COREY WEAVER: ADVANCED RESEARCHER TAKES ECOBOOST FROM DRAWING BOARD TO THE ROAD
Corey Weaver, EcoBoost Systems Engineer
- Engineer Corey Weaver initiated the project that led to the Ford EcoBoost program
- For Weaver, the EcoBoost program holds importance beyond the technical level; while many engineers are interested in powertrain because of performance, he’s interested in its sustainability potential
The goal of advanced research is to anticipate and innovate, and that’s exactly what Corey Weaver accomplished when he initiated the project that would lead to the EcoBoost program.
The EcoBoost systems engineer attended Pennsylvania State University, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in combustion research. After hiring in with Ford through the company’s Ford College Graduate program, he went to work in research and advanced powertrain.
Prior to initiating the project that led to EcoBoost, Weaver started a research project used in conjunction with his Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Michigan. Studying how fuel spray goes into the engine, evaporates and mixes with the air, Weaver’s project gave Ford the opportunity to build up direct-injection expertise and facilities, which accelerated the direct-injection research capabilities.
“The research team and I focused on developing direct-injection technology within the company. When gas prices started ticking up, the company became more and more concerned about fuel economy,” Weaver explained. “We agreed that we needed to put a lot of emphasis on turbocharging and direct injection.”
After finishing his Ph.D. project, Weaver was the research project initiator for the program that eventually became the EcoBoost program. Weaver and his team saw a future for direct injection and turbocharging, both for fuel and performance enhancements for the customer. The program started with three people, but soon grew to include hundreds.
“Having worked in research for 10 years prior to this program, it was really exciting to see this program gain interest at the vehicle level, then the consumer level, then to ultimately become a cycle plan program,” said Weaver. “That was really motivating. The prospect of being able to take it all the way from the starting point of a small research project to product has been a great experience.” He believes the potential is nearly limitless.
“What’s significant about EcoBoost is the strategy. It’s not just this little engine product. It’s the recognition by Ford that it’s our near- to mid-term powertrain strategy for sustainability,” said Weaver. “It’s a global strategy that has the potential to not just have a significant environmental benefit, but to attract consumers with its performance and fuel economy.”
For Weaver, this program holds importance beyond the technical level. While many engineers are interested in powertrain because of performance, he’s interested in its sustainability potential.
“I enjoy technical aspects of engine research as it relates to sustainability. When I look at this program, it’s still just one program, but it has the potential to have a very significant impact on CO2 emissions,” said Weaver. “Being able to deliver a product that has a meaningful response to lowering emissions is really exciting.”
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com..
Oct. 5, 2009
