Ford has announced the launch of a new, more fuel-efficient 1.5-liter EcoBoost high-compression engine for small cars in the company’s lineup. Ford calls the engine a “key strategic entry” for its global production needs as demand for higher efficiency gasoline engines increases worldwide.
The engine will initially begin production later this month at Ford’s plant in Craiova, Romania as the fifth member of the EcoBoost engine family. It will be added to other production facilities over time, likely to be seen in China (where it will be first introduced in the all-new Ford Mondeo) and possibly North America for future models of the Fiesta and/or Focus. It will debut here in the Fusion this year.
The 1.5-liter EcoBoost features the same strategy Ford has followed in its EcoBoost line, including turbocharging, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and more. The line uses high cylinder compression coupled with improved timing and turbocharging to improve engine outputs. This creates an engine that has a much smaller displacement than an equivalent engine with similar output. That saves fuel and lowers emissions.
The 1.5-liter EcoBoost will likely be offered as a more powerful alternative to the 3-cylinder, 1.0-liter EcoBoost now offered in Europe to comply with incentives for engines of 1.5L or smaller.
“Ford EcoBoost technology has changed the way people look at gas engines and has enjoyed huge success with customers,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, powertrain engineering for Ford. “The new 1.5-liter unit further extends our EcoBoost promise of economical driving in terms of both fuel efficiency and – in some markets – tax savings.”
Ford has promised more information on the new engine’s metrics nearer to vehicle launch times.
