Last week, Ford invited Leftlane to preview a handful of new 2009 models at the automaker’s Dearborn Development Center in Dearborn, Mich. In addition to sampling a few of the automaker’s upcoming models on the varied courses used during the development process, Ford gave a few hints about how it plans to improve fuel economy in existing and future models.
Ford’s Dan Knapp, head of the automaker’s advanced powertrain development, said that much of the automaker’s future efficiency relies on the EcoBoost powertrain, which will be unveiled later this year for 2010 model-year vehicles. Ford expects 23 percent of its 2010 vehicles to feature a variant of the EcoBoost powertrain and 90 percent by 2013. EcoBoost relies on direct injection and Honeywell-sourced turbochargers to wring power out of a downsized motor. Current test engines have featured a flat torque curve from 1,500 RPM through to redline. Ford estimates that the upcoming 3.5 liter V6, which will show up in the MKS, Flex and F-150, will put out up to 350 horsepower and 340 lb-ft. of torque. The EcoBoosted MKS, likely the first vehicle to utilize the motor, is rumored to produce 300 horsepower. The motor is expected to provide more power and greater efficiency than a 4.6-liter V8.
In addition, Ford is putting heavy reliance on six-speed automatic transmissions rather than continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Nearly 72 percent of Fords produced for 2008 featured six-speed automatics, a figure Ford wants to increase to 98 percent by 2013.
08/11, 3:30 PM
posted by:
04focus
i hope the other 2 percent are six-speed manuals.
08/11, 3:31 PM
posted by:
neptronix
dude, that’s wrong. I am no ford fan but they are making the right moves right now.. their euro models are superior and if we are really getting them, that would be killer. I wonder of this magic ‘flat torque curve from 1500rpm’ applies to their 4 cylinders as well. I hope that the focus recieves this treatment, a turbo 1.4l-1.6l engine would make the focus almost an instant civic/corolla eater - but who is making the engines? mazda i hope.
08/11, 3:39 PM
posted by:
cookie4me
Neptronix, that would be ok except I haven’t seen or heard of an “Eco-Boost” 4 cylinder application, I have only seen articles relating to V-6 applications.
08/11, 3:42 PM
posted by:
neptronix
oh you know damn well it will hit the 4 bangers.
08/11, 4:06 PM
posted by:
Jordan
yeah. ford would be stupid not to twin turbo their four cylinders as an option. oh wait, they’re stupid a lot of the time. i hope it happens anyway.
08/11, 4:07 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
How can it not honestly?
08/11, 4:19 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
Ford is willing to trade long term buyers for short term gains. The little boosted 4 bangers will not have the longevity of a NA motor. And to plan to go 90% boosted? Not smart.
08/11, 5:16 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Modern turbo engines will run just fine for years. Heck… the turbo 2.5L in my 89 dodge is still ticking after 20 years and 130,000+ miles. Still boosts fine and pulls well considering its measley 150hp factory rating… gets 20MPG too.
08/11, 5:20 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
DO NOT use the word “heck” unless you wish to be mistaken for David E. Davis.
08/11, 5:22 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Call me sheltered… but who is David E. Davis and why should I care?
08/11, 5:25 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
brassmonkey- We don’t know the longevity of these engines, there’s no way to say they won’t have the longevity of a NA motor. Although there’s more major complications added to the engine, some are also taken away. It sounds like their doing very extensive testing on this motor, and so far all the suppliers mentioned have built great parts in the past.
08/11, 6:01 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
neptronix: I agree!
08/11, 6:02 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
I want a 2011 Fiesta with a 1.6 liter that produces 350hp and 340 lbs/ft of torque.
08/11, 6:39 PM
posted by:
olds307
Euro-ford suck. Anyone remember the Ford Contour? Lincoln LS? ugh.
08/11, 8:16 PM
posted by:
ktulu
just drive less.
The countor was not bed, ut was just not appropri8 4 america
08/11, 8:27 PM
posted by:
DrFill
As a former Ford employee, I know how far they have to go, just to be competitive.
The engine sounds good, but it is just one engine, and one tranny
Sounds light years ahead of the 4.0 tractor in Mustang, which they should be ashamed to still sell in a new vehicle.
The Verve/Fiesta should be here when the new Mazda3 arrives. No later. Another error.
Introduce a world-class four-banger, when the world really needs one. Toyota and Honda are tried and true, but vulnerable here.
That should be Job 1 .
Did I say I was a FORMER Ford employee…….
DrFill
08/11, 11:31 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Ok, they’re working on the engine and the transmission. Now how about a lighter chassis?
08/12, 1:11 AM
posted by:
Brendino
GM showed us that tweaking some panels and tires gets you the XFE Cobalt. I remember a year or two back Ford did some tweaks to the Focus to do the same thing. Don’t forget about the smaller changes while you’re draining your R&D on the big stuff.
08/12, 7:24 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
How about a design that doesn’t make people vomit
08/12, 8:45 AM
posted by:
Fletch
Unless folks overboost with crappy fuel, the blocks should be fine for as long as NA blocks. A factory turbo is more likey to fail with time, but they can be had for hundreds of dollars in the used market.