"Our new 3.5-litre V6 is a key component in Ford's global powertrain strategy, which is to provide what customers want, when they
 |
| The engine, developed at the Beech Daly Technical Center in Dearborn, Michigan, a state of the art facility with some of the most advanced prototype development hardware the auto industry has to offer, such as stereolithography. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
want it," commented Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain Operations. "This powertrain is an innovative solution to answering the call for better fuel efficiency, more refinement, more power and clean emissions, without any sacrifices."
The engine, developed at the Beech Daly Technical Center in Dearborn, Michigan, a state of the art facility with some of the most advanced prototype development hardware the auto industry has to offer, some of which does not exist at any rival auto manufacturer's facility, and where Ford made its introduction, is set to be produced at the Lima Engine Plant, in Ohio (not Peru). As expected, it's an extremely sophisticated piece of engineering that will quickly elevate Ford's street cred among V6 buyers.
But once again, its reputation should get more respect that it often does. Few
 |
| Ford has a long history of motorsport involvement, from grass roots events to top-tier series such as WRC. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
automakers spend as much time, energy and financial resources in motorsport as Ford does, and motorsport is where the newest engine technologies are best tested for efficiencies and endurance. Name a series, and Ford is almost always involved. The most obvious is Nextel Cup/NASCAR, although such an example might not be the prime candidate to showcase technology leadership. But F1 is, as is World Rally (WRC), Champ Car, Trans Am, American Le Mans, Touring Car, Australia's V8 Super Car, and the list goes on and on. Ford has built and/or powered championship winning Mustangs, Cobras, GT40s, and, if WRC's Group-B division had been allowed to continue, the RS200 would have certainly been a winner as well.
