Ford Announces EcoBoost Engine Technology
Posted January 7, 2008 at 5:54 pm Make a Comment

EcoBoost
EcoBoost


“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.



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32 COMMENTS ABOUT Ford Announces EcoBoost Engine Technology      Make a Comment
Shane says (August 15, 2008 at 12:08 pm):
Turbo engines have a lower compression ratio to accomidate the increased amount of air in the combustion chamber. The compression in the cylinder is higher, true, but still within safe limitations. Besides higher compression ratios mean high fuel economy, the reason that diesel can be more fuel efficient. Turbos take advantage of the completely wasted heat that escapes through the exhaust. It doesn't have the parasitic drag of a supercharger. Ford dramatically reduced the "turbo lag" with direct injection. I don't see a downfall. As long as Ford makes this affordable, which the smaller engine size will help, I think it will be a huge hit.

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.
Lee Emford says (August 14, 2008 at 10:26 am):
I am a huge/loyal Ford man. Have two Mustangs and a Ford Van in my garage. Ford does build the best cars and trucks today. They need to communicate this/change the negative perception to the American public. Almost everyone of my friends are import or Chev or Chrysler fans. Get the weight down on the current Mustang to area of 3200 to 3350 pounds. 3600 or 3800 is way too heavy. Where do you get names for your vehicles? Flex, Fusion, Focus???? Come on. Names like altima and maxima SELL cars. Continue to improve quality, increase warranties, communicate this to Amer public. Perception, perception is KEY. Several of my friends still mention that Ford transmissions are weak. In 48 years of driving Fords, I have never had a transmission problem. Where do people get these ideas. I am interested in buying a new 2010 Mustang V-6 with eco-boose, but I want to be sure at that time that all BUGGS have been worked out. I tell all my friends that I would never settle for anything less than a FORD. They just smile at me. On a recent 1600 mile trip, I saw 10 vehicles parked along the road with problems, six of them were either a Toyota or Honda. I am told their quality is job-1. Are you kidding me?? Next to HENRY, Lee Iacocca was the best FORD person Ford ever had. Get his input on what should be done today. When I see some of the dumb things that Ford does, I feel they are in a self-destruct mode, that they are trying to force me to buy a import. Hey Ford, you built the Model T, the Model A, the Ford F-150, the Iconic Mustang, Taurus and Fusion. You are building the best cars and trucks today. You have somehow got to convey this to the American Public, change their perception of FORD. I am doing all I can. I am just one tired/retired old man. Come on Ford, take the lead and do it. Thank you for allowing me to convey my comments. Lee
Woody Burgener says (August 7, 2008 at 9:57 pm):
Along with posting the %age of "improvement" on various mpg items you should also include the expected mpg...otherwise, it seems like the actual mpg is not so great because if so...you would put in on the pages in CAPITAL LETTERS!
Norm says (July 20, 2008 at 9:31 am):
At first I was delighted about the EcoBoost engine and the potential to get 20% better gas mileage, then I read that it uses turbo-boost. Turbo-boost equals higher compression and higher compression equals premium gasoline and premium gasoline equals higher costs. Turbo boost also equals higher prices for the engine and higher maintenance costs. Sorry Ford, the reason I want to save gasoline is to save $$$. I don't want to spend big $$$ to save a little bit of gasoline. I want a car that is: reasonably priced, economical to operate, large enough to be comfortable for the driver and passengers, large enough to be safe and has sufficient power to merge into freeway traffic. Maybe you can sell a few of the Eco Boost cars to Al Gore and his tree-hugger friends but what are you going to do with the rest of the cars? From the very scant details I can find concerning the Volvo Re Charge, it appears that the concept is sound. If it is as good as it sounds, I hope Ford plans to market a Fusion or Taurus Re Charge. However, I still want to know more before I form an opinion about that car. I would be willing to pay a little more $$$ for a car if I can save BIG $$$ at the gas pump. Ford, have you heard about the Chevy Volt??
mike smith says (August 18, 2008 at 12:41 pm):
I drive VW's, with turbos, they do not break down. 218,000 on my Jetta up here in NH. Never has the engine given me any trouble. Do not forget that all the big trucks run turbo chargers. Europe is full of small cars with turbos. Stop thinking about Buicks, start thinking new.
John says (July 30, 2008 at 11:48 am):
I don't know for sure about the higher costs but I can tell you that the Ecoboost engines will run on 87 octane and I would love to be able to keep the 4 cylinder in my Fusion but have the turbo available for when I want a little more power.
George Myers says (June 25, 2008 at 8:58 pm):
I find your technology interesting but not as interesting as the french firm mdi which is making an engine that runs on compressed air. Great for a second car with which to run errands or commute to work. No pollution and almost no cost to operate. I have an MKX and I own Ford stock and I think this air motor has great possibilities. Lets dump this dependance on oil.
Michael says (June 9, 2008 at 12:18 pm):
I am a ford loyalist all the way. I dont care how bad some of the ford designs have been in the past I have always talked highly about Fords.One thing that just really kills me about Ford is there lack of advertisement.Its seems like no matter where I go or what I do I see Toyota there.When I watch my favorite tv shows (reality type) what do I see.......I see the people on the shows driving Toyotas freaking Toyotas.I would like to see Ford step up to the plate and start promoting there vehicals ALOT MORE and put a big damper on these damn inports.Build more vehicals that fit into the trends like thses tuner cars.Dodge steped up to the plate with a Neon(SRT4) and gave them import guys some hell how come ford has'nt with the focus and dont tell me that they did with the SVTfocus becuse that was a joke.Step up to the plate Ford and at least offer some vehicals that can compete on the same level as these other vehicals that you compete with. Hp/torq, fuel econmy,versitillty and looks.
john says (June 7, 2008 at 10:01 am):
E85 will never live up to the hype. Using today's technology, it takes 1.3 gallons of gas to produce 1 gallon of ethanol. That number is not projected to change in the near to moderate future.
John McConnell says (June 6, 2008 at 11:38 am):
After many years of imports I bought a certified-used Freestyle Ltd('06). I was looking for something a little bigger than my '98 Outback Ltd. and EPA ratings suggested the same mpg with a slightly heavier and larger vehicle. Tough disappointed in the mileage so far, I otherwise love this vehicle. Much of our driving is less than 20mi roundtrip, frequently 3 or less, at stop and go to 50mph. At this point I would consider another Ford, but the mileage needs to improve and there has been no expansion of their hybrid line. Perhaps the next president can get together with congress and come up with some tax credit plan that will make efficient technologies more affordable. Stop lobbying against mpg standards and lobby for ways to help people pay for newer, more efficient vehicles.
Tim B says (May 12, 2008 at 8:44 pm):
Dear Bill Ford, I want a Ford Falcon Sport Ute for the North American market like I saw in Australia.
r.p.bailey says (May 11, 2008 at 8:06 pm):
i am very disapointed that ford chose to market their new ecoboost engine first in their high dollar lincolin instead of their small cars and pickups.it is the working people who who need releif at the pumps .ford beware toyota is still on my back burner
Tim Harper says (April 29, 2008 at 3:41 pm):
I sell ford vehicles for a living to feed my family. I think ford has a ton of great ideas. Like the Hydrualic Hybrid, there was talk about this hitting ground in 2008 and now I here nothing of it. I have spoke with clients when they make the comments about fords stock prices and inform them that they have some good technologie but will not release it. I don't understand this. It's like owning a porshe and running as hard as you can around a race track. It just does not make any sense. Now I hear talk about the ecoboost engine. I would love to see them put this engine in the Ford Focus as a direct competitor to Imports like the Subuaru WRX/STi or the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO. The american people love turbo charged motors and the japanese have proved this. I would also like to see these motors make their way into the Mustang. With their new design they seem to be a hit but they are a little fat in the weight. I am sure shaving some weight and given the public a great tuner vehicle like this would increase sales ten fold. If the idea is just to get better gas mileage they are on the right track but these engines could be used for so much more. Please Ford for the sake of the American Name do something we know you are capable of . They say the defenition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expect different results. It's time to make a change the people of america are urging you to step up like we know you can. Sincerely Tim Harper
CARLOS HERNANDEZ says (May 27, 2008 at 8:57 pm):
Excellent points Tim. Americans want to buy American cars. FORD - make cars Americans can be proud of buying (again). Why not build a ranger P/U with an ecoboost engine?
Gar says (April 15, 2008 at 4:16 pm):
If the ecoboost engine is to be sucessful, it will have to be E85 capable, balancing the dollar against OPEC monopoly prices
Howard Schrack says (March 22, 2008 at 3:11 pm):
I am a loyal Ford fan but am becoming disillusioned.

Why are so many of your concept vehicles absolutely stunning yet your main stream products so plain?
Tortuga says (March 13, 2008 at 5:27 am):
We obviously need alternatives to low MPG vehicles. Glad to see ford is exploring ideas other than hydrogen fuel. The vast majority of hydrogen reserves in the world are outside the US (Iran and Russia). Not exactly a great way to end our dependency on foreign energy.
John Hanna says (May 11, 2008 at 10:16 am):
Hydrogen is now processed from chemical deposits but if small nuclear facilites were located offshore it could be made economically from seawater - processed, compressed and barged all automatically and very economically. The expense is found in government regulations - political jobs for loafers where redundant authority is not needed and void of productive values
Keith Tomilson says (March 11, 2008 at 11:10 am):
With this kind of high compression and direct technology it would be quite easy to make a 1000 cc engine for a "Series Hybrid" that would produce 100 hp.and blow the doors off the Prius. It must be a "Series" though , please don't make the same mistake Toyota did and make it a "Parallel Hybrid", that was a big mistake. 144 VDC generator and motor and no transmission of any kind either please. Knowledgeable people would line up to buy these in the "Verve"
Houckster says (March 2, 2008 at 2:58 pm):
Finally, some excitement at Ford besides the Fusion. Do we have some risk takers in the board room? I hope so. Maybe they were at lunch with the Focus but the Verve and the Escape could be very exciting.

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.
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