AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Now in its 18th year, The Ward's 10 Best Engines competition recognizes the latest powertrain technologies that set the benchmark in their respective vehicle segments for power, technology, observed fuel economy and noise, vibration and harshness. This year's list once again includes a number of Continental's advanced engine technologies, from sensors to direct injectors, that are aimed at assisting automakers reach tougher fuel economy standards while continuing to provide consumers with the power and performance they desire.

For the 2012 model year, eight of the Ward's 10 Best Engines feature Continental technologies. This marks the 18th consecutive year that Continental's powertrain technologies have been integral to at least one of the winners.

"For 18 straight years Continental has been supporting customers to attain the Ward's 10 Best Engines status," said Kregg Wiggins, senior vice president, powertrain, Continental NAFTA region.  "Our powertrain solutions are a fit for all engine types, including diesel, gasoline and hybrid technologies, which demonstrates our strength in  technology development  that assists our customers to deliver the best driving experience possible."

The Ward's 10 Best Engines featuring Continental technology include:

Audi A6 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6

• Engine control unit
• Gasoline direct-injection XL2 Solenoid Injector
• Knock sensor
• Electronic throttle control  
• Air control valve  for supercharger air bypass

BMW 335i coupe 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6

• High pressure fuel pump
• Engine speed sensor
• Knock sensor
• Oil condition sensor
• Manifold absolute pressure sensor
• Variable valve train actuator
• Electronic throttle control
• Smart coolant pump

BMW Z4 sDrive28i/528i 2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4

• Knock sensor
• Manifold absolute pressure sensor
• Electronic throttle control
• Variable valve train actuator

Chrysler 300S Jeep Wrangler 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6

• Engine control unit
• Knock and temperature sensors
• Cam and crank sensors

Ford Edge 2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I-4

•  Knock sensor

Ford Mustang Boss 302 5.0L DOHC V-8

• Engine control unit
• Knock sensor

Buick Regal GS 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-4

• Engine control unit
• Knock sensor
• Electronic throttle control

Infiniti M35h 3.5L DOHC V-6 HEV

• Knock and pressure sensors

WardsAuto editors chose the winning engines after spending two months driving 36 vehicles in their routine daily commutes around metro Detroit.  Editors scored each engine based on power, technology, fuel economy and noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.

With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2010, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 164,000 employees in 45 countries.

Online media database: www.mediacenter.continental-corporation.com

SOURCE Continental Corporation