It is definately going to be interesting to see what the actual fuel economy of the GTDI (EcoBoost) is once it goes into the F-150. Based on the projected (EPA numbers not available yet) numbers from Ford of 15 city / 22 highway for the Flex GTDI AWD it is not looking that hopeful for the F-150...

 

Hit the nail on the head. Who knows, we may be back at 200hp in a few years with the new fuel economy standards.


I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying this, but here it goes: one possiblity would be that they detune it for the F-150. That would help with durability as well.

 

As with any turbo engine, it's all in the tuning. Ford has not designed a high boost screamer of an engine. It's tuned for economy/performance. It is a low boost system. Prolly running 15 lbs max boost. Look at the torque curve. Pretty danged flat.

99% of the time it'll prolly be running at under 8 lbs. Think about what most people do with their trucks. They drive it down the interstate to work. That's where the EB will shine. It'd be great to see what an EB would do in a true 1/2 ton, 4500 lb truck.

 

Look at the fuel mileage the Flex is supposed to get, and you probably have your answer. It weighs 4500lbs, and Ford is only predicting 22mpg highway and 15 or 16mpg around town. Put the same engine in a 6000lb F-150 and what do you expect?

 

People are forgetting the Flex and Edge drive all 4 wheels all of the time, this is crap for fuel economy. The F150 4x4 can drive in 2wd. Given that a V8 F150 4x4 does about 18mpg on the highway, I would think 20-22 for an EcoBoost is achievable. If it doesn't get better real world economy, then give me the 6.2 V8.

 

Here is video of the Ecoboosted flex on a drag strip vs a corvette.

Jalopnik - EcoBoost Goes Drag: Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS Hit The Strip - Lincoln MKS EcoBoost

Pretty interesting article it said the 4500 lbs flex was doing the qtr mile in 14.5 seconds at 98 mph and the MKS was doing the qtr in 13.9 seconds, at 103 mph.

 

Now thats just interesting.....