Autoline drives Ford Eco-Boost equipped vehicles

[focaljet-1]

John McElroy of Autoline got to get a sneak preview of Ford's new forced-induction plans. Here's what he had to say:

I just spent a day at Ford's proving grounds driving a number of vehicles that use Eco-boost technology, which is the centerpiece of the company's strategy to improve fuel economy. I wish I could tell you more about my driving impressions of these Fords, but all that information is embargoed for now. What I can say is that the Eco-boost technology works impressively well.

However, while the technology works well, I wonder how well Ford's strategy will work. That's because this technology does not really improve the fuel economy of an engine. It merely allows the company to use a smaller engine in place a bigger one. And sure enough, across almost the entire rev-range, an Eco-boost engine produces more torque than naturally aspirated engines that are at least one liter larger.

From: Autoblog

[orionlion82]

thing is engines breathe.

smaller engines breathe less and use less fuel.

turbo them and they breathe more and make more power.

NOW pay attention.

a smaller higher output engine will weigh less and not sacrifice as much power.
thats the whole point.

weight savings. its not direct for fuel economy, but it does help.

notice the elimination of fasteners in the 08 door handles.
spare tire only an option?

aero only goes so far for highway economy.

weight is what brings up the city numbers.

think about it yall.

[belacyrf]

orion, unless they've changed the combustion process, then it makes very little difference. Car making equal power will consume equal fuel (for the most part, there are some technologies that help but not much).

the thing is, if these engines are smaller, they could be lighter, require less room and by result the cars could be lighter. Now that would be key!!! Car being lighter could really help bring up fuel economy.

[2focusd]

So how good are the odds of the Fiesta getting an Eco-Boost motor for the top-of-the-line model? Because I'm ready as long as you show me where to sign

-Brian

[wilko]

Pretty good is my guess.

[orionlion82]

Originally Posted by belacyrf

orion, unless they've changed the combustion process, then it makes very little difference. Car making equal power will consume equal fuel (for the most part, there are some technologies that help but not much).

the thing is, if these engines are smaller, they could be lighter, require less room and by result the cars could be lighter. Now that would be key!!! Car being lighter could really help bring up fuel economy.

thats my point chief!

[focuspl99]

Originally Posted by 2focusd

So how good are the odds of the Fiesta getting an Eco-Boost motor for the top-of-the-line model? Because I'm ready as long as you show me where to sign

-Brian

so many people use the "just show me where to sign" line.....and most never do

[bustonit]

I don't think Eco-Boost will make it too far down the food chain, like under $20K.

One thing to consider too is turbo's do improve gas mileage...if you can keep your foot out of it. The low end "turbo" torque and 6 speed transmissions should be an excellent combination in big 4's and V-6's.

So we're all on the same page about the name "Eco-Boost" right?

[S. on Da 5]

Though the fuel savings tecchnology intrest me this particular engine intrest me more with it's raw power ability for an engine it's size.

[SecretAgentMan2k]

Isn't the Mazda CX-7 proof that this technology isn't the saviour they're expecting it to be?

[bluebyutoo]

I've put in a request for an Eco Boost Focus...

[Egz]

I see it as just a marketing gimic, but I'm not going to complain about factory forced induction.

[jinstall]

Originally Posted by SecretAgentMan2k

Isn't the Mazda CX-7 proof that this technology isn't the saviour they're expecting it to be?

Completely different.

Better comparison is the Opel Corsa OPC.

[EggYolkBill]

The one thing they haven't considered is that the Eco-Boost engines are also direct injection. This is where improvements in fuel efficiency will be realized.

[GapBoyPCS]

Originally Posted by Egz

I see it as just a marketing gimic, but I'm not going to complain about factory forced induction.

Well, anything ECO lately has been getting a spur in the marketplace. From environmentally friendly products to reusable grocery bags to hybrids, why shouldn't an automaker cash in on the hype?

[Johnny_P]

Originally Posted by EggYolkBill

The one thing they haven't considered is that the Eco-Boost engines are also direct injection. This is where improvements in fuel efficiency will be realized.

The improvement in efficiency is the turbocharger. The direct injection will help the combustion characterisitcs, sure. But for the big fuel economy savings, the turbo is where its at since you're actually harnessing more energy from the exhaust gases, and putting that energy back into the engine. Its free energy basically.

I don't think ecoboost is going to turn out the mileage numbers they want though, but factory forced induction does sound like a nice platform to start off of

[belacyrf]

They need to do something, Chevy is kicking Fords butt on fuel economy. If the corvette can see almost 30mpg with that kind of power, then there are obivous things that can be done.

Eco-Boost is definately a stupid name, but I dont care we need to use technology to the best of our ability to increase mileage while still providing decent power.

[EggYolkBill]

Originally Posted by Johnny_P

The improvement in efficiency is the turbocharger. The direct injection will help the combustion characterisitcs, sure. But for the big fuel economy savings, the turbo is where its at since you're actually harnessing more energy from the exhaust gases, and putting that energy back into the engine. Its free energy basically.

I don't think ecoboost is going to turn out the mileage numbers they want though, but factory forced induction does sound like a nice platform to start off of

I understand all of that but my point is that Autoline only thought about the turbo and not the addition of direct injection. The two technologies combined will provide fuel economy improvements.

[Johnny_P]

^ yep, exactly!

[poondobber]

Regardless of direct injection, a properly tuned turbo engine should have better fuel economy than a larger displacement NA engine with similar hp and torgue (curves not just peaks). They should use less fuel while cruising and the same amount under high load. Direct injection as well as variable valve timing would improve fuel economy even more.

[k e o]

Someone correct me if I'm misremembering, but I thought one of the main benefits of direct injection on this engine was allowing higher compression with the FI while using 87 octane.

[Jared]

Originally Posted by Egz

I see it as just a marketing gimic, but I'm not going to complain about factory forced induction.

Ditto

[Cameroon]

Originally Posted by SecretAgentMan2k

Isn't the Mazda CX-7 proof that this technology isn't the saviour they're expecting it to be?

Contrary to Jinstall.

Yes that is exactly what it is.

Direct injected turbo four in place of a larger v6. Thats the whole idea of "EcoBoost" right.

DI turbo 6 in place of an 8

DI turbo 4 in place of a 6.

Lets see, CX7 2.3litre DI turbo 4 in place of the 3.5litre v6 found in the near twin Ford Edge.

So yes the CX7 is exactly the concept. If the CX7 milage is any indicator this idea will be a little underwhelming.

[OmniFocus]

That's been my argument all along, but I've been informed that I have it all wrong.

[Cameroon]

Originally Posted by OmniFocus

That's been my argument all along, but I've been informed that I have it all wrong.

Cool I won't be alone when the "I told you so's" are in order.

That said I imagine the true 'ecoboost' motors would have more MPG minded tuning than the current mazda which has zoom zoom tuning.

Of course the zoom zoom tuning results in mpg thats pretty much the same as the bigger V6. How much MPG can they squeeze out?