EcoBoost is a family of turbocharged and direct-injected four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines designed to deliver the power and torque consistent with larger displacement, naturally aspirated engines. Add to this aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff, twin independent variable valve timing (Ti-VCT) and an efficient 6-speed automatic transmission, and you have the basis for achieving approximately 20% better fuel efficiency.
In a nutshell, a 2.0L EcoBoost powerplant, such as the one now available on the Ford Edge and Explorer models, supplies the performance and feel of a reasonably sized V6 whilst sipping considerably less fuel.
Now there’s bound to be a few doubters out there, but I can assure you, this technology really does work. In fact, as the company expected a certain amount of skepticism at first, particularly with regards to the lifespan of these engines; Ford has rigorously tested this powerplant, perhaps more than any other it has ever produced. Results from this testing are now widely available on U-Tube.
As I previously stated, the Edge has been around for quite a while, and the sales figures are a good indication of how well it has been received by the general public, so there seems little point in covering the basics of the vehicle. Therefore, we’ll concentrate on the EcoBoost powerplant and its effect on the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
The first thing one notices is the available pickup, which I have to say compares somewhat favorably with the V6 model. Ford has managed to squeeze 240 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm out of this unit. Now compare that to the 285 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 253 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm currently available from the 3.5L V6, and you’ll start to see why this technology will have such an impact on the market.
Of course, this EcoBoost technology will only be available to the SE, SEL and Limited models; the Sport already carries the larger 3.7L V6 (305 hp/280 lb-ft), and fuel economy is perhaps not such a consideration for those purchasing this version.
Speaking of fuel economy, this is where things start to get really interesting. The new Ford Edge with EcoBoost boasts ratings of 9.9 L/100km city and 6.6 L/100km highway, and when compared to those of the 3.5L V6 (11.2/7.6 L/100km), it offers impressive fuel savings considering how close these two are in performance.
Now, we tested these vehicles at Ford’s Michigan proving grounds on a track which included several long uphill climbs with tight turns. Whilst occasionally the 6-speed automatic transmission struggled to keep up, (which is often the norm when driven hard), I have to say that I had difficulty believing that I was not piloting a V6 model. It really is that good!
So there you have it. Want to own a V6 whilst paying 4-cylinder-like fuel costs? Well, now you can!
In a nutshell, a 2.0L EcoBoost powerplant, such as the one now available on the Ford Edge and Explorer models, supplies the performance and feel of a reasonably sized V6 whilst sipping considerably less fuel.
Now there’s bound to be a few doubters out there, but I can assure you, this technology really does work. In fact, as the company expected a certain amount of skepticism at first, particularly with regards to the lifespan of these engines; Ford has rigorously tested this powerplant, perhaps more than any other it has ever produced. Results from this testing are now widely available on U-Tube.
As I previously stated, the Edge has been around for quite a while, and the sales figures are a good indication of how well it has been received by the general public, so there seems little point in covering the basics of the vehicle. Therefore, we’ll concentrate on the EcoBoost powerplant and its effect on the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
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| This EcoBoost technology will only be available to the SE, SEL and Limited models. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
The first thing one notices is the available pickup, which I have to say compares somewhat favorably with the V6 model. Ford has managed to squeeze 240 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm out of this unit. Now compare that to the 285 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 253 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm currently available from the 3.5L V6, and you’ll start to see why this technology will have such an impact on the market.
Of course, this EcoBoost technology will only be available to the SE, SEL and Limited models; the Sport already carries the larger 3.7L V6 (305 hp/280 lb-ft), and fuel economy is perhaps not such a consideration for those purchasing this version.
Speaking of fuel economy, this is where things start to get really interesting. The new Ford Edge with EcoBoost boasts ratings of 9.9 L/100km city and 6.6 L/100km highway, and when compared to those of the 3.5L V6 (11.2/7.6 L/100km), it offers impressive fuel savings considering how close these two are in performance.
Now, we tested these vehicles at Ford’s Michigan proving grounds on a track which included several long uphill climbs with tight turns. Whilst occasionally the 6-speed automatic transmission struggled to keep up, (which is often the norm when driven hard), I have to say that I had difficulty believing that I was not piloting a V6 model. It really is that good!
So there you have it. Want to own a V6 whilst paying 4-cylinder-like fuel costs? Well, now you can!
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