Ford’s EcoBoost Engine Family
Since the launch of Ford’s EcoBoost family, demand for the engine has increased every month; and not just for current Ford owners. Customers who had not previously considered Ford vehicles are now attracted to the fuel-friendly engine family. And it’s not hard to see why.
In a Ford F-150, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque and provides a best-in-class towing capability of 11,300 pounds, all while increasing fuel economy savings by 20% and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 15%. In fact, the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost has an EPA estimated rating of 22 MPG highway, which combined with the power of the F-150, creates the best combination of efficiency and capability among all light duty, full-size pickup trucks. This may explain why 40% of all EcoBoost engine options are sold on the popular truck.
The F-150 is not the only Ford vehicle that can be equipped with an EcoBoost engine. It is also currently available in the Ford Flex, Taurus SHO, and several Lincoln vehicles. Later this year, the engine family will be offered on the Explorer SUV and Edge CUV, followed by a Focus ST option in 2012. The optional EcoBoost on these cars will be a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter 237 horsepower engine, slightly less powerful than that of the F-150, but with even greater fuel efficiency. By 2013, Ford aims to produce 1.5 million EcoBoost engines around the world, in vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
The newly redesigned 2013 Ford Taurus, which was recently unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, will bring about the next level of EcoBoost. The sedan is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimated 31 MPG highway. Currently, EcoBoost engines have also increased the fuel economy of the Taurus SHO, which receives 25 MPG highway when powered by the 3.5-liter V6 version. The engine has helped increase the perceived value of the Taurus SHO as well, adding it to the list of cars considered by many who are shopping in the luxury market. In fact, 28% of SHO buyers traded in a luxury brand vehicle for the car.
With gas prices on the rise, drivers are looking for ways to save, and Ford has stepped up to the plate. The EcoBoost may be just one small part of Ford’s plan to create fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars, but it has made a large impact on consumers.
