Ecoboost On Its Way; Debuts Summer 2009
Ford is banking on a new lineup of turbocharged engines to fuel its resurgence and tackle tough new mileage guidelines. The Ecoboost engine line was shown off at a Lincoln press conference at Ford’s Chicago manufacturing plant. We were able to get a glimpse at Ford’s plans and lay them out for you below.
- Ecoboost uses turbocharging and direct fuel injection to improve fuel efficiency and decrease emissions.
- Lincoln will be the first brand under Ford’s umbrella to offer the Ecoboost engine, starting as an optional engine in the 2010 Lincoln MKS that is scheduled to begin production at the Chicago plant in summer 2009.
- The Ecoboost-outfitted Lincoln MKS will feature a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 making an estimated 340 horsepower and 340 pounds-feet of torque. The engine will be marketed as a premium offering to compete with other luxury makes’ optional V-8 power. As an alternative to V-8 power, the Ecoboost 3.5-liter can improve fuel efficiency by 10%-15% compared to Ford’s 4.6-liter V-8 in the same application, according to Ford.
- The Ecoboost engine will only be available on all-wheel-drive versions of the MKS, which currently start at $39,555. Ecoboost pricing hasn’t been announced, but Lincoln spokesman Mark Shirmer says that it will be competitively priced with other V-8 option packages on the market. Competition includes the Cadillac STS and Infiniti M series. On the 2009 STS with all-wheel drive, V-8 power is a $9,150 upgrade; making a similar jump from the V-6 Infiniti M35 with all-wheel drive to the V-8 powered M45 with all-wheel drive is an extra $7,100.
- Estimated fuel economy for the MKS with an Ecoboost engine is 25 mpg on the highway. This is only 2 mpg better than the current 3.7-liter V-6 with all-wheel drive, but there is also an extra 67 horsepower under the hood. An all-wheel drive STS with a V-8 is rated at 22 mpg on the highway, and the all-wheel drive Infiniti M45 is rated at 20 mpg.
- One month after the engine’s debut in the MKS, Ford’s three-row Flex crossover SUV will receive the Ecoboost engine. For the 2011 model year there will be a version available in the F-150.
- This will be a be a high-volume effort. Ford expects Ecoboost production to be available in 90% of its lineup as standard or optional equipment by 2013, and is using the technology as a way to help meet impending CAFE regulations and decrease emissions.
- Ecoboost technology will eventually be used in smaller and more fuel efficient four-cylinder applications starting in 2010, but in which models and what size are still unannounced.
- Brett Hinds, advanced engine design and development manager for Ford, says that a four-cylinder Ecoboost engine could also be used in hybrid, bio-fuel or even hydrogen applications.
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it's one thing when car makers ignore existing technology that can improve fuel economy because consumers do not put on the pressure; but it's ridiculous that widely available technology in common use will be marketed as something "new"
DL,
I totally agree with you and think the name is kind of silly too. The big news is that Ford is pretty much saying the era of the V-8 is over in America...at least for them.
It's new to them.
Broq
Turbocharging and direction injection may be "available technologies" but they are certainly not in common use especially when paired together.
Ford's problem is they believe the Flex will still be in production. This is more evidence Ford still has their head buried in the sand. I love my Flex but it's a sales dog.
Ford's problem is they believe the Flex will still be in production. This is more evidence Ford still has their head buried in the sand. I love my Flex but it's a sales dog.
Isn't this like what Chrylser did for a while in the 80's? They put 4 cyl turbo engines in everything from minivans to pseudo luxury cars. Eventually, they ditched the turbo 4's and went to V6's with the same or less power, but more smoothness. Oh, and more reliability.
Still wouldn't mind a Spirit R/T, though, if there are any that actually survived more than a couple of years.
I'll never forget watching a Dodge Omni GLH smoke a Chevy Corvette at a local race track. Both cars were 100% original, non-modified. The GLH looked like it was shot out of a cannon. Over the years I've noticed that companies that cannot compete on technology (multi-valve heads, cylinder deactivation, etc) take the cheap route and slap on a turbo charger. You end up with more NVH levels and lower reliability. I think I just described Chrysler. If you want cutting edge technology then look at Honda. They have to be the greatest small car company in the world today.
Fortunately with these engines, its not just "slapping on a turbocharger." The development started from the ground up with turbocharging in mind.
The Ford Flex doesn't need the ecoboost engine.
It needs the 3.7 V6
http://www.caranddriver.com/content/download/124671/1689157/version/1/file/Beat+of+a+Different+Drummond+-+Powertrain.pdf
The Flex doesn't really need the Ecoboost I agree. And as it is it feels plenty well-powered for its size. A 3.7 V-6 may be better but it really wins over the competition because of its mileage and they can't damage that with a slightly bigger engine.
It's Great if Ford is still solvent next year
Some of you are missing the mark here, not Ford. When is the last time you drove any vehicle from Ford, F-150 and down, that had over 300 hp and over 20mpg at the same time? These are big numbers Ford is putting up and it's coming from a V6.
Dave. T
Ford could still install the 3.7 and change the axle ratio slightly to the taller. 3.39 to 3.16.
Mileage should be unchanged, and acceleration should still be improved.
Keep the 3.5 for front wheel drive.