KEY POINTS:
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 more than 20 new entrants this year.
Expected to fare well are three challengers 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 2.0-litre turbo in the Evo X are regarded as technologically advanced and powerful. Other favourites include Audi's 5.0-litre V10, Fiat's small-but-powerful 1.4-litre turbo, and Volvo's 3.0-litre turbo from the V70.
The results of the International Engine of the Year Awards will be decided by a panel of 65 motoring journalists from 32 countries and will be announced on May 7 at Engine Expo 2008 in Stuttgart.
