For model year 2010, Ford announced plans for 30 new powertrain actions globally — 22 in North America alone.
We’ve already told you about the new 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost, the coming 2.0-litre I4 EcoBoost and Powershift “dual clutch” 6-speed gearbox, new six-speed automatics, and the advances to the Fusion/Escape hybrid powerplant.
Here are some other noteworthy 2010 developments…
Cam torque actuated VCT
The 3.0-litre V6 Duratec going into 2010 vehicles features the industry’s first application of cam torque actuated variable valve timing (VCT). Ford engineer Steve Wilkie told us the system is more fuel-efficient because it doesn’t require upsized oil pumps. Traditional oil pressure activated VCT systems need to drain and refill “vanes,” calling for robust oil pumping systems. Instead of using oil pressure to push the cam, the system uses the rotating energy already in the camshaft, and is “timed” by hydraulically checking the appropriate vane. Oil flow is maintained.
“We're basically creating a hydraulic ratchet,” said Wilkie.
The 3.0-litre Duratec is also available in a Flex-Fuel version for the first time; it can run on gasoline, E85 ethanol, or any combination of the two.
Advanced Deceleration Fuel Shut Off
The 2.5-litre I4 was revamped earlier this year, (from the previous 2.3 Duratec I4), and one of its new technologies is Advanced Deceleration Fuel Shut Off.
“When you're coasting and taking your foot off the gas, we turn the fuel injectors off and we do it in such a seamless way that you don't notice,” noted a Ford engineer we spoke to at Ford’s 2010 Model Preview event for the press, in Dearborn Michigan on July 21, 2009.
He notes this translates to a one percent fuel economy gain, and no new pieces of hardware had to be created to make it happen — it was all accomplished through recalibrated software.
He added that while it might not be a totally new idea, the key was implementing it in such a smooth and seamless manner and making it happen in more conditions.
“Anyone can just turn it back on and off, but then you get jerkiness.”
The system was first used on the 2009 Flex and F-150. “We're putting it into any new product we’re launching. It’s just one of the number of things we need to do to help us the get the fuel efficiency numbers you’re seeing.”
 |
| The new 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost |
We’ve already told you about the new 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost, the coming 2.0-litre I4 EcoBoost and Powershift “dual clutch” 6-speed gearbox, new six-speed automatics, and the advances to the Fusion/Escape hybrid powerplant.
Here are some other noteworthy 2010 developments…
Cam torque actuated VCT
The 3.0-litre V6 Duratec going into 2010 vehicles features the industry’s first application of cam torque actuated variable valve timing (VCT). Ford engineer Steve Wilkie told us the system is more fuel-efficient because it doesn’t require upsized oil pumps. Traditional oil pressure activated VCT systems need to drain and refill “vanes,” calling for robust oil pumping systems. Instead of using oil pressure to push the cam, the system uses the rotating energy already in the camshaft, and is “timed” by hydraulically checking the appropriate vane. Oil flow is maintained.
“We're basically creating a hydraulic ratchet,” said Wilkie.
The 3.0-litre Duratec is also available in a Flex-Fuel version for the first time; it can run on gasoline, E85 ethanol, or any combination of the two.
Advanced Deceleration Fuel Shut Off
The 2.5-litre I4 was revamped earlier this year, (from the previous 2.3 Duratec I4), and one of its new technologies is Advanced Deceleration Fuel Shut Off.
“When you're coasting and taking your foot off the gas, we turn the fuel injectors off and we do it in such a seamless way that you don't notice,” noted a Ford engineer we spoke to at Ford’s 2010 Model Preview event for the press, in Dearborn Michigan on July 21, 2009.
He notes this translates to a one percent fuel economy gain, and no new pieces of hardware had to be created to make it happen — it was all accomplished through recalibrated software.
He added that while it might not be a totally new idea, the key was implementing it in such a smooth and seamless manner and making it happen in more conditions.
“Anyone can just turn it back on and off, but then you get jerkiness.”
The system was first used on the 2009 Flex and F-150. “We're putting it into any new product we’re launching. It’s just one of the number of things we need to do to help us the get the fuel efficiency numbers you’re seeing.”
 |
| Cam Torque Actuated Variable Cam Timing |