The electronically shift controlled transmission also features a variable displacement pump, which matches the amount of fluid that gets
pushed through the transmission to driver demand, making it more efficient.
Ford also promises great towing characteristics, a regular request from its customer base.
The transmission was designed to be capable of 300-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque in its current configuration, but Samardzich promises it can be bolstered to handle more if necessary.
Expect the new 3.5-litre to show up as an upgrade over the Duratec 30 in most vehicles within Ford's multi-brand lineup that currently feature the 3.0-litre V6. That means the Five Hundred and Freestyle, if the latter continues on past the Edge which is expected to debut in 2007, the new Fusion, Milan and Zephyr midsize models, and Ford's
Escape/Mercury Mariner compact SUVs - soon with power that will come close to matching Toyota's upcoming 269-horsepower RAV4.
The engine is strong enough to be used as a base powerplant in some larger SUVs and trucks too, but it will remain to be seen whether or not its high-tech features will price it out of contention for the next-generation Ranger. It could, however, replace the 4.0-litre V6 in the new Mustang, the 3.8 in the Freestar minivan, and the list goes on to other cars within the automaker's network of premium brand nameplates, such as Jaguar's top-line X-Type and base S-Type.
No doubt, Ford will make full use of its sophisticated new V6, and by so doing optimize economies of scale, reduce the cost of manufacture, and therefore make more money. And that will be a very good thing.
 |
| Expect the new 3.5-litre to show up as an upgrade over the Duratec 30 in most vehicles within Ford's multi-brand lineup, possibly even the compact Escape. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Ford also promises great towing characteristics, a regular request from its customer base.
The transmission was designed to be capable of 300-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque in its current configuration, but Samardzich promises it can be bolstered to handle more if necessary.
Expect the new 3.5-litre to show up as an upgrade over the Duratec 30 in most vehicles within Ford's multi-brand lineup that currently feature the 3.0-litre V6. That means the Five Hundred and Freestyle, if the latter continues on past the Edge which is expected to debut in 2007, the new Fusion, Milan and Zephyr midsize models, and Ford's
 |
| The new 3.5 could also replace the 4.0-litre V6 in the new Mustang. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The engine is strong enough to be used as a base powerplant in some larger SUVs and trucks too, but it will remain to be seen whether or not its high-tech features will price it out of contention for the next-generation Ranger. It could, however, replace the 4.0-litre V6 in the new Mustang, the 3.8 in the Freestar minivan, and the list goes on to other cars within the automaker's network of premium brand nameplates, such as Jaguar's top-line X-Type and base S-Type.
No doubt, Ford will make full use of its sophisticated new V6, and by so doing optimize economies of scale, reduce the cost of manufacture, and therefore make more money. And that will be a very good thing.
Article Gallery