The “International Engine of the Year Award” is a big deal as far as bragging rights go in this industry. Think of it like the Academy Awards for engines. However, instead of members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voting, you have 62 renowned motoring journalists, from 30 countries, casting ballots for their favorite fossil fuel burner.

Last year’s winner (pictured above) was BMW’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6. This year’s list of nominees includes Nissan’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 (found in the Nissan GT-R), Mitsubishi’ 2.0-liter twin-turbo I4 (Mitsubishi EVO X), Audi’s 5.2-liter V10 (Audi S8), Chevrolet’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (Corvette ZR1), and BMW’s 4.0-liter V8 (BMW M3). Let’s sit back and listen to the orchestra for a bit… the winners don’t get announced until May 7, at Engine Expo 2008, in Stuttgart, Germany.