The Ford Motor Company has been rolling out new engines regularly over the past few years, including a line of EcoBoost engines that will be used in at least 90 percent of its vehicles by 2014. EcoBoost technology combines turbocharging with gasoline direct injection and Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) to produce engines that are more fuel efficient, emit fewer emissions and are high on performance.
New Engine
As of 2011, the latest EcoBoost engine offered is a 2.0L (122 cubic inches) aluminum block four that has found its way under the hood of a pair of crossover SUV models: the 2012 Ford Edge — a midsize model — and the full size 2012 Ford Explorer. Larger vehicles, small engines — on paper this combination does not sound wise, however EcoBoost provides a way of moving two tons of iron down the road and without much difference in power.
The 2.0L EcoBoost four has a higher compression ratio than what is found in port-injected engines. Specifically, Ford states that “…the combustion system has been completely redesigned and re-engineered to take advantage of the EcoBoost system-s increased performance.” Notably, this engine is equipped with a high-pressure fuel pump that operates up to 2,200 psi, which is more than 50 times the normal rate of a conventional inline four engine. This cam-driven mechanical pump has a single piston and an electronic valve designed to control the amount of fuel that is sent into the fuel rail via the injectors.
This engine has a bore of 87.5 millimeter and a stroke of 83.1 mm. The compression ratio is 10.0:1. Ford utilizes a Borg Warner K03 low inertia integrated turbo system in this engine.
Fuel Injector
EcoBoost uses a complex control system that maintains desired levels of combustion, timing and injection continuance. With each engine stroke, fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber, mixing with the incoming air. By incorporating the fuel injector inside of the combustion chamber, the engine uses the fuel immediately, providing for greater efficiency and reduced waste. Ford states that the turbocharger spins at up to 200,000 revolutions per minute with a life cycle of up to150,000 miles or 10 years.
As found underneath the hood of the Ford crossovers, EcoBoost is rated at 240 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm in the Edge. In the Explorer, this engine is rated at 240 hp at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,750 rpm. The EcoBoost powered Edge is EPA rated at 21 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway; this same engine is rated at 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway in the Explorer. This engine is paired with a 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission that was designed specifically for this application.
EcoBoost Durability
Does EcoBoost run extra hot? Well, yes. However, Ford has performed exhaustive durability tests to ensure that this engine is up to the task of operating efficiently in all kinds of road and weather conditions. For example, start-up tests, with a wide variety of fuels used, were made in conditions ranging from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
References
Auto Trends Magazine: EcoBoosted: Ford Edge and Ford Explorer; Matt Keegan; August 29, 2011
Photo: Ford Motor Company