New 3-cylinder, 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine to debut in European Focus range

Ford has confirmed that the first production applications for the new 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine will be three models in the European product range: first the Focus, followed by C-MAX and the all-new Ford B-MAX. The new 1.0-liter engine is the latest addition to Ford’s global family of EcoBoost engines, which currently range in capacity from 1.6 to 3.5 liters globally. Downsized EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging, direct injection and other technologies and replace larger engines with no loss of performance and with lower fuel consumption.

Ford will introduce two versions of the 1.0-liter engine in the Focus in Europe in early 2012 with 100 PS (99 hp, 74 kW) and 120 PS (118 hp, 88 kW) and 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions respectively. Ultimately, this all-new engine will be made available in Ford models in North America, China and in other regions.

With its 1.0-liter capacity, the 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine will be the smallest engine currently produced by Ford. Yet, despite its small capacity and proportions, the design delivers power and performance to rival a traditional 1.6-liter gasoline engine while emitting less than 120g/km CO₂ in the Focus.

Developed at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in the UK, this direct-injected EcoBoost engine features a new compact, high performance turbocharger design. The extremely fast response of the turbocharger and its ability to reach nearly 250,000 rpm results in virtually no turbo lag and peak torque of 170 N·m (125 lb-ft) from 1,300-4,500 rpm in the 120 PS variant.

The new EcoBoost engine also features an exhaust manifold cast into the cylinder head, which lowers the temperature of the exhaust gases and in turn enables the engine to run with the optimum fuel-to-air ratio across a wider rev band.

An advanced “split cooling” system reduces fuel consumption by warming the engine more quickly and—unlike the larger EcoBoost engines—cast iron has been selected for the block, reducing the amount of energy needed for warm-up by up to 50% compared with aluminum.

Intelligent ancillaries such as a variable air-conditioning compressor and oil pump also reduce parasitic loads on the engine, while special coatings for engine components and intricate development of engine geometry result in minimal frictional losses.

Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Active Grille Shutter and Ford Smart Regenerative Charging will also be available as part of the Focus and C-MAX 1.0-liter EcoBoost package.

Like its larger capacity siblings, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will use Ti-VCT twin variable camshaft timing to further improve performance and economy. Ford has also employed an all-new camshaft actuator to speed up response times without sacrificing durability.

In the all-new 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine, the emphasis in development has been on delivering both smooth and refined performance. Engine refinement is improved thanks to an innovative design that immerses the two main engine drive belts in oil, resulting in quieter and more efficient running but with the durability of a chain. Careful attention has also been paid to mitigating the natural vibrations of the 3-cylinder design.

Rather than employ the traditional method of adding energy-draining balancer shafts, Ford engineers have deliberately “unbalanced” the flywheel and pulley to offset the engine configuration. Ford believes these innovations combined with optimized engine mounts will deliver a refined performance feel perfected during 720,000 km of tests,including 360,000 km of durability trials and 10,000 km of environmental testing.

Further technical details of the new Ford EcoBoost 1.0-liter engine will be provided closer to market launch across Europe in early 2012.

Source: Green Car Congress