The up-coming 2020 corporate average fuel economy standards have the world's automakers running scared. The new rules require that they meet a fleet-wide average of 35 miles per gallon. That's for cars AND trucks. To do it Ford is working on an interesting near-term strategy for improving its numbers and increasing performance. It's called EcoBoost. It's an engine setup that uses turbo charging and direct fuel injection for more power and efficiency. Here's a quick look inside this exciting engine setup.
EcoBoost's Secret Sauce
Stricter fuel-economy standards are forcing automakers to rethink their vehicle strategies. The price of oil is also playing a big role in this upheaval. One way OEMs can meet these tough new laws -- and keep consumers from going bankrupt when they fill the tank -- is by offering smaller, forced-induction engines. There are many examples of this in the market today, but probably the best known is Ford's EcoBoost lineup. Learn what makes Dearborn's implementation of this technology different from that of other automakers.
Flywheel Hybrid Technology
Torotrak is a UK-based company that's developing a technology called a flywheel hybrid. Instead of using a big, heavy battery to store energy, the Torotrak system uses a spinning flywheel. It's simple and lightweight compared to traditional electric hybrids, and it's even going to be used in Formula One race cars. There's no word yet if any automakers are signing up, but if it starts winning races you can bet they'll be all over it.
Mastretta MXT - First Drive
Mexico has quite an automotive industry. Many companies have manufacturing in the country. One outfit is trying to build a low-budget, high-power sports car. Find out more.
Ford's EcoBoost, Big Changes at Toyota - Autoline Daily 1...
Toyota will replace 40 percent of its senior managers next month. Import luxury-brand retailers could face big problems in the U.S. Chrysler is switching its contracts with suppliers. All that and more, plus an in-depth look at Ford’s new EcoBoost engine.
NEW EcoBoost Technology Animation
Ford Motor Company is introducing a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years. EcoBoost's combination of direct injection and turbocharging mitigates the traditional disadvantages of downsizing and Boosting 4- and 6-cylinder engines, giving customers both superior performance as well as fuel economy.
The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology. Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today's affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.
"Compared with the current cost of diesel and hybrid technologies, customers can expect to recoup their initial investment in a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine through fuel savings in approximately 30 months. A diesel will take an average of seven and one-half years, while the cost of a hybrid will take nearly 12 years to recoup -- given equivalent miles driven per year and fuel costs," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development.
Ford will introduce EcoBoost on the new Lincoln MKS flagship in 2009, followed by the Ford Flex and other vehicles. By 2013, Ford will have more than half a million EcoBoost-powered vehicles on the road annually in North America.
In 2009, Ford first will introduce EcoBoost on the Lincoln MKS featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6. It will produce the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. In fact, with an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque, the Lincoln MKS will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive luxury sedan in the market.
Forced Induction - Supercharger vs. Turbo Charger
This video was made to describe in moderate detail the differences between Superchargers and turbo Chargers, as well as describing the components, advantages, and disadvantages to each. Complementing the speaking track is a slideshow of related pictures and videos. I hope this video helps some of you curious up and coming mechanics to better understand methods of forced induction. Please comment maturely, and enjoy!
EcoBoost Technology - Animation
Ford Motor Company is introducing a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years.
The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology. Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today's affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.
"EcoBoost is meaningful because it can be applied across a wide variety of engine types in a range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks -- and it's affordable," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development.
"Compared with the current cost of diesel and hybrid technologies, customers can expect to recoup their initial investment in a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine through fuel savings in approximately 30 months. A diesel will take an average of seven and one-half years, while the cost of a hybrid will take nearly 12 years to recoup -- given equivalent miles driven per year and fuel costs," he said.
Ford will introduce EcoBoost on the new Lincoln MKS flagship in 2009, followed by the Ford Flex and other vehicles. By 2013, Ford will have more than half a million EcoBoost-powered vehicles on the road annually in North America.
In 2009, Ford first will introduce EcoBoost on the Lincoln MKS featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6. It will produce the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. In fact, with an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque, the Lincoln MKS will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive luxury sedan in the market.
More With Less
EcoBoost's combination of direct injection and turbocharging mitigates the traditional disadvantages of downsizing and Boosting 4- and 6-cylinder engines, giving customers both superior performance as well as fuel economy.
With direct injection, fuel is injected into each cylinder of an engine in small, precise amounts. Compared to conventional port injection, direct injection produces a cooler, denser charge, delivering higher fuel economy and performance.
When combined with modern-day turbocharging -- which uses waste energy from the Exhaust gas to drive the turbine -- direct injection provides the best of both worlds: the responsiveness of a larger-displacement engine with fewer trips to the gas pump.
Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, for example, can deliver upwards of 340-plus lb.-ft. of torque across a wide engine range -- 2,000 to 5,000 rpm versus 270 to 310 lb.-ft of torque for a conventional naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 over the same speed range. At the same time, this V-6 gives customers an approximate 2 mpg improvement and emits up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions to the environment.
Direct injection coupled with turbocharging allows for the downsizing of engines that deliver improved torque and performance. A small 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine has the capability of producing more torque than a larger 4-cylinder engine -- nearly an entire liter larger in displacement -- with better fuel efficiency.
The real-world fuel economy benefit is consistent no matter the drive cycle, meaning the engine is efficient in the city as well as on the highway -- unlike hybrids, which are most efficient in stop-and-go traffic. In addition, customers who tow and haul -- and have long turned to more expensive diesel powertrains for their superior towing capabilities -- can find the engine performance they need from an EcoBoost powertrain.
EcoBoost -- combined with multi-speed transmissions, advanced electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements -- is part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to deliver sustainable, quality vehicles that customers want and value. Additional hybrid offerings and diesel engines are planned for light-duty vehicles.
Longer term, Ford plans to remain aggressive in the development of plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.
"We know that what will make the biggest difference is applying the right technology on volume vehicles that customers really want and value and can afford," said Kuzak. "EcoBoost puts an affordable technology within reach for millions of customers, and Ford's systems approach adds up to a big idea that differentiates Ford's sustainability strategy in the market."
Ford EcoBoost System.
Visit http://www.autonetwork.com for media introduction to car.
Find out the Ford EcoBoost system improves fuel economy and efficiency.
The Torture Tested Ecoboost Engine 448AA At 2011 Chicago Auto Show
this egine has been through HELL plenty of times. it was taken apart and show here at the auto show. it was awesome seeing that motor be able to go through torture like that. wen they tore it down it was flawless. ran it on the Dyno and still had 425 LB TQ. EcoBoost teardown
