Next Focus could get 1.6L EcoBoost and 43 mpg
We're hoping to see a production version of the Lincoln Concept C from the Detroit Auto Show, but even if that particular model never sees the light of day, the 1.6L EcoBoost engine under the concept's hood is likely to see production in one form or another in a variety of models from Ford. One logical spot for the flex fuel-capable turbocharged, direct injected four-banger is in the next-gen Focus, especially considering that the Lincoln Concept C was built atop a similar platform. When mated to Ford's PowerShift dual clutch gearbox along with Assisted Direct Start (read: start/stop) functionality, this little powertrain combination is reportedly capable of returning 43 miles per gallon on the highway. Just as importantly, the mill's 180-horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque is actually much more powerful than the outgoing 2.0L four cylinder in the current Ford Focus. We'll see for sure what's placed in the next Focus' engine bay in 2010.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brn 3:26PM (1/19/2009)
As cool as that is, it should be part of a performance upgrade. I'd like to see a smaller (say 1.2L) ecoboost as standard equipment. 180/180 is a lot of power for that car. It's better suited for the Fusion.
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ronEbear 3:38PM (1/19/2009)
+1
ale 3:44PM (1/19/2009)
It would help break some stigma, a 1.2L engine is a big motorcycle engine to the States, that much power in 1.2L, the smallest engine sold is probably the Fit's 1.5 and Yaris's 1.5
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John Metcalf 6:43PM (1/19/2009)
In a wagon version please. I would love this.
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BoneHeadOtto 10:12PM (1/19/2009)
correction ...you would theoretically love this.
Since all of this article is "could" and "perhaps" and "hopefully"
nut yeah a wagon would be nice.
greg_d 11:05PM (1/19/2009)
I understand the suggestion for this engine to exist as a "performance option," but this line of thinking neglects fiscal reality. Think like a car company for a second. The 1.6L Ecoboost engine can get great mileage in the Focus and also provide decent power which most American car buyers still want. Additionally, this same engine can then be put into a Fusion also improving its mileage and performance all while reducing cost thanks to economies of scale. If Ford could source a smaller engine from its global parts bin for the Focus then this becomes a different story. The cost of developing and building a direct-injected, turbocharged engine is large. To offset these costs, it only makes business sense to use this exact engine in as many applications as possible. Engineering and producing various displacements for a low margin car like the Focus just doesn't make sense financially. Lastly, the increased torque from the 1.6L will allow it to turn at lower RPMs on the highway resulting in better cruising mileage. Just because the 1.6L has decent torque and horsepower doesn't mean Ford missed the mark in terms of efficiency.
Rather than coming up with different displacements, I could possibly see Ford offering a base engine with the same displacement but without direct injection and turbocharging in order to reduce cost. However, this detuned engine would get worse mileage while making less power for reasons stated above.
This info goes for all car makers. I'm not defending Ford in particular. However, from an engineering standpoint, I think they're on the right track.
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noz 2:47AM (1/20/2009)
43 MPG highway? What about the city?
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Allen 6:52AM (1/20/2009)
180hp and 180 lb-ft would make for a reasonable engine in the Focus. Keep in mind that the next gen Focus will likely be heavier than the one we currently drive today. Could it get by with 140hp? Yes. Would 180hp be more fun? Yes. I think we can all agree that 180hp and 43mpg would make for an excellent daily driver, especially if the next gen Focus lives up to the hype.
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Michael 9:20AM (1/20/2009)
I'm quite surprised their haven't been any diesel fanboys on here saying diesel gets 60mpg and higher.
I think we could start to see a shift .. maybe a 1.2liter diesel with 90hp and 140 torque and like 50mpg.
Then a performance gas version that gets 43mpg and 180hp/tq
Although even at 50mpg.. the diesel wouldn't hold a fuel cost savings in many states as Diesel is much more expensive.
As much as I like this engine, I think that it may be too expensive to compete with Corolla/Civic. Who knows though, right now the focus is MUCH cheaper than the corolla/civic so maybe it will be in the same price range but with better efficiency and more hp etc.
I would love to see ford head to head against Japanese small cars and beat them at their own game!
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Bill 9:51AM (1/20/2009)
Diesel fuel is currently too expensive here in the U.S. to make economic sense for light passenger vehicles.
Mike 10:09AM (1/20/2009)
Bill I did say that.. but in some states diesel is actually cheaper (or so I've heard people say on the boards here that it is cheaper in some states).
I think that more cars should include at start/stop type of system. I think that is one of the simplest and more eco friendly forms of saving gas. I currently sit in my car in traffic to get to work (I only live 1.4 miles from my job) and I'll sit for 15 mins. It's terrible.
But I can't always walk/drive a bike because I have to run out of the office during the day to visit clients. Plus Philadelphia has brutally hot and cold days.. so it limits the amount of days I can take a bike.
Snowdog 12:41PM (1/20/2009)
Regular Unleaded? When I think economy I don't want to have to feed it premium.
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Ralph 5:57PM (1/20/2009)
I call BS on that. 43 mpg and 180 hp! I bet when the engine actually comes out it will be more like 37 highway by EPA. Here is why I say that: there is a 1.6L turbocharged (direct injection) 172 hp Mini Cooper. The EPA ratings are 26 city and 34 highway with a manual transmission. It requires premium gas.
I doubt seriously 43 mpg will be realistic even with more economy minded gearing.
On the other hand, if they turbocharged a 1.0L-1.2L direct injection engine, they could probably get mid-40s no problem, although peak horsepower would probably be closer to 120.
Ralph
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Paul 6:58PM (1/20/2009)
I hate to be negative but this is pure BS. Better mileage than a FIt or Civic. Don't think so. That figure must be on Euro numbers.
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JonsZX2SR 9:26AM (5/24/2009)
Put the damn thing in the Fiesta with a tuned suspension and build a performace pocket rocket.... 40+ mpg and it'll go like hell...
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toe 1:58PM (11/02/2009)
OK. 180Hp and 35mg on highway? I'll buy one.
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