Ford technology: EcoBoost leads way for automaker

[aussie muscle]

Finally getting some good positive ford news

source:http://www.freep.com/article/20120108/BUSINESS01/201080420/Ford-technology-EcoBoost-leads-way-for-automaker?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE

By Greg Gardner
Detroit Free Press Business Writer

"Like all automakers, Ford has invested aggressively in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

But meeting ambitious new U.S. fuel economy standards -- a fleet average of 54.5 m.p.g. by 2025 -- will take more than a well-meaning faith that American car buyers will embrace alternative powertrains.

Enter Ford's EcoBoost technology, a major reason the Free Press awarded Ford the leadership award for engineering and technology.

EcoBoost combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection in smaller engines to get about 20% more m.p.g. without skimping on horsepower or torque.

There's nothing particularly magical about turbocharging or fuel injection. But Ford has used them to redefine the mission of an engine.

Americans raised on the belief that bigger is better are beginning to think less can be more if a car with a smaller engine is fun to drive and saves them money at the gas pump.

Ford expects to be making 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally by 2013.

"When we first started talking about what we could do with EcoBoost, there was a lot of skepticism," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for global product development. It wasn't long ago that a V6 engine in a pickup truck was something only wimps would want.

Since launching the 3.5-liter V6 engine in the F-150 pickup, more than 100,000 truck buyers chose that engine over a V8. In September, Ford launched a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost in the European version of the Focus, and will bring it to the U.S. later this year.

Five years ago, few would have imagined a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine in a midsize SUV. That's one of the powertrain options on the Ford Explorer, a vehicle that weighs about 4,550 pounds. Ford has taken out 150 patents on aspects of the EcoBoost system, said Dan Kapp, head of Ford powertrain research and advanced engineering.

Other technologies in which Ford has led the industry are Sync, a voice-activated communication and entertainment platform, and MyFord (or MyLincoln) Touch, a touch and voice-activated screen that, in its initial version, replaced traditional knobs with iPad-like icons to control smartphones, a navigation system, music services, heating, cooling and lighting.

These products are part of what Jim Buczkowski, Ford director of electrical and electronics systems, calls Ford's goal of creating "a second home on wheels."

There have been bumps along the way, especially for the first iteration of MyFord Touch. Consumer Reports criticized MyFord Touch's initial cluttered layout, as well as the multiple ways the controls could be adjusted.

J.D. Power and Associates cited driver confusion over these types of touch controls as a reason Ford slipped in Power's 2011 initial quality survey.

"None of the options is as easy to use as old-fashioned knobs and switches, and they can be more time-consuming and distracting to operate," the CR review stated.

To its credit. Ford has learned from those early bumps. Early this year, models equipped with MyFord Touch feature simplified graphics. Existing customers will receive a software update early this year that will program the new design into their vehicles.

"It is part of our plan to have a cadence of upgrades and changes," Buczkowski said.

The automaker was willing to take risks in exchange for gaining a reputation for innovation among people who want that second home on wheels.

"Ford really pushed the envelope" with Sync and MyFord Touch, said Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation, the nation's largest dealer group and Ford's largest dealer. "That's what happens when you innovate. There are some teething problems with it, and they're trying hard to address it."

[graham_h]

Should run on E85 ?

[Mad_Pom]

Originally Posted by graham_h

Should run on E85 ?

Why??

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Mad_Pom

Why??

So people who live next door to one of the handful of stations that sell E85 can use it and do nothing for the environment.

There must be at least 0000000000.1% of the population who has access to it surely.

I hope the next Falcon upgrade picks up MyFord Touch.

[turboxf]

Hear are some sneak peeks before the DETROIT show begins
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/f...lhi-auto-expo/

Just look at the FORD FUSION , some Aston Martin & a lot of MONDEO in that design
Well FORD did have AM for a few years & helped design the cars, so why no0t a bit of ASTON in the front
Hasn't the new FG2 & terri got a facia similar to that ????????