What's The Best Place For Your Teen To Learn How...

Next-gen Ford Focus could feature EcoBoost powerplant, 43mpg

 
4 4,994 views Jan 19, 2009
Follow Nelson

The small-displacement turbocharged four would offer strong performance plus economy

The small-displacement turbocharged four would offer strong performance plus economy

Enlarge Photo
Although Lincoln's C Concept may have struck few chords with show-goers, its theoretical internals could live on in a future Ford Focus. The latest reports indicate Ford is considering a 1.6L 180hp (134kW) four-cylinder EcoBoost engine for its next Focus, capable of pushing highway fuel economy as high as 43mpg (5.5L/100km).

That figure easily tops the efficiency of the somewhat larger Fusion Hybrid, which scores 41mpg (5.7L/100km) in town but just 36mpg (6.5L/100km) on the highway. Neglecting the Focus's size advantage and considering only the much simpler technology at play and the likely much lower purchase price, the addition of EcoBoost could make for a very attractive package.

“We haven’t announced the powertrains yet on the next generation Focus, but it certainly gives you an indication of what the powertrain might be and what the fuel economy might be,” said Kuzak, according to a Reuters report. A new low-displacement EcoBoost powertrain was announced late last year, however, and it has already been tipped as a possible inclusion in the Focus range.

Sweetening the deal even further would be the inclusion of the U.S. in the global Focus market. For years, Americans have made do with inferior versions of the Focus while Europeans and others have enjoyed the spritely and aggressively styled vehicle in an array of body styles and engine configurations.

If the inclusion of the Lincoln C Concept in the 2009 Detroit Auto Show and comments of Derrick Kuzak, Ford's global product development guru, have any symbolism, they could indicate the EcoBoost Focus is at least on the table for America as well.

At 180hp (134kW), the 1.6L EcoBoost engine also offers promise of a lot of fun in addition to frugality. With the potential for turbo-charged torque and aftermarket tuning, the small-displacement EcoBoost Focus could be a real performance bargain. Though it's not likely to challenge the Focus RS (pictured) for outright performance, it will be doing it with a great deal less fuel and emissions.



Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (4)

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/19/2009 5:59pm PST

    Bring an SVT version as well, I doubt we will see a diesel
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 1/19/2009 7:33pm PST

    noname.. SVT focus would be the rebadge of the ST focus.. and if you want an answer to that question.. just wait to see if they revive the SHO badge or call it the taurus ST. in all rights it looks like there will be a sport fusion.. called the ST.

    ford wants to move towards a single naming scheme and i think you'll find thats whats going to happen. the SVT badge brings up a lot of pulses on this side of the pond but i think ford is really going to try to turn a new page. hell.. they may keep the SHO badge for the taurus cause thats a pedigree that they would want to keep with the TAURUS (they renamed another car to the taurus.. right? probably going to keep sho)... but the focus.. sure there are SVT focus fans out there.. but they are less apt to care if its called SVT or ST... most of them will already know that the car is ACTUALLY called the ST.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/19/2009 7:55pm PST

    I do not care if they rebadge it long as they actually do it, they killed off SVT basically, and only hav the GT500 and the upcoming Raptor
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. ma_www.mywheelsonwalls.com avatar www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 1/19/2009 9:38pm PST

    Funny stuff to read your posts because in Europe they all cry "give us an RS whats with this ST nonsense". As for me? How about a good fast hatchback for the North American market that does not get killed off just as soon as its launched!!!! Are you reading this Billy Boy? Do you have an ounce of automotive passion within you?
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.