MotorAuthority

Ford looking at ethanol-injection to improve EcoBoost mileage

Posted Fri Sep 12 2008 11:25 AM by Ralph Hanson

Ford is just months away from launching its new EcoBoost range of engines, with the efficient powertrains first set to appear in several Lincoln models before filtering across to most of the carmaker’s lineup. EcoBoost promises to deliver more power but better fuel economy. For example, a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is estimated to produce up to 340hp (253kW) and 340lb-ft (460Nm) – levels that were once the realm of much larger displacement V8 engines.

The key to its efficiency is the application of two proven fuel-saving technologies: turbocharging and direct-injection. It is now rumored that Ford could improve fuel economy of its EcoBoost engines a further 5-10% by applying an additional ethanol-injection system.

According to TheCarConnection, Ford has developed a special ‘Bobcat’ engine that injects 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 and efficiency can be boosted.

This characteristic also allows the engines to run at a higher compression as detonation is also reduced. The end result is diesel-like economy from a petrol engine. Such a set-up would require a second ethanol-only tank to be installed in the car but so little is used that filling this tank would only need to be done once every few months on average.

The other benefit of EcoBoost is its strong torque characteristics even at high altitudes. While a naturally aspirated V8 will produce up to 15% less torque when the air gets thinner, such as in high-altitude climates, EcoBoost engines provide the same output at sea level as they do up in the hills.

This is because turbocharged engines perform better than naturally aspirated engines at higher altitudes because the turbocharger can maintain the air density in the intake manifold as the atmospheric pressure drops off, allowing the desired torque to be maintained.

Ford plans to build both four-cylinder and V6 EcoBoost engines and expects applications in half a million vehicles annually over the next five years across the globe.

story Tags:

• Ford
• Technical

Reader Comments

• Fri Sep 12 2008 1:07 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  Yeah, the engines are under the Bobcat name from what I read on pickuptrucks.com and AutoBlog

• Fri Sep 12 2008 7:31 PM

  Gus says

  Ford is on their A game with this...

• Fri Sep 12 2008 9:46 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  Long as the EcoBoost option is reasonable, personally I want more diesel, but this looks good.

• Sat Sep 13 2008 12:57 AM

  bambam says

  EcoBoost is starting to sound like an overtake button on the indycars or CART championship racing. If you need it just press the button, LOL.
  I love it. But it sounds bad when you have to fill up two things at once.
  If you only have to fill it once every 6 months would be nice, just like changing your oil.

• Sat Sep 13 2008 4:26 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  Well bambam, if you drive a diesel larger then the 2 liter VW, you need to refill the urea tank, not much different in this.