The Next Generation of Ford Engines
In 2009 Ford is set to deliver its latest breakthrough in engine technology. The EcoBoost combines direct injection with turbo charging. This innovative technology provides 20% better fuel economy and 15% lower carbon dioxide emissions and Ford intends to feature this technology in nearly half a million Fords over the next five years. Since cars and light trucks account for 60% of manmade greenhouse gases in the United States, including this technology in the most popular models can have a significant impact on lowering the total overall emissions from passenger vehicles. Fuel efficiency is increased with direct Injection technology by supplying the engine with small precise amounts of fuel and waste energy from the exhaust gas is utilized by the turbocharger to drive the turbines. This translates effectively to a V6 engine providing the kind of performance one would expect from a V8 all the while using less fuel to provide the power. So a 3.5L twin turbo engine implementing the new technology will provide around 340lb-ft torque with 340 horsepower.
With the fuel savings offered by the EcoBoost technology, most consumers should recover their initial investment in a 4 cylinder EcoBoost engine in about 30 months. The first vehicle to offer the optional EcoBoost engine will be the 2009 Lincoln MKS. Because the EcoBoost has a higher specific efficiency than the larger heavier v8 technology, it will save on weight and size as well. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine weighs 150lbs less than the 4.6L V8. This drastic reduction in weight also contributes toward the 20% increase in fuel efficiency. Due to the small low inertia turbos, the direct injection and variable valve timing, the torque curve is expected to be flatter and fatter with no lag time.
While Volkswagen and Mazda have been pursuing similar technology in recent years, Ford anticipates being the first manufacturer to take the technology mainstream.
Once the Lincoln MKS has been released, Ford intends to follow up with the Ford Flex and then the newly redesigned Ford Explorer. With the new SUV Ford intends to use the new engine technology exclusively with additions to most Ford models over the course of the next five years.
“EcoBoost is meaningful because it can be applied across a wide variety of engine types in a range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks – and it’s affordable,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.
The new technology was recently showcased at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
