Ford's EcoBoost Continues to Downsize

Fiesta, Focus to Get 0.9-Liter Three Cylinder, 1.2-Liter EcoBoost Options

The new-generation Ford Focus... read full caption

The new-generation Ford Focus is set to be unveiled at the 2010 Detroit show.Ford will adapt its Ecoboost concept to a three-cylinder 0.9 and 1.2-liter engines for the Fiesta and upcoming Focus. At 1.2-liters, the engine will be capable of about 135horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque from about 1500 rpm.

The engine will be available in the Fiesta from its mid-cycle facelift around three years from now. In Europe it will eventually go into the Focus too, replacing the current 1.6 and 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engines, but it will probably be considered too small for a U.S. Focus.

Ecoboost works by combining three critical technologies: dual variable valve timing for the twin-cam head, direct gas-injection and a turbo. The direct injection means a higher compression ratio of 10 to 1 can be used for much greater efficiency than regular turbo engines. There is no possibility of knock because the fuel is injected late in the cycle, and less NOx is created because the evaporating fuel cools the piston.

The overall result is an engine with an impressive power and torque curve, good throttle response and great efficiency because the downsizing means less friction and mass, and more efficient light-throttle running.

Using small engines with fewer cylinders also improves handling by cutting front-axle weight. This is especially important in small cars such as the Fiesta.

The three-cylinder Ecoboost will reportedly need dual balance shafts to reduce vibration, but otherwise will share most components with the four-cylinder.

Ford is introducing the 2.0-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder in the Galaxy minivan and Mondeo sedan this spring. It makes 200-250 horsepower, and will replace five-and six-cylinder engines across the European and U.S. Ford ranges.

In mid-year the new C-Max (which is coming to the U.S. as part of the Focus family) will launch the 1.6-liter Ecoboost. This motor replaces 2.0 and larger four-cylinder engines and is central to the 2011 Focus range.