Ford EcoBoost Does More Boosting
With the engine’s continued success, Ford Motor Company has extended its use of the EcoBoost motor to include the 2012 Edge and Explorer. Ford has also stated its intention to offer the efficient, turbocharged EcoBoost engine in 90 percent of its worldwide vehicle offerings by 2013, reflecting the carmaker’s growing commitment to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles.
EcoBoost Technology
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost is equipped with an advanced turbo system and direct injection, both of which optimize power and efficiency from the small-displacement engine. Gearheads who automatically cringe at the word "Eco" should note the second half of the engine’s title: "Boost." Through turbocharging, Ford is able to squeeze 240 horsepower and 270 lb/ft of torque out of EcoBoost’s two liters. Though the EcoBoost offers 50 less horsepower than the 3.5-liter V6 Ford currently offers, the four-cylinder produces 15 lb/ft torque more than its larger brother. More importantly, turbocharging means that the torque comes on much lower in the rpm band, peaking from 1750 to 4000 rpm. The flat torque curve means the EcoBoost’s power is more useable in everyday driving situations, with max torque available right off the line.
The engine features some of Ford’s most advanced technology, including its twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) system. This system electronically controls the timing of each camshaft to optimize airflow and produce maxim power and fuel economy across the entire rpm band. The EcoBoost also features Ford’s aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff (ADSFO) technology, which increases efficiency by reducing fuel flow when the throttle is released.
Vehicle Offerings
The turbo EcoBoost engine is offered in the 2012 Ford Explorer, capable of an EPA-rated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. This makes the 2012 Explorer approximately 15 percent more efficient than its 2011 V6 predecessor and also gives it best-in-class honors for highway fuel efficiency.
The 2.0L EcoBoost is also being offered in the smaller, more aerodynamic 2012 Edge, capable of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Both models will feature Ford’s 6F35 6-speed automatic transmission. For 2012, the EcoBoost engine is only available in the front-wheel drive versions of each vehicle.
Benefits
Drivers looking for more efficient versions of the popular Ford SUVs and crossovers will be pleased with the increase in fuel economy and overall efficiency offered by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost motor. With the engine’s impressive torque numbers, enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either. And for those who miss the extra 50 horsepower offered by the 3.5-liter V6, keep in mind that turbocharged engines respond much better to modifications than do naturally aspirated engines. A simple ECU reflash that ups the turbo boost level should see the EcoBoost producing comparable horsepower to the V6 offering, with gobs of torque available in the low rpm range.
