If you ever doubted the ability of engineers to squeeze more mileage out today’s cars, the proof that ultra high fuel economy can be reached can be found in Europe. That market is dominated by diesel powered cars, many of which get at least 50 mpg on the highway, numbers we don’t see in the United States.

The U.S. market is a unique beast as stiff pollution regulations make it impossible to sell the same fuel efficient engines found in Europe and elsewhere here. Certainly, Volkswagen, Mercedes and BMW do sell diesel powered cars in the U.S., but these engines have been modified to comply with 50-state emission requirements. These requirements are tougher than any currently on the books in Europe, holding harmful pollutants to a minimum. Naturally, fuel economy is affected as these engines must pollute less at the expense of fuel efficiency.

ECOnetic Focus

The Ford Motor Company may have found a way to produce an ultra high mileage car and meet toughened pollution standards. Europe is getting ready to upgrade its own pollution requirements which means diesel engines will have to emit fewer harmful emissions. They can’t do that without affecting fuel economy or can they? With Europeans paying seven, eight or even nine dollars or more per gallon for fuel, any loss in fuel economy can sock it to their wallets.

What Ford has proposed is to take its popular Focus compact and incorporating what it calls ECOnetic technology to not only preserve fuel economy and comply with tougher regulations, but to improve efficiency. Ford says that its proposed model should deliver about 80 mpg, an unheard of number today.

Ford says that the ECOnetic Focus is powered by an all-new version of its1.6-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel, which has been engineered for improved fuel efficiency, featuring a new injection system and turbocharger, upgraded charge cooling and featuring friction reduction measures.

Common Rail Technology

Redesigned is the diesel’s common rail fuel injection system, with 8-hole nano sac injectors operating at injection pressures of up to 1600 bar, controlled by a robust engine management system. Ford explains that the new injection system delivers more precise control and increased combustion efficiency.

Other engineering changes leading to improved fuel efficiency include Active Grille Shutter – a new system that improves aerodynamics by employing vents to determine airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment. Under this arrangement, if air is needed to cool the engine the vents are opened; but if no airflow is needed, the vents are closed, by that greatly slashing aerodynamic drag.

Additional technologies that will complement the Ford Focus includes regenerative charging; automatic start/stop; shift indicator light; and economy mode.

2012 European Debut

When will this car become available? In early 2012 in Europe, following its introduction at the 2011 Amsterdam Motor Show. Will we see this car in the states? Not immediately, perhaps never. However, as fuel prices continue to march ever higher, demand for the ECOnetic Focus may swell, forcing Ford to reconsider its plans and offer 80 MPG goodness for the American driver.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of “Auto Trends Magazine”. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Jeep parts and head lamps.