DEARBORN -- New Ford engines are powering the company to new heights, and Ward's AutoWorld is taking notice. The Ford Taurus SHO's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, and the Fusion Hybrid's 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engines, both offering best-in-class fuel economy, have been named to the Ward's 2010 "10 Best Engines" honoree list.
The 10 Best Engines list marks North America's only awards program honoring powertrain excellence and is designed to reflect the diversity of powertrains that will play a role in reshaping America's automotive landscape.
"Earning a spot on the Ward's list for one engine, let alone two, is an exceptional honor," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Our EcoBoost and hybrid engines deliver on our promise of class-leading fuel economy with uncompromised power and performance. We're pleased that Ward's has recognized both."
The EcoBoost V-6 engine won in its first year of eligibility; Ford's hybrid engine was recognized last year as well, and earned a spot again with the latest generation improvements in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid.
"Kudos to Ford for giving buyers two significant new powertrain choices this year – a powerful and versatile V-6 and an affordable hybrid that ranks among the world's best," said Tom Murphy, executive editor, Ward's AutoWorld.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V-6 is the heart of the 2010 Taurus SHO. This advanced powerplant generates 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lb. of torque across a broad range from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines.
A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection into the intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowering the likelihood of knock.
The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold-start emissions and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full-load engine behavior. Customers experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.
The award-winning EcoBoost V-6 is also available in the 2010 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, and MKS. Next year, Ford will introduce the first global applications of EcoBoost with four-cylinder engines in displacement sizes of 1.6-liters and 2.0-liters. As EcoBoost forms the cornerstone of Ford's commitment to deliver best-in-class fuel economy, the technology will quickly migrate across the global line-up of cars and trucks being available on over 90-percent of global nameplates by 2013.
Another Win for Ford's Hybrid TechnologyLast year, Ward's judges also selected the new 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine introduced in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids to their 10 Best Engines list. This year, the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid received the honor, due to the further improvements of Ford's hybrid technology.
"That hybrid technology is recognized two years in a row underscores the importance of continuously working to improve this technology," said Kuzak. "We're continuously working to keep up with the demands of today's consumers."
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid can operate longer at higher speeds in pure electric mode. The Fusion Hybrid can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. It also has an EPA-estimated 41 mpg rating in the city, earning it the title of America's most fuel-efficient midsize car.
