat Group's 6.3-liter V12 engine in the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, rated at 729 hp, as a pick for the best performance engine. GM's new 6.2-liter V8 with direct fuel injection and cylinder cutoff technology -- slated for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra -- could make the podium for best new engine.

The 12 award winners will be announced at a ceremony June 5 at Engine Expo 2013 in Stuttgart, Germany.

By Angie Fisher