
“Sustainability is important,” says Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development, “but there’s not one, single technical solution.” Sustainability was the theme of Alan Mulally’s keynote speech at the LA Auto Show in November and Ford plans to unveil EcoBoost, a new engine technology, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show next week. EcoBoost will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years, and it’s the keystone of Ford’s sustainability program.
EcoBoost is a combination of direct injection and turbocharging, boosting 4 and 6 cylinder engines. With direct injection, fuel is injected into each cylinder of an engine in small, precise amounts. Compared to conventional port injection, direct injection produces a cooler, denser charge, delivering higher fuel economy and performance.
“EcoBoost can be applied across a wide variety of engine types in a range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks – and it’s affordable,” says Kuzak, stressing Ford’s desire to make an impact across its entire product line, not just “a few thousand vehicles” that make headlines but are not widely available.
Ford will introduce EcoBoost on the new Lincoln MKS flagship in 2009, followed by the Ford Flex and other vehicles. By 2013, Ford will have more than half a million EcoBoost-powered vehicles on the road annually in North America. Longer term, Ford plans to remain aggressive in the development of plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles. To help explain its vehicle sustainability strategy, Ford has created the Explorer America concept for the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
The V-6 option will produce 340hp and torque. That is plenty of power to merge into traffic, considering that more power than a stock Mustang GT (270hp). It is also planned for the Exporer which provides plently of seating and the towing capacity you would need. The six-speed automatic planned also allows to downshift with ease if the occasion calls.
The Chevy volt is a great option for Americans. I'm a true Ford guy but having an American sporty car that offers hybrid electric capabilities and can charge at any standard outlet is exciting. The mileage per charge is a little concerning for me (something like 50 miles) since I couldn't even make it to work and back before having to switch back to the gas engine. The Volt has potential though, boosting over 33,000 potentially interest customers that have signed up on one website.
Turbos do increase repair cost, simply becuase there are more components. Low boost applications will not increase cost in any other way. I haven't seen any numbers on the intended amount of boost though. Realistically, today, under 15-20 pounds of boost is safe on production cars. Electric cars also increase cost though. Battery efficiencies have not been optimized enough to realized the full potential of electric cars.
If your wanting to save money at the pump with increased fuel economy without changing over to electric, this is the way to go. Direct injection has long been known as a way of increasing efficiency of gas engines, but has always been too expensive. Those days are obviously gone. Coupled with a turbo, I truly believe Ford is on the right track.
Why are so many of your concept vehicles absolutely stunning yet your main stream products so plain?
I've got a Ford Ranger that is paid for and has only 39K miles so if Ford wants me in the showroom, they're going to have to give me a very good reason to do so. Why not combine Ecoboost with hybrid design?
And with gas at obscene levels and headed for even worse territory, Ecoboost needs to be available on most 2009 models at least as an option. I'd pay an extra $1500-$2000 if I had to though I hope it will cost less.
Ford's got to serve a solid combination of excitement and substance if they're to have any chance of getting some people who won't even think of a domestic car to change their mind.