Toyota’s engineering excellence has been recognised with two wins in the 2008 International Engine of the Year Awards. The results sustain Toyota’s impressive track record in the competition, with a total of 19 titles won since the awards were launched in 1999.

Green Engine of the Year – Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, the hybrid power engine used in Prius, was named Green Engine of the Year, a category introduced in 2008 for engines that are designed with fuel economy as a priority and employ intelligent technologies to reduce emissions. One of the most successful engines in the history of the awards, it has been honoured 10 times, including the title International Engine of the Year in 2004.

In their praise, the judges affirmed that the engine remains the world’s leader in reducing emissions without compromising performance.

Hybrid Synergy Drive, which combines a conventional 1.5-litre petrol engine with a compact but powerful electric motor, gives Prius an unmatched combination of low emissions and excellent fuel economy. The cleanest production family car in the world, it emits just 104g/km of carbon dioxide and has an official combined cycle fuel consumption of 65.7mpg.

Sub-1.0 Litre Engine of the Year – Toyota 1.0 VVT-i
For the second year running, Toyota’s light and compact 1.0-litre VVT-i engine is winner of the Sub-1.0 litre category. The three-cylinder petrol unit, featured in Aygo and Yaris, was acclaimed by the judges for its smoothness, free-revving character and clever design.

The International Engine of the Year Awards are decided by a panel of 65 distinguished motoring journalists from 32 countries around the world. The 2008 winners were announced at a ceremony at Engine Expo 2008 in Stuttgart on 7 May.

Engine of the Year Awards – Toyota roll of honour
1999
Best Eco-friendly: Toyota Hybrid (first generation Prius)
Sub-1.0-litre: Toyota 1.0-litre (Yaris)
1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota Hybrid (first generation Prius)
International Engine of the Year 1999: Toyota 1-litre (Yaris)

2000
Best Eco-friendly: Toyota Hybrid (first generation Prius)
1.0-litre to 1.4-litre: Toyota 1.3-litre VVT-i

2002
1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota 1.8-litre VVTL-i 190 (Celica)

2004
Best New Engine: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (second generation Prius)
Best Fuel Economy: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)
1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)
International Engine of the Year 2004: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)

2005
Best Fuel Economy: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)
1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)

2006
Best Fuel Economy: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)
1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)

2007
Best Fuel Economy: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)
Sub-1.0 litre: 1.0 VVT-i (Aygo, Yaris)

2008
Green Engine of the Year: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)
Sub-1.0 litre: 1.0 VVT-i (Aygo, Yaris)