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Motor Authority - blog Tag: EcoBoost

  • Ford Shows Off ’34 Hot Rod With EcoBoost V-6

    Ford Shows Off ’34 Hot Rod With EcoBoost V-6 October 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Ford Shows Off ’34 Hot Rod With EcoBoost V-6

    Call it EcoBoost, call it TwinForce, it's a welcome addition to the Ford lineup and is heralded by the automaker as the key to finding a balance between power and economy.

    Hot rodders, on the other hand, have always lived by the motto “There’s no replacement for displacement,” preferring a bigger engine in the quest for more power. Ford has now teamed up with vehicle customizer Detroit Street Rods in order to prove this thinking is out-of-date with the new EcoBoost-powered ’34 Ford hot rod.

    Set to go on show at next week’s 2009 SEMA Auto Show, the Ford hot rod will be the first rear-wheel drive application of...

    Call it EcoBoost, call it TwinForce, it's a welcome addition to the Ford lineup and is heralded by the automaker as the key to finding a balance between power and economy. Hot rodders, on the other hand, have always lived by the motto “There’s no replacement for displacement,” preferring a bigger engine in the quest for more power. Ford has now teamed up with vehicle customizer Detroit Street Rods in order to prove this thinking is out-of-date with the new EcoBoost-powered ’34 Ford hot rod. Set to go on show at next week’s 2009 SEMA Auto Show, the Ford hot rod will be the first rear-wheel drive application of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 delivering an estimated 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. EcoBoost essentially combines turbocharging and gasoline direct injection technologies to help boost power while reducing fuel consumption. In initial testing Ford has found that a V-6 with EcoBoost gets as much as 20% better fuel economy than a conventional V-8 but with similar power levels. In the case of the ’34 Ford hot rod, the guys at Detroit Street Rods needed to repackage engine’s turbochargers to fit the engine bay of the all-steel replica body. Apart from this, the only other modifications include a new air filter, coated headers and large custom exhaust cones located outside the engine bay and just above the front fenders of the vehicle. The 2009 SEMA Auto Show kicks off on November 3 in Las Vegas. [Ford] Read More

  • Video: Ford Pits 2010 Taurus SHO Against V-8 Powered Audi A6 4.2 FSI

    Video: Ford Pits 2010 Taurus SHO Against V-8 Powered Audi A6 4.2 FSI September 16th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 16th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 10 Comments

    Video: Ford Pits 2010 Taurus SHO Against V-8 Powered Audi A6 4.2 FSI

    General Motors has recently nabbed a bit of the limelight with its Lutz-inspired "May the Best Car Win" campaign, complete with a challenge to best his time around Laguna Seca in a CTS-V. But GM isn't the only American car manufacturer that's looking to take on the competition in a head-to-head battle.

    Ford's 2010 Taurus SHO, powered by the new EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, is the Blue Oval's secret weapon. It's using the car to find favorable comparisons all across the spectrum, particularly in the luxury and performance arena.

    Take the 2010 Audi A6 4.2 FSI for example. Powered by a 4.2-liter V-8 engine, the German luxury sedan...

    General Motors has recently nabbed a bit of the limelight with its Lutz-inspired "May the Best Car Win" campaign, complete with a challenge to best his time around Laguna Seca in a CTS-V. But GM isn't the only American car manufacturer that's looking to take on the competition in a head-to-head battle. Ford's 2010 Taurus SHO, powered by the new EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, is the Blue Oval's secret weapon. It's using the car to find favorable comparisons all across the spectrum, particularly in the luxury and performance arena. Take the 2010 Audi A6 4.2 FSI for example. Powered by a 4.2-liter V-8 engine, the German luxury sedan has a 0.7-liter advantage in displacement over the SHO's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, plus an additional pair of cylinders, though it's rated at 350 horsepower--15 horsepower short of the SHO. More power and the low-end torque provided by twin turbocharging is why the Audi can't overcome the SHO's straight-line accelerative powers, as Ford points out to great effect in the video below. But Ford doesn't stop there, noting as its closing line in the video that the $37,995 base-price Taurus SHO is $20,000 cheaper than the V-8 Audi A6, which starts at $60,950. While there's an undeniable price gap, it's worth looking a little closer at the similarities and differences between the two to see if there's really a value gap. Both the SHO and the A6 have all-wheel drive, though the Audi quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system is likely to be rated a bit higher on the driving dynamics scale for most drivers. Likewise, while the 2010 Taurus SHO is a very nice sedan, it's not a luxury car, and this shows through in the features department, though Ford's SYNC system does an admirable job of hanging with Audi's MMI nav/entertainment suite. Overall cabin quality is likely to come out in favor the Audi as well. TheCarConnection's full reviews indicate mixed findings on the comfort of the front seats, while the back seat gets even less praise, despite adjectives like "classy" and "premium" being tossed about with regard to the interior materials and styling. Audi's interiors, on the other hand, are frequently praised as some of the best in the business for comfort, quality and design. Still, it's impressive that a comparison between the Audi and the Ford can even be carried on with a straight face, let alone approximately analogous feature sets in at least some areas. It's no surprise that the Taurus comes up short on an apples-to-apples comparison--it's giving up $20,000 in build price, after all--but it's impressive to see how much value can be packed into the 2010 SHO for less than $45,000. For the full low-down on the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, including all its foibles and successes, read the full review at TheCarConnection. Read More

  • Video: Ford taking on luxury carmakers with new Taurus ads

    Video: Ford taking on luxury carmakers with new Taurus ads July 31st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 31st, 2009 Nelson Ireson 11 Comments

    Video: Ford taking on luxury carmakers with new Taurus ads Acura and Lexus aren't the brands you'd normally think of when you think of Ford's competition, but those are exactly the targets of Ford's latest ad campaign for the new 2010 Taurus. Featuring a series of torture tests, the ads try to convey the level of quality and value offered by the big American sedan.

    One ad depicts an interior quietness test, with a roaring jet-powered dragster between the 2010 Taurus and the 2009 Acura RL. Ford claims the Taurus is 5% quieter.

    Another ad shows the Lexus LS460 and the Taurus following a gravel truck. The hail of stones badly chips both cars' paint jobs, but the superior protection offered by the... Acura and Lexus aren't the brands you'd normally think of when you think of Ford's competition, but those are exactly the targets of Ford's latest ad campaign for the new 2010 Taurus. Featuring a series of torture tests, the ads try to convey the level of quality and value offered by the big American sedan. One ad depicts an interior quietness test, with a roaring jet-powered dragster between the 2010 Taurus and the 2009 Acura RL. Ford claims the Taurus is 5% quieter. Another ad shows the Lexus LS460 and the Taurus following a gravel truck. The hail of stones badly chips both cars' paint jobs, but the superior protection offered by the high-tech paint job on the Taurus shows visible proof of the attention to detail paid by Ford for its new powerhouse sedan. Lexus and Acura responded with some confusion as to the purpose of the commercials, noting the different target markets of each vehicle, according to The Detroit News. That misses the point of the value comparison - something Taurus buyers are likely going to be quick to pick up on. The ads are rolling out now, but you can catch the gravel truck ad below, or the jet-dragster quietness test here.2010 Ford Taurus sedan2010 Ford Taurus Gravel Truck Ad Read More

  • Ford banking on common platforms for upscale SUVs

    Ford banking on common platforms for upscale SUVs July 27th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 27th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 6 Comments

    Ford banking on common platforms for upscale SUVs As the only company out of the once-mighty Detroit 3 to survive the worst of the global financial crisis without running to a bankruptcy court, Ford has proven the strength in its foresight in producing smaller cars earlier than its rivals and focusing on global production to reduce costs and increase profits. For the immediate future, the buzzword around Blue Oval offices will definitely be 'global platforms', with the company making strides to get even more nameplates onto global platforms in the coming years--and we can expect to see these global models begin to arrive in the U.S. as early as next year, when the new Fiesta is expected to... As the only company out of the once-mighty Detroit 3 to survive the worst of the global financial crisis without running to a bankruptcy court, Ford has proven the strength in its foresight in producing smaller cars earlier than its rivals and focusing on global production to reduce costs and increase profits. For the immediate future, the buzzword around Blue Oval offices will definitely be 'global platforms', with the company making strides to get even more nameplates onto global platforms in the coming years--and we can expect to see these global models begin to arrive in the U.S. as early as next year, when the new Fiesta is expected to hit dealerships. Of more interest is the future of cars like the Mustang and upscale SUVs. Ford's popular sports car will be remaining firmly put on its current platform, even when it’s expected to be revamped in 2013. It will, however, receive two new engines for 2011, including a new 5.0L V8 and a 3.7L V6, reports Automotive News. Ford's SUV department in the meantime is expected to undergo some changes, with updates planned for the Ford Explorer and the Ford Flex, and the expected disappearance of both the Ford Ranger and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac pickup. The Explorer will be moving from a RWD truck platform to a FWD car platform, allowing for an improvement in mileage but the loss of some SUV-ability. The Flex will be getting a new 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine in the near future, and may also have some slight tweaks to its styling in a few years time. As for the F-150, the once massively selling truck will not be getting a major re-engineering or redesign for another 5 or 6 years according to some reports, but it will be lightened and will also run more fuel efficient engines such as the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Read More

  • Ford details powertrain plans through 2010

    Ford details powertrain plans through 2010 July 21st, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 21st, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Ford details powertrain plans through 2010 The EcoBoost four-cylinder made news today with its impressive 240hp output from a small 2.0L displacement, raising hopes for enthusiasts everywhere that the engine might see use in a small and sporty hatch or sedan - or possibly even an SVO-type Mustang. But that's not the only thing Ford has in store over the coming years, and today the company took the time to detail some of its plans for the near future.

    The 355hp-365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine already in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT will begin its full production rollout this summer, featuring advanced deceleration fuel shut-off and cam torque actuated intake... The EcoBoost four-cylinder made news today with its impressive 240hp output from a small 2.0L displacement, raising hopes for enthusiasts everywhere that the engine might see use in a small and sporty hatch or sedan - or possibly even an SVO-type Mustang. But that's not the only thing Ford has in store over the coming years, and today the company took the time to detail some of its plans for the near future. The 355hp-365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine already in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT will begin its full production rollout this summer, featuring advanced deceleration fuel shut-off and cam torque actuated intake variable cam timing to improve power and efficiency under dynamic load conditions. The EcoBoost invasion will carry forward across most of Ford's lineup, until by 2013, over 90% of the company's vehicles will be available with at least one EcoBoost offering. Next on the docket is hybrid powertrains. For 2010 the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid will break new ground as the most efficient American hybrids and the most efficient midsize sedans on the market. Some of these gains will carry over to the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, but the new advanced hybrid powertrains will remain unique to the Fusion and Milan. Some of the technology that will be found in all of the Blue Oval hybrids includes a 2.5L inline four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine paired with an e-CVT transmission plus intake variable cam timing that helps bridge the transition from gas engine to electric motor and back. For more on the benefits of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its Mercury counterpart over previous Ford hybrids, read up on our release story. Further plans for 2010 to be found throughout the Ford lineup include a new 6F six-speed automatic transmission that reduces parasitic losses, improves shift points and warms up faster to help improve fuel efficiency, and it will also be joined by a new six-speed Powershift transmission paired with the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine announced today. The end goal with all of these new powertrains is to improve fuel economy while delivering a satisfying experience behind the wheel. Ford says the EcoBoost V6 will deliver a fuel savings of up to 20% compared to a similarly powerful V8 engine. That's not to say that the V8 is out at Ford, however. A new 5.0L V8 engine dubbed 'Coyote' will be making its way into the range in 2010, including a spot under the hood of the Mustang, where power output is expected to nudge the 400hp mark. For more on the Coyote engine, read our latest coverage here. Adding even more interest is the 5.0L 'Bobcat' ethanol-injected V8 engine based on the Coyote, though that engine may be further out, with initial testing in the F-150 to begin at the end of this year.2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010 Lincoln MKT crossover2010 Ford Taurus SHO Read More

  • Ford puts four-cylinder EcoBoost, Powershift plans on the table: 230hp, 2.0L

    Ford puts four-cylinder EcoBoost, Powershift plans on the table: 230hp, 2.0L July 21st, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 21st, 2009 Kenneth Hall 4 Comments

    Ford puts four-cylinder EcoBoost, Powershift plans on the table: 230hp, 2.0L Call it EcoBoost, call it TwinForce, it's a welcome addition to the Ford lineup for many buyers, packing more power in a smaller, more efficient engine. And soon the V6 version that debuted the twin-turbo technology will be joined by a four-cylinder, 2.0L 230hp version.

    That's the latest word from Ford, straight from a press conference in Dearborn, reports Edmunds. The engine has long been expected, however - we reported that it would be available, likely in the new Ford Fusion sedan, back in December.

    Like its 340hp, 3.5L V6 brother, the 2.0L engine could also see duty in an SUV or crossover, including the next-gen Ford Escape. Fuel... Call it EcoBoost, call it TwinForce, it's a welcome addition to the Ford lineup for many buyers, packing more power in a smaller, more efficient engine. And soon the V6 version that debuted the twin-turbo technology will be joined by a four-cylinder, 2.0L 230hp version. That's the latest word from Ford, straight from a press conference in Dearborn, reports Edmunds. The engine has long been expected, however - we reported that it would be available, likely in the new Ford Fusion sedan, back in December. Like its 340hp, 3.5L V6 brother, the 2.0L engine could also see duty in an SUV or crossover, including the next-gen Ford Escape. Fuel efficiency figures haven't been released, but expect highway ratings near 30mpg in some applications. Efficiency will be further boosted by the dual-clutch Powershift gearbox that will debut alongside the twin-turbo four-pot, also announced today. Ford expects the dual clutch cog swapper to improve efficiency by 7-9%. Not yet unveiled is an ethanol-injection system to cool the combustion chamber and decrease charge temps, increasing power and efficiency to near-diesel levels. Ford recently revealed the ethanol injection system in documents submitted to the Department of Energy for its Bobcat V8 engine, but so far no plans to fit it to the EcoBoost range have yet been announced. Read More

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