Ford's Fuel-Efficient EcoBoost Engines to Enter Production in Spring 2009
By Scott Doggett August 18, 2008
Ford Motor Co. will launch production of the first EcoBoost V6 engines early next spring for installation into the Lincoln MKS sedan and Ford Flex crossover SUV, Automotive News reported today.
The automaker is planning to charge a $700 premium for the new 3.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injected engine, the subscription news service reported, adding that the first vehicles will be rated at 340 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque.
Ford spokesman Alan Hall, when asked to confirm the report, said, "We've not announced pricing."
The EcoBoost strategy, unveiled earlier this year, combines a smaller-than-usual engine with a turbocharger and direct injection to deliver 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer tailpipe emissions and, often, more horsepower than the larger fuel-injected engines that typically would be offered as standard equipment in most models.
Compared to a similarly powerful V8 engine, the fuel savings from the new V6 were estimated at $339 a year at $3.25/gallon. The savings will be substantially greater at current gas prices.
In 2010, Ford will also add the engine to the F-150 pickup as an alternative to the current 5.4-liter V8, the service reported.
The automaker is expected to introduce four-cylinder EcoBoost engines in other models in the next couple of years. Ford has said that by 2012 it plans to offer EcoBoost engines for almost every model the company makes.
LEAVE A COMMENT
Click here to comment on this entry.Dear Ford Motor Co.,
Why do I need 340 hp in a Ford Flex? Couldn't i get even better MPG and adequate performance out of a smaller EcoBoost engine? Maybe something in the ~250 HP range?
Best regards,
One of the commuting masses.
I for one am going to reserve judgement until the EPA estimates are published -- and hopefully when I'll be able to drive one. I'd also like to see if Ford's early claims will come true: that is, that these engines will not require premium fuel.
I'm with greenhost. Give me a Fusion with a 190hp ecoboost that gets great mpg.
Only an American car company could put a Turbocharged 340hp engine into a 4800lb car and somehow spin that in to being "green" and finding it's way into these blogs.
Will it beat the Highlander Hybrid in mileage? Now that's a green people mover. Or how about the Hybrids from GM? Or how about just a plane Jane Honda Pilot for mileage?
For moving 8 passengers, something tells me this thing isn't going to be your most efficient choice, but amazingly it's being marketed that way.
bepperb,
There are plenty of people that would like to see less hp and more mpg, but I don't agree with your American attack. Before the Flex, there was the Lexus 600h. A 438hp hybrid car that weighs in at over 6000lbs??? The Flex is infinitely practical compared to the 600h.
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