In such a short development cycle, few believed Audi's engine quality could rival that of the established automotive giants.
That wasn't just Junko Toyota's opinion—it was the consensus among most attendees and even viewers tuning in via livestream.
"That's it, the fourth place has been announced. The top three? Going to the big boys."
"Shame. If Audi had snagged even a bronze, I'd be bragging about it all year!"
"It's alright! This is just the beginning for domestic engines. Next year, they'll break through for sure!"
"Audi, don't cry—stand up and keep fighting!"
Only three slots remained, and all expectations pointed to the German trifecta: BMW, Volkswagen, and Porsche. After all, they were perennial contenders in Ward's 10 Best Engines.
BMW hadn't been placed yet. Neither had Volkswagen. Porsche? Still absent. Otto had managed a fifth-place showing, but that was it.
Walter, Volkswagen's head of design, was practically grinning.
"A bit disappointing, Mr. Lu," he said, oozing smugness. "But chin up—there's always next year."
Lu Haifeng just gave a light shrug, voice calm. "There are still three slots left, Mr. Walter. Who knows? Maybe Volkswagen doesn't cut."
Walter scoffed. "If our engine's not on the list, then this whole competition is rigged."
At that moment, Jaime Medina returned to the stage.
"And now, the most anticipated moment of the night—let's reveal the top three engines in this year's Ward's 10!"
"You wouldn't believe my shock when I saw this year's final list."
"But let me build some suspense. First up, in second place…"
"…the 4.0L naturally aspirated V8 from none other than BMW!"
Applause erupted. BMW had once again secured a top spot—predictable, but still impressive.
The BMW team barely flinched. Composed. Professional. As if they already knew.
Lu glanced at Walter with a smirk. "Bit of a shame, huh?"
Walter snorted. "What's to regret? We still have two spots left. Maybe we'll take both first and third."
He was confident. Maybe even overconfident. Volkswagen had dominated engine design for decades. Who else had the pedigree to compete?
In his mind, it is certainly not a Chinese brand like Audi.
But then—
"Mr. Walter," Lu said, deadpan. "I hate to break it to you, but... your engine's been eliminated."
Walter burst out laughing. "What nonsense. There are still two places left."
"You'd have to take both to push us out!"
"Don't tell me you think that's possible!"
Lu's response came steady and razor-sharp.
"That's exactly what I'm telling you."
"Audi has taken both."
For a beat, Walter was speechless. Then, with a condescending chuckle, he repeated it aloud for others to hear, assuming Lu had gone mad.
Even Junko Toyota and Audi's staff looked at Lu in disbelief.
Two wins? Impossible.
Lu stood still, expression unreadable.
Back onstage, Jaime continued:
"This year's list brought an unprecedented surprise."
"One automaker has claimed both first and third place."
"And that company… is Audi."
Stunned silence. Then pandemonium.
The room erupted as jaws dropped, especially among Audi's employees.
Walter's smirk vanished. He turned pale.
"Audi? First and third?!"
The man laughing minutes ago now stood trembling, muttering to himself.
"This can't be real. It's not possible…"
But it was. And the engine crown for the year didn't go to Germany—it went to China.