Ford announces new low-displacement EcoBoost powertrain

Posted Wed Oct 29 2008 3:09 AM by Jeremy Weber

EcoBoost engines are said to provide up to 20% better fuel economy than comparable naturally aspirated units

Ford has announced a new $110 million investment program at its high-tech Bridgend engine plant in Wales to produce a next generation low-CO2 1.6L four-cylinder petrol engine as part of its EcoBoost range. The new engine will be the first EcoBoost engine to be sold in Europe when it debuts in 2010, however the U.S. is expected to get EcoBoost models by the middle of next year.

The 1.6L engine will go into production within two years and will be among the first of Ford’s new-generation of global petrol powertrains featuring turbocharging and direct injection technology in a low displacement unit.

Ford claims that EcoBoost petrol engines will deliver improved fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance, thereby providing a cheaper solution to rising fuel costs than hybrid cars. Compared with current larger displacement petrol engines of similar power, these new engines are expected to provide up to 20% better fuel economy and up to 15% lower CO2 emissions. Ford will reportedly charge a $700 premium for the EcoBoost option in the U.S., but claims this initial outlay will be returned many times over during the life of the car thanks to the fuel savings.

EcoBoost will debut in the Lincoln MKS sedan and Ford Flex crossover, but the Blue Oval envisages the technology one day appearing across its entire lineup.

EcoBoost engines will join the existing Ford ECOnetic range of frugal, ultra-low CO2 diesel vehicles launched this year – the Focus ECOnetic (115g CO2/km), the Mondeo (139g) and all-new Fiesta (98g) capable of over 76mpg. A new Ford Ka ECOnetic has also been confirmed.

There has also been talk of Ford developing a new ethanol-injection system that works by injecting a blast of ethanol directly into the cylinder chamber before combustion. The burning of ethanol has the positive side effect of cooling the combustion chambers, and when combined with the higher octane rating of the organic-derived fuel power efficiency can be boosted. The end result of this is diesel-like economy from a petrol engine, however Ford is yet to confirm any plans to implement the technology.

Gallery: Ford EcoBoost technology

Reader Comments

Wed Oct 29 2008 10:35 AM
john m says

What about putting this eco boost system in the next Taurus when it comes out.......uh......when does it come out? I thought maybe in a year or two, but maybe not?
Wed Oct 29 2008 3:33 PM
NoNameDenton says

Wish Ford would bring us the frugal diesels
Fri Oct 31 2008 10:49 PM
NaBUru38 says

"The 1.6L engine [...] and will be among the first of Ford’s new-generation of global petrol powertrains featuring turbocharging and direct injection technology..."

I add: Ford is among the last car groups to bring such engines.

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