Comments on: Ford EcoBoost

By: mpg-o-editor

mpg-o-editor — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 01:53:45 +0000

A comprehensive CNG plan needs to be executed immediately. We can start making these changes and seeing the benefits right now … the subsidies that are currently in place are a great start.

As gasoline engines are downsized, cars will become lighter and increasingly more aerodynamic, while remaining just as safe. The increased use of carbon fiber and other technologies will help make the most of every pony.

By: Mike A

Mike A — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:17:51 +0000

Great points. I would really hope to see the CNG in commercial vehicles plan executed in the next 5-10 years, with plug-in diesel hybrids (like a diesel Chevy Volt) becoming the norm. I’m just thinking in baby steps right now. I kind of think of EcoBoost and similar technologies as “gasoline’s last stand.” I’m just encouraged that car companies are finally taking fuel efficiency truly, truly seriously because horsepower is more than adequate. (304 horsepower in a V6 Mustang w/ 31 MPG? WOW. And that’s without Direct Injection…and a 180 horsepower 1.6L EcoBoost in a Focus-sized vehicle is absolutely plenty of power in any situation except a drag strip.)

By: mpg-o-editor

mpg-o-editor — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:10:58 +0000

Aye, Mike. Twin-turbo direct-injection technology is awesome, no matter how it’s branded. Go take a test drive in a BMW 335d and get back to me.

The diesel/regular unleaded price equivalent argument doesn’t play out in RUGs favor over the long run, for a number of reasons, including higher resale historical value for diesel-powered vehicles and overall domestic energy policy.

America will make a major shift in the use of domestic fuel. CNG will displace diesel in many fleet vehicles (large trucks and buses). This should free up a great amount of diesel fuel, which can then be utilized in passenger vehicles – whether or not those passenger vehicles are manufactured domestically.

We’ve been dealt a hand of cards. It’s up to us to play them correctly.

By: Mike A

Mike A — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:34:43 +0000

Just came across this one last night when I was writing my own blog post on EcoBoost. The bottom line is if diesel were the same price of gasoline in the U.S., it would be justifiable to have a diesel. Unfortunately that’s not the case so EcoBoost is a fine alternative.

Right now EcoBoost has only been delivered as a performance option that doesn’t hurt fuel economy. Once the 2.0L EB’s in the Edge and Explorer are released, that’s where we see the real fuel economy gains.

I’m just hoping the 1.6L makes its way into the 2012 Focus. That could/should post Jetta/Golf TDI-esque numbers, albeit with less torque, but more horsepower.

By: mpg-o-editor

mpg-o-editor — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:54:09 +0000

@Tony C – Many thanks for your thoughts. You do bring up a good point, after kneecapping me, but you miss the forest for the trees. I’ve just spent a week with a DISI-equipped Mazda CX-7 and I’m currently driving an Audi Q7 TDI. The bigger heavier Audi is delivering significantly better mileage.

By: Tony C

Tony C — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:43:49 +0000

Could this have been anymore of a kiss *** interview? Why not ask how any of this differs from the technology VW and Audi have had in production for years now? DI turbos and six speeds are nothing new. Why didn’t Ford have this in production 5 years ago?