2012 Ford Falcon EcoBoost

[fpv302boss]

Ford's powertrain catch-up

Major gaps in engine line-up left Ford flat-footed during GFC


Ford has been late to the party developing fuel-efficient petrol engines — but at least its EcoBoost powerplants are beginning to roll out.

Mainstream companies ranging from Alfa Romeo to Volkswagen have already reached the Australian market with turbocharged, direct-injected engines to power their respective model offerings. Even Ford's former subsidiaries, Mazda and Volvo, have introduced their own version of EcoBoost engines in vehicles sold locally.

The problem lies in Ford being caught on the hop by circumstance, says David Filipe, Ford's Assistant Vehicle Line Director for B cars in Asia. Filipe has been with the company for many years and is relatively new to his current role, which brought him into contact with motoring.com.au during the recent unveiling of the new EcoSport in India. But Filipe has some history with Ford and has worked abroad, in different markets right across the world — and in powertrain development.

"Ford had its challenges, a few years back," he explained, "because we could see fuel prices spike up and we were not well positioned in North America. In a few ways...

"For example, we did not have a 'B ' car; we did not have a Fiesta five or six years ago in North America.

"When gasoline prices hit about $4 a gallon [American]... we couldn't make enough of [the first-generation North American] Focus... so our portfolio was not robust enough to respond to the customer wants. At the time I was responsible for the engine programs, so I had a lot of V8 engines, I had a lot of V6 engines — I even had a V10 engine...

"When the market shifted, we did not have the footprint or the portfolio to go where the market wanted to. I think we lost out to our competitors. They had big cars in the segment; they had fuel-efficient C cars [small]... All they did was adjust the capacity from large displacement to lower displacement or larger vehicles to smaller vehicles. At the time, at Ford we had a lot of big trucks, SUVs, et cetera. We didn't have many B or C cars.

"Now, as we continue to move forward, we have everything available in the line-up for whatever the customer wants."

Ford barely had time even to consider a response to the upward spike in fuel prices before they began to come down again with the onset of the GFC. Even with fuel prices on the way down during the GFC, EcoBoost was imperative. Buyers were now looking for fuel-efficient cars as their income began to dry up, where previously they had been simply concerned with saving money at the pump.

Since then, Filipe says that things have begun to look rosier — for Ford and the buyers. The manufacturer now has engines ranging in capacity from the new 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder right up to the 6.2-litre 'Boss' V8. While the latter is hardly an economical engine, it does cap a wider range of engines now and will cater to those who don't give a fig about running costs and the environment.

And here in Australia the 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is scheduled for launch in the locally-built Falcon around the end of the first quarter this year.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2012...-catchup-28294

[fpv302boss]

Ford boss intimates the upcoming four-cylinder Falcon will be cheerful, but not necessarily cheap

Ford's long-awaited EcoBoost Falcon is highly unlikely to hit the market as the company's cheapest large car. Little wonder then, Ford is studiously avoiding any pricing discussions ahead of the ground-breaking local car's March launch.

The EcoBoost is powered by a high-tech, imported direct-injected turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. At a sneak peek press drive last Thursday Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano reiterated the company sees the car as a technology play and not a way to build cheaper large cars.

Graziano described EcoBoost as "a high-tech story".

"It's obviously a big technology [step change] that's come into that vehicle – there's over 125 patents on the EcoBoost powertrain. Yes, it is smaller – in terms of displacement and cylinders – but in terms of overall performance, we believe it offers what the six-cylinder [Falcon] does with improved fuel efficiency."

The local Ford chief says he believes the car will attract a new group of buyers. In keeping with this aim, Ford will offer EcoBoost in XT, G6 and G6E trim grades.

"In terms of what we're looking for, we're looking for Falcon EcoBoost to actually attract customers that want that large car but can't put it on their buy list because it's a six-cylinder today…

"Rather than having them walk to another vehicle – ideally we'd love to have them walk into one of the vehicles in our showroom."

"There are customers out there that want the package that the large car offers and we believe that the EcoBoost will allow them to have that package and still, not only get below any buy requirements that their companies or their entities may have, but also have the fuel efficiency and the power that they want in that vehicle," Graziano stated.

Ford has not announced engine output or fuel economy figures for the car. In basic back to back performance testing performed last week, the turbo four all but matched the 4.0-litre Barra six-cylinder engined FG MkII models on hand.

Ford has recently refreshed Falcon and launched a liquid-injected LPG version of its large car. To date sales of the updated cars have not hit their straps.

Graziano says the high-tech nature of the EcoBoost is a perfect match for Falcon circa-2012.

"It's consistent with where Australia wants to go, and we believe it's consistent where consumers want to go from a cost of ownership [point of view]. We're pretty excited to have it in the showroom," he stated.

http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2011...-cheaper-27931

[prydey]

Falcon EcoBoost: The Fuel Efficiency Australians Need with the Performance They Want


Falcon EcoBoost delivers customers outstanding fuel efficiency starting at just 8.1L/100km fuel economy with 192g/km of CO21
Falcon EcoBoost achieves a perfect balance of power and torque, with 179kW @ 5500 rpm and 353Nm @ 2000 rpm
Ford’s global EcoBoost engine will be available on Falcon XT, G6 and G6E at no additional cost
Ford’s new Falcon EcoBoost will deliver consumers a new standard in large car fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, outstanding performance and affordability when it goes on sale in Q2.

The first RWD application of Ford’s global EcoBoost technology will deliver an 18 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency for the Falcon XT, compared to the standard inline six-cylinder engine. Achieving just 8.1L/100km1, the Falcon XT will also deliver just 192g/km of CO2. Both the Falcon EcoBoost and Ford’s state-of-the-art, liquid phase injection, dedicated LPG powerplant in the Falcon EcoLPi are the only two Australian-built large sedans to deliver sub-200g/km CO2 emissions.
The G6 and G6E will also receive significant fuel economy and emissions improvements with the introduction of the EcoBoost engine. Fuel economy will improve to 8.5L/100km1 – a 14 per cent improvement; while CO2 emissions will improve by 14.8 per cent to just 201g/km.

Despite achieving such impressive new fuel efficiency and emissions targets, the Falcon EcoBoost engine will also continue to provide drivers with the performance they love in a large car. Official power and torque figures return 179kW @ 5500 rpm and 353Nm @ 2000 rpm, showcasing the outstanding performance feel drivers will enjoy.
“Ford’s EcoBoost technology really is the best way to achieve improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions at a price consumers can afford,” said Ford Australia President & CEO Bob Graziano.
“Our goal has been to find the sweet spot for Australian consumers – to give them the fuel efficiency they need, combined with the power they want. Ford’s global EcoBoost technology does just that - without any price premium.”

Smart engine technology
Falcon EcoBoost is the first global application of an EcoBoost engine in a rear-wheel drive and introduces the latest smart engine technology from Ford to large car buyers in Australia.
EcoBoost uses direct injection and turbocharging to deliver more power and performance from a lower displacement powerplant, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.
EcoBoost petrol engines use much of the same technology that is found in today’s state-of-the-art turbo-diesels, such as:
A high-pressure direct injection fuel system fed by a common rail that delivers a precise amount of fuel in the exact spot for fast and complete burn
Turbocharging to create a more dense mix of air and fuel in each cylinder
Special pistons with optimised bowls in the centre to improve combustion efficiency – these pistons are also oil-cooled, which reduces in-cylinder temperatures
Reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy
Just like diesels, Ford’s EcoBoost engines deliver outstanding performance and driving enjoyment at all speeds, however, EcoBoost accomplishes this at less cost than a similar-displacement diesel engine.
EcoBoost engines are already on sale in a number of Ford vehicles around the world and by 2013, will be available in 80 per cent of the company's global nameplates.
“Ford customers have embraced EcoBoost technology because of its ability to deliver power and performance with uncompromised fuel economy,” Graziano added.
“With its introduction to Falcon, we’re expanding its reach to more customers so they can enjoy its unique blend of power, performance and fuel economy.”
With more than 125 patents and patent applications on its EcoBoost technology, Ford's global EcoBoost engine family is the cornerstone of its near-term sustainability plan to deliver high-volume, affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles that customers both want and value.
Falcon EcoBoost will be available in Ford dealerships around Australia in early Q2.



1 Figures obtained from controlled tests using ADR 81/02. Actual fuel consumption will depend on many factors including driving habits, prevailing conditions and the vehicles equipment, condition and use.
__________________

[HSE2]

So this is 8.1 combined isn't it? Combined on a XT would be 10 something?

[prydey]

yep, manufacturers always quote combined figures. current xt with 6sp is 10.1 or 9.9 i think.

[HSE2]

So that is a real benefit with no price penalty. I want to try one of these cars.

[Falc'man]

I've always likened the characteristics of this motor to a diesel, and looking at where the torque is peaking that is exactly how it will drive like, BUT, you won't find too many diesels pulling like that at the top-end. Ford's article there has emphasised on the tech but hasn't highlighted the top-end bit; The power spread is superior to a diesel.

AU had 357Nm@3000rpm, and 157kW@4900rpm, and weighed a little more. This newb is impressive, and the acceleration times, loaded with passengers, backs these numbers up very nicely.

The greatest news here is there is no price premium. Ford needs bums in seats, by hook or by crook!

So that is a real benefit with no price penalty. I want to try one of these cars.

What about the Prius? I thought you were getting the Pius?

[HSE2]

I came across a Golf R for sale and I was tempted but now this? A large comfortable car with this engine with NO price disadvantage. I have been wrong on many comments about this engine, not seen the writing on the wall and in part it's my faith in the inline six and its ability to deliverer better than claimed numbers that have had my previous commentaries headed towards scepticism.

Both I want this to succeed. Would I buy one. No. I am now only interested in performance so a sensible comment out of me isn't likely to be something readable any time soon but there is a bigger picture to consider.

If I continue to be irresponsible in my account of this product its detrimental to the well being of Falcon. I don't get my performance saloon then. It's not too late for Falcon. I believe that, but we as consumers have to do our part. The bases are loaded, its time.

[prydey]

here's some comparo's i did using govt green vehicle guide.

Ecoboost Falcon 2.0L 4cyl (T), Auto 6 speed:
Combined - 8.1 l/100km
Urban - 11.8 l/100 km
Extra Urban - 6.0 l/100 km

Toyota Camry 2.5L 4cyl, Auto 6 speed
Combined - 7.8
Urban - 10.9
Extra Urban 6.0

Honda Accord Euro 2.4L 4cyl, Auto 5 speed
Combined - 8.9
Urban - 12.3
Extra Urban - 6.9

Mazda 6 2.5L 4cyl, Auto 5 speed
Combined - 8.7
Urban - 11.9
Extra Urban - 6.8

3.0 SIDI Omega:
Combined - 8.9
Urban - 12.3
Extra Urban - 6.9

Ford Falcon 4.0 XT 6speed auto:
Combined - 9.9 l/100km
Urban - 14.6 l/100 km
Extra Urban - 7.2 l/100 km

ecoboost falcon is right in the thick of it. these numbers mean you can have that extra space and performance without sacrificing too much, if anything, on economy.

[FTe217]

I stayed out of this to date for I had similar thoights as Ian - NO my faith for Falcon is the big car with the big engine but alas I/we are the minority then add in our passion for performance BUT agree for Falcon to survive its must change and looking now at the stats from Falcman and prydey its in the ball park what the today consumer desires BUT let me throw up this.....

I am soon to update the wifes CRV that she dearly enjoys - no not because of looks but its functionality/reliability, christ its a 99 model and I tell you keeping it serviced is a joy for it has been a good family run around and I told her whilst the kids were small and the lack of care you can forget getting something nice but the time is coming up to change, she doesn't really care to tbh she isn't a car look at me type compared to the many in the area we live but in all my years seeing the bargains for eg BF11low k ghias etc and pointing them out to her she just doen't want the Falcon shape, that annoys me at times having not been a bseries admirer (sorry box shape imo) curves came back to a degree with FG I like !
No way could I convince her to get one of these new eco boost jobbys - this is Fords big job how to convince the Mummys.
OK sales will come from the Fleets I expect BUT the average consumer is buying plenty Jap/Korean even throw in euros as their dailys.
I have done some carsales surfing with her recently and her desires are Subaru/Outback/Liberty wagons - Kia Cerato/Sorrento Hyundai ix35 you get the drift, Ford really have to come up with a good long term startergy to pull them in imo.....