Ford has waged a public relations campaign to help promote its new EcoBoost F-150 pickup truck. The twin-turbocharged and direct-injection V6 engine might make excellent torque (and at diesel-like revs), but the Blue Oval knew it would face an uphill battle in convincing truck owners to down-size their engine – especially for something that’s relatively untested and fraught with the potential to be a disaster due to its complexity.

Holding driving clinics across North America to expose consumers to the new engine, Ford’s efforts appear to be paying off with the EcoBoost V6 model accounting for 35 percent of sales so far, Ford says. That number is on the rise too, with the most recent sales figures quoting a 40 percent take-rate for the six.

Similar in design to the EcoBoost V6 introduced in the Ford Taurus SHO, engineers will tell you its been entirely reworked. Peak power is rated at 365-hp and 420 lb-ft of torque with 90 percent of that power available from just 1700 rpm. By comparison, the new 5.0L V8 makes 380 lb-ft oat 4250 rpm, and the EcoBoost can tow up to 1,300 lbs more. It does, however, come at a $1,055 premium over the 5.0L.

Click here to Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Review

The last V6-powered Ford F-150 was sold to the public in 2008, and only 11% of sales were made up of the smaller-engined trucks. Three years later, and Ford’s gamble to offer not one but two V6s in America’s best-selling vehicle seems to be paying dividends, with 35% of F-150′s sold coming with either the base 3.7L V6 or the 3.5L  Ecoboost turbo engine.

Part of it can be attributed to the rising gas prices felt throughout the year. The 3.7L F-150 is classified as the most fuel-efficient full-size truck, with a 17/23mpg EPA rating. Ford also claims that the Ecoboost is selling like hotcakes, but didn’t give any data to back up the claim. With the V6s selling strong, there may be a shift to smaller engines in trucks, now that the mental barrier of requiring a V8 in a pickup seems to be dismantled among consumers.

[Source: KickingTires]

If gas hits $4.00 a gallon, which looks to happen soon, Ford is prepared with the right cars says CEO Alan Mulally.

The automaker has put into place a new global plan with strong offerings in the compact and sub-compact set, while also proliferating the use of fuel-efficient technologies (ranging from direct-injection, to turbocharging, to both) in its models.

Mulally admits that that plan was more for long-term success and that he didn’t see a spike in the price of fuel to occur so soon after the 2008 jump. Regardless, Ford is “positioned with the right product line now.”

Expect more from Ford in the fuel-economy race, with past comments from execs indicating that EcoBoost (turbocharging and direct-injection) will become the core powertrain for the Blue Oval in the future.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Despite plans by both Mazda and General Motors to bring diesel passenger cars to North America, Ford isn’t biting. The moves made by both automakers are partially in response to demand, but more importantly in response to increasingly strict CAFE standards that they need to meet.

According to Ford global product boss Derrick Kuzak, the automaker doesn’t need to sell diesels, (like the 65-mpg Fiesta EcoNetic offered in the U.K.), in the U.S. because of its EcoBoost gasoline engine technology.

“We could easily bring diesels to the U.S. market,” he said in an interview with Automotive News but, “We are not going to force it on customers.”

According to Kuzak, Ford’s fuel efficient powertrain plan is, “driven by affordability,” and at current fuel prices and the added cost of a diesel powertrain, he estimates it could take up to 10 years for customers to see the benefits of diesel.

While skyrocketing gas prices may change that, in the mean time Ford is committed to its EcoBoost plan of adding direct-injection and turbochargers to smaller engines to achieve fuel economy close to that found in modern diesels.

[Source: Automotive News]

Finally, somebody in top brass gets it. When CEO Alan Mulally oversaw the development of the Explorer upon taking charge of Ford in 2006, he ordered engineers to cut weight and improve fuel economy, or kill the Explorer altogether.

“Alan told us we need to truly reinvent the Explorer,” said product development chief Derrick Kuzak. When he presented Mulally with the production-ready Explorer in 2009, he didn’t focus on anticipated sales figures or projected profits: he started with how the team had cut 100 pounds and raised fuel economy by 24 percent, the best in its class.

And by January, the dieting paid off–Explorer sales were up by 73%.

Automotive enthusiasts (and the part of Lotus’s marketing division that doesn’t keep Colin Chapman’s grave spinning at night) have championed this for years. Coming from Ford’s top man, however, puts a little more meaning behind those words. Mulally has ordered that all Fords introduced within the next 10 years must be 250-750 pounds lighter than their predecessors. And as a result, if any vehicle can’t have the best fuel economy in its class, it’s killed off.

“Weight is absolutely critical,” says Mulally, who views weight savings from a fuel economy standpoint. Already a version of the Explorer is being planned with the EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which may get as much as  29MPG highway. And the Mustang will get the EcoBoost engine as well. So enthusiasts will appreciate this from a performance and handling mindset, but with such an aggressive weight-cutting proposal, everybody wins.

A tip given to Jalopnik states that Ford chairman Bill Ford Jr. confirmed that an Ecoboost engine will appear in the Mustang, although a timeline and engine specifications were not provided.

While speaking at Princeton University, Ford was asked by an audience member about the possibility of an Ecoboost Mustang. Ford confirmed that the turbocharged engine would reach Ford’s pony car, but no further information was revealed. Ford current Ecoboost 4-cylinder is capable of up to 247 horsepower, while the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 is good for as much as 365 horsepower. While power is somewhat diminished compared to larger V6 and V8 engines respectively, fuel economy figures make up for the performance deficit.

It’s conceivable that either application could find its way under the hood of a Mustang. A 4-cylinder Ecoboost would be a potent competitor to smaller engined cars like the Hyundai Genesis (and certainly the Mustang V6 is now a legitimate performance car in its own right), while an Ecoboost V6 could bridge the gap between the regular V6 and the 5.0 V8. Jalopnik has suggested that the “SVO” trim, which used a 2.3L turbo 4-cylinder in the 1980s, could return, but there’s little evidence to back up that notion. Then again, Ford did revive the 5.0 badge, and with children of the 1980s now in a position to buy a Mustang, it might just happen.

[Source: Jalopnik]

With 200 of Lincoln‘s 1200 dealers staring down a possible termination of their franchise, an upcoming dealer meeting will provide little comfort to retailers of Ford’s luxury brand, as the Blue Oval will not share upcoming product details with Lincoln’s sales force.

Even though Ford is aggressively targeting Lincoln dealers with a demand for a $2 million showroom renovation program, the company hasn’t given much information on the 7 products expected to debut over the next few years that are supposed to reinvigorate the Lincoln brand.

Ford‘s last minivan, the Freestar, left the market in tatters roughly 6 years ago, lagging badly behind the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. For 2011, Ford is back, with a vehicle that couldn’t be more different.

The Ford C-Max ditches the Freestar’s antiquated architecture and inefficient V6 for a pair of 4-cylinders, including a 1.6L Ecoboost version. A dual clutch transmission also makes an appearance, and the overall footprint is much smaller, closer to a Mazda5 than any other van on the market.

Although it’s sold in Europe as the Grand C-Max, this car is likely the smallest vehicle North Americans could stomach. A “5+2″ seating arrangement, similar to the first generation Honda Odyssey, allows for maximum flexibility, while features like MyFordTouch and Park Assist will help vault the C-Max ahead of the Mazda5 in terms of gadgets. Ford quotes a price starting “in the mid-20′s” suggesting a more premium branding strategy rather than the previous method of selling everything from a dirt cheap sub-20k model to a loaded-to-the-gills luxury van.

Also of note is the hands free liftgate, which can be activated by sweeping one’s foot underneath the bumper. A feature like this is sure to appeal to the target demographic far beyond any turbocharged engine or sporty suspension.

Gallery: Ford C-Max

As part of Ford‘s “One World” plan, a single platform will be used across all markets worldwide. While we reap the benefits with the all-new Focus and C-Max, there can be trade-offs when different markets require different attributes in a vehicle. With the Ford Vertrek Concept, unveiled today at the Detroit Auto Show, the Blue Oval is hoping to synchronize the very American Escape SUV, and the equally European Kuga compact crossover.

Styling-wise, the Vertrek takes after the Kuga, as it abandons the Escapes boxy sheet metal for a fluid look that utilizes Ford’s new design language. Cargo room is comparable to the Escape, suggesting a bigger footprint than the Kuga, while a 1.6L Ecoboost 4-cylinder and a Ford TDCi diesel will be offered (with the latter likely for Europe only).

A start-stop system as well as a mild regenerative braking system will also be offered, with Ford touting as much as 10 percent less C02 emissions, and an equivalent bump in fuel economy thanks to the new technologies. While the Vertek is officially billed as a concept, expect to see the production version to look nearly identical to what was seen at Detroit.

GALLERY: Ford Vertrek Debut

GALLERY: Ford Vertrek

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After going through the equivalent of 160,000 miles worth of grueling tasks, Ford will take apart an Ecoboost V6 selected for the evaluation process, in a bid to demonstrate that the boosted V6 can be a viable alternative to traditional V8s.

The V6, which was randomly pulled from the regular production line, was put into action in a variety of tasks, from racing in the Baja 1000 to towing over 11,000 pounds for 24 hours straight. At the end of the test process, Ford dynoed the motor and found that it still produced 360 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, just as it did when it left the assembly line.

[Source: Ford]

Hit the jump to see the official press release

Continue Reading…

If you like going around a track faster than just about anyone else, the Radical SR3 is the car for you. It is also currently the fastest ‘street-legal’ car to lap the 13-mile Nurburgring circuit in an incredible 6min 48 secs.

For pure driving enthusiasts, the fact you can tweak this car in infinite ways to suit your driving style, and the availability of many different engines to propel you along with, has won this car respect and a loyal following.

For Radical fans, the news is just about to get even better, as two new versions will be unveiled at the 2011 Autosport International Show next month.

The SR3 SL will feature Ford’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, with some radical (get it?) tweaking, so in this application it will produce 300-hp, which is a lot when you consider the whole vehicle weighs just under 1,500 lbs. This model will also feature a six-speed paddle shift gearbox and a fly-by-wire throttle. Not extreme enough for you? Radical will also be offering a ‘Race Pack’ that will feature changeable engine mapping, an FIA approved fuel-cell, and a high downforce rear wing.

Want even more grunt, then how about the SR3 RX. This features a 2.7-liter V8, developed by RPX and it should produce nearly 400-hp.

So if you always wanted a Radical, you’ll have two new reasons to stop making any excuses.

[Source: Pistonheads]

Land Rover‘s new Range Rover Evoque two-door SUV is on a publicity blitz ahead of its deubt at the Paris Auto Show, and details are begging to emerge.

Rather than the usual 8-cylinder powerplant, the Evoque will use a 2.0L Ecoboost 4-cylinder, dubbed the Si4, which makes 240 horsepower.  Land Rover will likely have to resort to some creative marketing to sell customers on the idea of a 4-cylinder, even if it’s likely more than adequate for urban driving.

A 2.2L turbodiesel has also been announced, but power figures haven’t been announced yet beyond the 187 horsepower number. The torque figures will be far more important, and expect this engine to be sold in most of the Evoque’s 160 world markets, but not the United States.

Gallery: Range Rover Evoque

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue Reading…

Ford‘s 3.5L V6 Ecoboost engine, a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine that will go into the upcoming F-150 pickup, will put out 365 horsepower and a whopping 420 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm.

The 3.5L V6 may lack the outright grunt of Ford’s 6.2L V8, 90 percent of the power is available from 1,750 to 5,000 rpm, while being able to tow 11,300 pounds or carrying a payload of 3,060 pounds.

While Ford says that the Ecoboost will offer class leading fuel economy, mpg figures haven’t been released yet. We’ll keep you posted when they’re finally made public.

Hit the jump to read the official press release

[Source: Ford]

Continue Reading…

In today’s landscape automakers are constantly looking at new and innovative ways of reaching their customers. Given that Ford‘s F-150 remains the best selling full-size pickup in the world, keeping those customers is of paramount of importance.

With the 2011 model, one way is allowing folks from across America to experience the trucks before they even arrive in stores. As a result, Ford has rolled out it’s Drive F-150 tour, which will be stopping off at various U.S. cities between now and the end of the year. At post time the list included Dallas, Texas (September 25th); Houston, Texas (October 2nd); Aberdeen, Maryland (October 23rd); Atlanta, Georgia (October 30th); Orlando, Florida (November 6th) and finally; Los Angeles, California (November 13).

The F-150 has received a number of significant improvements for 2011; including an all-new powertrain lineup that includes a more efficient 3.7-liter base V6 engine; the hallowed 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost; plus new 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s.

Those who sign up for the Drive F-150 tour will be able to see cutaways of the new trucks, with Ford representatives on hand to answer questions. Other activities include a power test driving competition on an acceleration and handling course; a towing contest in trucks equipped with the EcoBoost engine; a refinement drive with said trucks in a street environment and a dyno power comparison between the ’11 F-150 and its nearest rivals.

To participate in the program, you must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. For more information; click on the link below.

[Source: Ford Motor Company]

Besides new powertrains, including a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 and 5.0-liter V8; the 2011 Ford F-150 will also receive another update in the shape of electrically assisted steering. Truck manufacturers have already been experimenting with electric power steering systems as they seek to reduce parasitic loss and improve fuel economy.

However, until very recently, the only vehicles to be actually fitted with EPS systems on the market were small cars and crossovers. Besides reducing energy losses caused by driving a hydraulic steering system off the engine’s crankshaft, electric steering systems also allow for an infinite amount of tuning to suit optimal road conditions. Furthermore, by using an electro-mechanical motor to drive the steering system instead of a hydraulic pump, EPS is only needed when the vehicle is actually turning, as opposed to hydraulic systems which are constantly drawing power from the engine when it’s running. The result is  an average four percent gain in fuel economy and with the ominous cloud of tighter Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards on the horizon for light trucks as well as cars, the automakers are currently looking at any way they can to improve fuel consumption.

According to order guides released by Ford, electric power steering will be standard fitment on all 2011 F-150s equipped with the 3.7-liter V6; the Ecoboost twin-turbo and 5.0 V8; but specialty rigs, like the SVT Raptor and recently introduced Harley Davidson (both powered by the larger 6.2-liter V8), will continue to use hydraulic power steering.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

Despite Ford’s sale of Land Rover to Tata over a year ago, there appears to be a strong continuing partnership between the two automakers with the latest reports indicating the Range Rover Evoque crossover will get the American automaker’s EcoBoost technology.

The light-weight Range Rover is believed to get a version of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that will debut later this year in the 2011 Ford Edge. The new engine should help deliver significantly improved fuel economy numbers over anything else in the Land Rover lineup, with a 0-60 mph time of around 8 seconds and a fuel economy rating of close to 30-mpg.

Land Rover won’t confirm or deny the reports but is believed to announce the new EcoBoost powerplant at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.

[Source: AutoCar]

Ford will unveil a high-performance ST version of its all-new Focus at the Paris Auto Show this Fall, and we’re almost certain to see it hit our shores. Ford product boss Derrick Kuzak already commented that a high-performance version of the 2011 Focus would be “exciting to drive and to look at” and use EcoBoost technology. It’s not yet clear if Ford is planning to use it’s EcoBoost 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which currently makes around 200-hp in the S-Max, or if Ford will continue its engine down-sizing by using a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with closer to 180-hp. The car is expected to have a 0-60 time of roughly 6 seconds.

When Kuzak unveiled the Focus at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year, he confirmed that a high-performance EcoBoost model would be sold globally.

Along with the new ST model, Ford is expected to unveil full production models of the Focus sedan and wagon.

[Source: AutoExpress]

In an all-new approach to vehicle launching, Ford is choosing to reveal their hotly anticipated Explorer on Facebook, rather than at a traditional public launch. Ford has already shown a few teaser shots of the car on the popular social networking site, but nothing substantial has been leaked- expect a full reveal next month.

Unveiling a car on a social networking site is a new direction for a vehicle launch, but Ford has already used social media tools to help build buzz for new products. The Fiesta Movement, an online social media campaign designed to build buzz for their new subcompact, was launched over a year in advance of the vehicle’s on-sale date, and was wildly successful among young buyers who were previously unaware of Ford products.

With the move to a car-based Explorer possibly alienating longtime fans of the truck-based SUV, perhaps Ford is hoping to go after  a new segment that wants a less rugged, more “lifestyle” oriented SUV.

[Source: USA Today]

Ford is sticking by its slow-selling Flex crossover despite the distinctive box-on-wheels failing to meet its sales targets, and a host of internal competition in the form of a re-designed Ford Edge and an all-new Ford Explorer.

The Flex was marketed as a family-hauler after Ford killed its Freestar minivan in 2006. However Ford is launching an all-new Explorer SUV that will move from a truck platform to a car based unit. Ford is hoping to cast a wider net with the new Explorer, attracting buyers who want a more traditional vehicle and would normally consider a minivan or large SUV.

Sales of the Flex are up by nearly 15% this quarter, but they lag behind General Motors own competitiors, as well as the current Explorer, which is up over 41%. While the Flex has been praised for its good driving dynamics and powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, the slab-sided styling has polarized consumers into “love it” and “hate it” camps.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Less than a week after General Motors cancelled plans to bring their Chevrolet Orlando mini-minivan to the United States, Ford announced that their C-Max 7-seater will make the trip across the Atlantic. Built in Valencia, Spain, the C-Max features rear-sliding doors and can be had with either a 1.6L or 2.0L Ecoboost motor. Expect the 200hp 2.0L variant to be offered for sale here. Ford is staking its bets on North Americans adopting smaller vehicles, and GM could conceivably bring the Orlando to the U.S., as it will be sold in Canada, which has identical vehicle standards to its Southern neighbor.

[Source: The Torque Report]

First Ford unveiled its new EcoBoost 3-cylinder at the Beijing Auto Show, then came reports that we would get it, followed by reports that we wouldn’t. The latest news on the subject suggests Ford wants to bring it to North America but that there’s no car suitable for it yet. According to a report by Automotive News, an unnamed Ford exec told the news outlet that, “For North America, it is a ways off. It certainly has been talked about to come here, but there is not a vehicle for it yet.”

When we first heard about the EcoBoost 1.0-liter 3-cylinder we surmised that it could be a suitable powerplant for the new Fiesta. After all, Ford says the EcoBoost 3-cylinder makes roughly the power of a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder – which just so happens to be what’s in the Fiesta right now – with 120-hp.

While in our recent review of the new Fiesta we did comment that it’s engine was lacking in power, considering an EcoBoost motor should get added torque, it seems strange that Ford still doesn’t see the Fiesta as a suitable platform. Instead, we’ll have to wait to see if Ford ever decides to bring over it’s Ka mini-car (above). And while that may sound like a far-fetched idea, with the Fiat 500 set to debut this year and Nissan planning to launch the new Micra in North America, anthing is possible

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog Green]

After yesterday’s reveal of the Audi A1 lookalike Ford Start Concept, comes word that the car’s tiny EcoBoost engine will make its way to North America. Ford won’t say what the direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder will find its way into, and we have to think the only possible candidate right now is the Fiesta.

Ford claims the EcoBoost 3-cylinder makes roughly the same amount of power as a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (about 125-hp) – which is more than the Fiesta makes now, with just 119-hp. There’s no word on torque numbers either, but as a turbocharged motor we’d expect them to be close to the horsepower output, which would make for an even faster Fiesta – which dramatically better fuel economy. Plus, the reduced weight would improve both acceleration and fuel economy further, while also helping out in the handling and braking categories.

It’s entirely possible Ford’s EcoBoost 3-cylinder won’t arrive for quite some time and could be delivered in some other tiny car (like a production Start Concept aimed at the Fiat 500), or perhaps it will be mated to a hybrid setup in a larger vehicle.

GALLERY: Ford Start Concept

[Source: Car & Driver]

If you were wondering which U.S. automaker was making the biggest strides toward next-generation powertrain technology, wonder no more.

In a bold move, if you’ll excuse the reference, Ford will be introducing turbocharged engines on some of its largest and smallest vehicles by the end of 2010. Here’s our run down of the increasingly prolific application of EcoBoost motors in the Ford lineup:

• Ford C-Max: 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost (2010 availability, Europe)
• Ford Explorer: 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost (2010 availability, North America, preview)
• Ford Edge: 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost (2010 availability, North America, preview)
• Ford Flex: 3.5-liter six-cylinder EcoBoost (on-sale now, review)
• Ford Taurus SHO: 3.5-liter six-cylinder EcoBoost (on-sale now, review)
• Lincoln MKS: 3.5-liter six-cylinder EcoBoost (on-sale now)
• Lincoln MKT: 3.5-liter six-cylinder EcoBoost (on-sale now, review)
• Ford F-150: 3.5-liter six-cylinder EcoBoost (2010 availability, North America)

Ford says they plan on having EcoBoost engines in 90 per cent of the company’s North American models. By 2013, the company will be producing 1.5 million such engines per year. That means you should expect to see the engine pop up in nearly everything, from the Fiesta to the Mustang. Dan Kapp, Ford’s director of powertrain research and advanced engineering says that they’re tuning EcoBoost to deliver better efficiency in future models.

“We are trying to get in front of the pack in leveraging EcoBoost for fuel economy,” Kapp said. “It’s going to be a trend in the industry, and we can’t rest on our laurels for one minute. We are going to keep wringing more efficiency out of EcoBoost.”

Other than EcoBoost, Ford has some exciting technologies on the horizon, including a fully electric version of the Focus, the promise to have 98 per cent of its North American models fitted with six-speed transmissions, and to have 20 per cent of its vehicles worldwide fitted with stop/start systems by 2014. Those systems, which turn off the engine at a stop light (just like a hybrid), can contribute to a five per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

Rumors that Ford would release an EcoBoost Mustang have persisted ever since the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 debuted in the SHO, but according to a recent report, no such turbo ‘Stang is planned – for now. MotorAuthority is reporting Ford has no plans to drop the sophisticated engine into the Mustang – especially as it has recently unveiled two other sophisticated powerplants for the 2011 model. The first is the 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 and the second is the new 412-hp 5.0-liter V8. The current EcoBoost plant sits mid-way between those two with as much as 365-hp in the Taurus SHO. Because it is turbocharged, however, it makes an almost equal amount of torque, and because it is still a V6, there’s a notable weight savings over a V8 engine.

That being said, the idea of a turbocharged V6 Mustang not only makes sense, but should sound familiar to the Mustang faithful. Back in the 1980s, Ford produced a turbocharged model called the SVO. It used a 4-cylinder rather than a V6, but the result was the same, with the lighter engine helping the car beat the old 5.0 in some tests.

And so while we’re not likely to hear anything from Ford about an EcoBoost Mustang for several years (perhaps around time for a mid-cycle update?), the automaker has confirmed that the EcoBoost V6 will arrive in the F-150 later this year as a 2011 model.

[Source: MotorAuthority]