Ford EcoBoost: Bigger line-up
Just over a year has passed since EcoBoost technology debuted in the Taurus SHO and Flex, as well as the Lincoln MKS and MKT. Now, Ford is broadening its offering with three new engines with this technology. They will be available in the F-150, Edge, and Explorer models, as well as the European Focus ST and C-Max.
The new line-up of EcoBoost engines includes a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 365 hp and 420 lbs.-ft. of torque and is technically distinct from the existing EcoBoost V6 as its configuration runs north-south to power the F-150. The other two new engines include a 1.6-litre four-cylinder and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. All three use the tried-and-true formula that combines a turbocharger, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing to optimize fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
During a full day of test drives at the Fontana, California, Auto Club Speedway, we had the chance to try all three new engines in various models, some of which are currently only available in Europe. Such is the case for the Ford C-Max five-passenger car, which is equipped with the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and produces 177 hp and 175 lbs.-ft. of torque. Note that the 7-passenger C-Max will come to Canada in 2012, and it will probably feature the same engine and thereby give the Mazda5 a run for its money. First impression: The C-Max is impressive in terms of its design and assembly, and the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine’s performances are more than enough to deliver a certain level of driving pleasure. Its only real fault is that it sounds like a four-cylinder, especially on cold starts or accelerations. European drivers don’t seem to mind – they must be used to the sound of 4-cylinder gas and diesel engines.
North Americans, however, whose ears more accustomed to supple and silent V6s, will no doubt call for better soundproofing.
The same feedback applies to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 230 hp and 250 lbs.-ft. of torque. This engine powered a European Mondeo as well as a pre-production prototype of the 2011 Ford Edge, which should go into production shortly. Once again, nice performances meet improved fuel economy. But it’s not as sharp as it could be due to the engine noise and vibrations that are typical of four-cylinder engines.
Meanwhile, the F-150’s EcoBoost V6 engine makes it possible for this vehicle to offer 3060 lbs. (1388 kg) of cargo capacity and 11,300 lbs. (5126 kg) of towing capacity. It also offers better performances than rival models made by GM or the Ram and Dodge divisions. During a 40-70 miles/hour acceleration test, the F-150 EcoBoost even beat a Silverado 2500 equipped with a 6.2-litre V8 – and that’s while towing 10,000 lbs. (4536 kg) uphill!
Since the EcoBoost obviously does a great job of powering the F-150, Ford has decided to offer this engine on 90% of its models. Now, Ford just has to convince its clients – since they tend to believe that full-size trucks need a V8, and not a turbocharged V6.
