AUDI's engine is the best

• Best engine in 2.0-litre to 2.5-litre category for fourth year in a row
• Ninth category award win in a row for Audi TFSI technology
• Rally-bred five-cylinder unit available in the TT RS, TT RS plus and forthcoming RS Q3 SUV

A jury of 87 leading motoring journalists from around the world has voted the Audi 2.5-litre TFSI unit the “International Engine of the Year” in the 2.0-litre to 2.5-litre category for the fourth year running.

The first iteration of this legendary five-cylinder engine shocked the motorsport world with its formidable performance and unmistakable soundtrack, powering iconic cars such as the original Audi quattro and Sport quattro S1 which dominated rallying. Now its legacy continues in the TT RS Coupé and Roadster, featuring both turbocharging and FSI petrol direct injection, two core Audi technologies.

International Engine of the Year jury members said of the 2.5-litre engine: “The Audi TT RS is one of the most engaging smaller sports cars on the market. The sound and power of the throbbing, off-beat engine makes you feel like a Group B rally driver every time you get behind the wheel.”

The Audi TT RS plus Coupé and Roadster models have a displacement of 2,480 cc and a power output of 360 PS between 5,500 and 6,700 rpm. Peak torque is 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm, enabling 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds in the Coupé and 4.2 seconds in the Roadster. A 174mph top speed is possible in both where the law permits.

This is the ninth category win in a row at the International Engine of the Year Awards for Audi TFSI technology. Between 2005 and 2009, the Audi 2.0-litre TFSI engine won the award in the 1.8-litre to 2.0-litre category.

The 2.5-litre TFSI unit will also provide power for the RS Q3, the first RS model in the successful Audi SUV line-up. In the RS Q3 it produces 310PS and delivers fuel economy of up to 32.1mpg on a combined cycle, thanks in part to a Start-Stop system and a regulated oil pump that only supplies lubricant when needed. This frugality is of course complemented by typical RS intensity - the RS Q3 takes just 5.5 seconds to complete the sprint from 0 to 62mph and its top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.