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.
