DETROIT - EcoBoost technology and hybrid powertrains are part of Ford's overall strategy to improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions company-wide.

Combining turbocharging and direct gasoline injection, the powerful and efficient EcoBoost engines will improve fuel economy and reduce emissions throughout the 2010 lineup, according to company officials. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology.

The engines achieve better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions compared with larger-displacement naturally aspirated engines without sacrificing power, says Ford. The automaker recently began series production of its 3.5L EcoBoost V-6, the first gasoline direct-injection twin-turbocharged engine produced in North America. With the fuel economy of a V-6, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine delivers 365 hp in the Ford Taurus SHO and 355 hp in the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT and MKS, and a responsive 350 ft.-lb. of torque across a broad rpm range.

In addition to EcoBoost, Ford will also further advance its green efforts with the new 2010-MY Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, doubling its hybrid offerings and delivering the best full economy of any mid-size sedan. Along with the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUVs use many improvements engineered in hybrid car program.

2010 Ford hybrids benefits include:

  • 2.5L I-4 engine (155 hp/136 ft.-lb. of torque) running the proven Atkinson cycle mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT.
  • Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT), which allows the vehicle to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice versa. The spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions.

Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid also feature:

  • Enhanced electronic throttle control that reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.
  • A new smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery has been optimized to produce 20 percent more power. Improved chemistry allows the battery to run at a higher temperature and be cooled using cabin air.
  • An added variable voltage converter boosts the voltage to the traction battery to operate the motor and generator more efficiently.
  • Smarter climate control system monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin; it also includes an electric air-conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use.
  • The regenerative brake system captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving.

Other features designed to maximize fuel efficiency include:

  • Advanced Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off. Saves gas during normal slowdowns by temporarily interrupting fuel flow while maintaining optimal engine performance. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal to slow down, the system temporarily turns off the fuel. The flow of fuel seamlessly resumes when the vehicle reaches a set low speed or when the driver accelerates again. Operation is automatic and requires no unusual actions from the driver.
  • Electronic Throttle Control. Optimizes engine performance and fuel efficiency by eliminating a direct connection from the accelerator pedal to the throttle. Instead, an electronic actuator monitors the accelerator pedal, relaying driver input to the electronic throttle control system.
  • Flex Fuel capability. Allows engines to run on gasoline, E-85 ethanol, or any combination of the two. Now available on more Ford vehicles than previous model-years.

 

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