CAN BMW POWER TO ANOTHER ENGINE VICTORY?

BMW has a fight on its hands as it guns for a fourth consecutive International Engine of the Year title. The German marque, which has scooped more trophies for engine excellence than any other company in the Awards' 10-year history, faces tough competition from over 20 new entrants to the awards in 2008.
Expected to fare well in this year's awards are three particularly strong challenges from Japan; Subaru's first-ever diesel is a much-respected effort, while Nissan's 3.8-litre twin-turbo, found under the hood of the GT-R, and Mitsubishi's 2-litre turbo in the EVO X are technologically advanced and powerful.
Strong contenders for BMW's crown also comes from Europe, with Audi's 5-litre V10, Fiat's small, but powerful 1.4-litre Turbo, and Volvo's 3-litre turbo from the V70. Meanwhile there are high hopes for North American success thanks to GM's new 6.2-litre turbo that powers the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V, plus Chrysler's 1.8-litre joint effort with Mitsubishi and Hyundai could well yield results.
However, BMW also has new engines to help defend its number one status: the mighty 4.0 litre V8 that powers the M3, and the innovative 2.0 litre twin-turbo diesel, housed in the 123d. Both engines have already earned praise in the world's motoring press - can they help BMW retain the title?
The results of the International Engine of the Year Awards 2008 will be decided by a panel of 65 renowned automotive journalists from 32 countries and will be announced on Wednesday 7 May at Engine Expo 2008, held in Stuttgart.