Ford confidently claims its high compression 3.5 is extremely smooth running thanks to a low vibration valvetrain, for one,
plus reduced powertrain bending, a high-tech term for engine block stiffness, the result of a high pressure die casting method. It reportedly delivers great off the line acceleration and more than enough power during passing maneuvers. Fuel economy and emissions concerns have been addressed also, with special attention paid to reducing toxins during cold startup.
As mentioned, the six-speed automatic will do its share in improving performance and reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and it does so by lowering the final drive to a 0.74:1 gear ratio. Takeoff is enhanced due to a low 4.48:1 first gear ratio, and
thanks to having four cogs in between first and sixth, intervals on the way up through the gears are smooth and quick, optimizing the engine's powerband at all times.
To put all this in a quantifiable perspective, the six-speed is expected to reduce fuel consumption by about seven percent, or in dollars and cents, about $5 for every 75-litre (20-gallon) fill.
Samardzich promises the new six-speed will deliver minimized shift hunting and optimized engine speed, while gear whine is said to be dramatically reduced resulting in "superior NVH characteristics".
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| The six-speed automatic will do its share in improving performance and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
As mentioned, the six-speed automatic will do its share in improving performance and reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and it does so by lowering the final drive to a 0.74:1 gear ratio. Takeoff is enhanced due to a low 4.48:1 first gear ratio, and
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| Samardzich promises the new six-speed will deliver minimized shifthunting and optimized engine speed, while gear whine is said to bedramatically reduced resulting in "superior NVH characteristics".(Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
To put all this in a quantifiable perspective, the six-speed is expected to reduce fuel consumption by about seven percent, or in dollars and cents, about $5 for every 75-litre (20-gallon) fill.
Samardzich promises the new six-speed will deliver minimized shift hunting and optimized engine speed, while gear whine is said to be dramatically reduced resulting in "superior NVH characteristics".