EcoBoost – Page 3 – Automobiles Review

Superchips Power Upgrade for Ford EcoBoost Range

Superchips – the guys from Buckingham that deal exclusively with ECU remapping – have come up with “Bluefin Plug-in and go” product for the Ford EcoBoost range – think in terms of Ford C-Max, Grand C-Max, Focus, Galaxy, Mondeo and S-Max.

At a glance, “Bluefin” might sound like it’s something you install on your browser but the fact is, this is one potent piece of technology. Well, it is as easy as installing an add-on on your browser, it’s just that your are doing it on your Ford or more specifically the On Board Diagnostic port in it. Just plug in the the Bluefin handset there and follow the instructions on screen. If you do however experience difficulties with the installation process, you can always turn to one of the approximately 80 UK Superchip centers.

Applicable to the 148bhp, 158bhp and 178bhp variants of the turbocharged petrol EcoBoost, this gadget will increase the power output as following:

150PS 1.6-litre Ford Ecoboost C-Max, Grand C-Max and Focus models Superchips’ Bluefin gains 30bhp @ 5341rpm and 51Nm @ 1923rpm
160PS 1.6-litre Ford Ecoboost Galaxy, S-Max and Mondeo models Superchips’ Bluefin gains 34bhp @ 5341rpm and 59Nm @ 1923rpm
182PS 1.6-litre Ford Ecoboost used in Ford Focus Superchips’s Bluefin gains 20bhp @ 3760rpm and 44Nm @ 1923rpm

Put simply: more power, more torque and more fun. More is always better, right? Supposedly one would also spend more time at gas stations but to assure us, Superchips have given their word that the overridden engines retain “high levels of fuel economy and driveability”. If for some reason, you need the old figures back, the process is completely reversible. The “stock” data is stored in the module and is within your grasp.

To get one, you just have to cough up £445 ($702). For that you also get a Customer Service Guarantee and a 12 month/30,000 miles full vehicle warranty.

Source: Superchips

May 18, 2012

Ford Escape Doing 33 MPG EPA Estimated

Ford announced today that the all-new Ford Escape EcoBoost has been EPA-Certified and returns 33 mpg (at best). If that turns out to be true, the competition will have a hard time shining through it. Mind you, we are talking about the smallest engine mated to an automatic in a small SUV. The other two engines that come with the Escape boast 30 or above mpg.

“The fuel economy of the all-new Escape showcases the continued success of Ford’s development of smaller, yet more powerful engines, “ said Raj Nair, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. “Ford understands people want fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing power and space requirements.”

The base EcoBoost then: its displacement stands at 1.6-liters, power output amounts to 178 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. That’s 20 more hp and 30 more torque than the Mazda CX-5. A mid-range choice offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240 horsepwer and 270 lb-ft. of torque. Estimated highway economy: 30 mpg. Urban: 22 mpg. The third one is a 2.5-liter iVCT unit. It develops 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque. Fuel economy remains around the same (31 on the highway) when compared to the 2.0 EcoBoost.

EcoBoost engines are standard in the SE, SEL and Titanium editions. The SE and SEL models come with the 1.6L standard and the Titanium comes with the 2.0-liter. The 2.5-liter is available in the S edition.

Partly responsible for these reasonable figures, is the engine tech. Within the two EcoBoosts, direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) all contribute to adding power and frugality. They are then mated to a specially calibrated, six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission which come as standard.

Further improving on the economy are the aerodynamics. The new Escape is helped by a new Active Grille Shutter System. Right between the radiator and the grille, this mechanism acts as a valve which monitors the engine’s running temperature and decides whether it should close or open. Thus, an ideal operating temperature is maintained at all times.

Source: Ford

April 27, 2012

2013 Ford Exploer Sport

Ford are contemplating a hardcore Explorer for the 2013 range – the Sport. Never before have the likes of an Explorer had a performance model but that’s about to change. Supposedly, Ford are planning to dominate the “gasoline-engine-powered, high performance SUV” category by focusing on fuel economy – 16 mpg in an urban environment and 22 mpg on the highway.

Mind you, those figures come from a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine that sends “at least” 350 bhp trough a paddle-shifting six-speed SelectShift Automatic box and an all-wheel-drive system. Recognizing it as a “Sport” version can also be done by looking at the exterior or the interior. And you have a fragile spine, you’ll notice that the suspension has been firmed up as well. Also, the brakes are bigger.

Roof rails painted in black, black head- and taillight motives, black wing mirror caps and 20-inch wheels all give away the SUV as a Sport member. The front lower fascia provides an additional opening for the engine to breathe. Various “EcoBoost” and “Sport” badges also suggest that this is not your run of the mill Explorer.

The inside offers some black leather that may or may not be paired with contrasting Sienna inserts. An exclusive design for the instruments, Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates complete the overall Sport character.

As for equipment, the standard stuff is as follows:

4WD with Terrain Management System
Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
First-row heated seats
First-row heated seats
Compass and exterior temperature display
Rear view camera
SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers

Whereas, as options these are listed:

Active park assist
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert
Inflatable rear seat belts
110-volt outlet
PowerFold mirrors
Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
Remote Start
Adjustable pedals with memory
Dual-panel moonroof
Power liftgate
Class III trailer-towing package

Source: Ford

March 29, 2012

Ford Explorer – performance model [teaser video]

Ford has revealed a teaser video of the new performance model, which will join the Explorer line-up. Actually, the video shows very little details from the SUV – speedometer, wheels, sports exhaust system, headlights.

The performance model Ford Explorer will be powered by a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 with 365PS (268 kW) at 5000RPM and 569Nm (420 lb-ft) at 2500RPM. The model will be announced on facebook, of course tomorrow (March 28^th).

Among the standard equipment of the new Explorer you’ll find MyForddriver connect technology including 4.2” LCD screen, MyKey^™ owner control feature, Air filtration system, Media hub, Easy Fuel^®capless fuel filler system, Cruise control, Power windows, with one-touch down for driver, Power door locks with child safety rear door locks, Tilt/telescoping steering column, Four 12-volt power points, Cargo hooks.

The XLT trim level adds: Automatic headlamps, 6-speed SelectShift Automatic^™,Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps, SecuriCode^™keyless entry keypad, Reverse sensing system, Perimeter alarm.

The limited trim level also features: PowerFold^®sideview mirrors with driver’s side memory, Ambient lighting, Adjustable pedals with memory functionality, Cargo net, Dual-zone electronic temperature control, 10-way power driver’s seat, with power recline and lumbar, Electrochromic interior mirror, Rear view camera, Remote start system, 110-volt outlet, MyFord Touchdriver connect technology, Intelligent Access with push-button start, Universal garage door opener.

Stay tuned for more details.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLwkAACqanY

Source: fordvideo1 via Youtube

March 27, 2012

EcoBoost for the All-new Ford Escape

The all-new Ford Escape will pamper itself with a clever EcoBoost engine. It develops 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque and provides 3,500 pounds of towing capability.

Smaller is better these days. Especially when we take into account the soaring gas prices. That’s why, as an alternative to the 3.0-liter V6 engine in the current Escape, the 2.0 liter EcoBoost seems the logical choice.

Escape’s greater towing capability is roughly equal to two jet skis or a snowmobile on a trailer. And chances are that you are going to link a trailer behind, even if it is only to make use of Ford’s trailer sway control.

Besides the 2.0 EcoBoost, there will be a 1.6 liter unit of the same line that returns 177 horsepower and lastly, a 2.5 naturally aspirated engine with a 171 horsepower ability. All three engines are mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Another good thing for the economy will be the electric power-assist steering.

Interested? Well, the all-new Escape arrives at showrooms sometimes later this spring. Until then, we’ll have to wait and read frugal figures.

Source: Ford

March 15, 2012

2013 Ford Fiesta ST at Geneva

Here’s a preview of Ford’s new Fiesta ST. It’s at Geneva at the moment with plans to go on sale in the UK early next year. It has been four years since the last Fiesta ST and recently the fan base has started feeling uneasy. Now everyone can calm down as this little fellow here is meet their needs.

A four year gap between the two models can only mean one thing: massive improvements in terms of performance. The numbers speak for themselves – 180PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost, 240Nm of torque, 0-62mph in under seven seconds, and top speed of more than 136mph. All the while, CO2 emissions are down by 20 percent in comparison to the old ST.

Hopefully the new Fiesta will have the handling to match the performance. The guys at Team RS have put a lot of their WRC know how in use while working on the chassis which leaves the ST 15 mm lower than a standard Fiesta. The car’s Torque Vectoring Control system and three Electronic Stability Control modes have all been rigorously developed and tested at the Nurburgring.

Inside, Recaro sports seats will provide support for the enthusiastic drive for the first time in a Ford Fiesta. There’s something for the novice drivers as well – the car will be fitted with Ford’s MyKey solution which can limit the car’s power and speed to a certain degree thus effectively preventing your kids to end up in a ditch.

The Fiesta ST is sure to come to Europe, but Ford are considering other markets as well:

“We’re delighted to be bringing a new generation Fiesta ST to our European enthusiasts in 2013 and we’ll have more to say about our plans for other markets in the near future,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles.

Fingers crossed.

Source: Ford

March 6, 2012

2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost available for order in Europe

The 2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost is Ford’s most fuel efficient petrol-engine production vehicle ever created! The good news around it is that it is now available to order from dealerships in Europe. The first vehicles have been produced in the plant in Saarlouis, Germany and they are both 100 PS (74 kW) and 125 PS (92 kW) models. More importantly, it offers leading fuel economy of 4.8l/100km and CO2 emissions of 109g/km and 5.0l/100km (56.5mpg) with CO2 of 114g/km, respectively.

In details, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost uses turbocharging and direct fuel injection to extract impressive levels of power and fuel efficiencies from a three-cylinder engine block. Hence, this combination of power and low CO2 emissions makes it the best of all other competing engines. Moreover, the engine has a torque of 170Nm between 1,400rpm and 4,500rpm. The new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will be offered in the C-MAX, the all-new B-MAX, as well as other models, later this year. Furthermore the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost will join the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol and 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engines in wearing the ECOnetic Technology badge. This is a recognition given by Ford, only to those models which are class-leaders among the very best in their segment – of course, speaking in terms of fuel economy.

Source: Ford

February 13, 2012

Ford B-Max at Geneva

Good news for family people as Ford are planning to unveil a production-ready B-MAX at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It is a debut that comes exactly one year after the concept debut at the previous Geneva Show. The multipurpose vehicle will come with a sensible, clever drivetrain lineup and an even more clever design.
The innovative 1.0 EcoBoost petrol unit we talked about a few days ago, will be available for the B-MAX range and so will be the Duratorq TDCi diesel plants. Sales in Europe are expected to start later this year.
Ford CEO and President Alan Mulally himself will drop the curtain at the unveiling. Also present, will be the chairman and CEO of Ford Europe Stephen Odell who already sounds excited enough:

“The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars,” said Odell. “It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars.”

It’s the design that gets us though. Ford say that the B-MAX boasts a class-leading load-space and flexibility, a highly configurable environment and clever pillar design but what we really can’t get enough of are the sliding rear doors which bring to mind other clever MPV’s such as the Peugeot 1007 and the bigger brother, Ford C-MAX.

Source: Ford

February 1, 2012

New Turbo 1.0 EcoBoost for Ford Focus

Ford-EcoBoost-Turbo thumbl 21st century tech thinking seems to be something along these lines: “smaller is better”. Just thing about the many product advertisement campaigns that use the words “slim” or “nano” or even just putting “lighter” as a quality. Ford are aware of that and have developed a new engine within the consumer-friendly EcoBoost range – a 1.0 Litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit that, on paper, is just as powerful as a standard 1.6 litre one. Yet the economy figures that go with the engine (that is to be placed in a Focus) are worthy enough to make any diesel engine in the world green with envy.

Around 200 engineers in the UK (At Dunton and Dagenham) were tasked to work on an engine that is remarkably frugal while delivering sharp and refined performance seen in all Fords so far. The end result is a small (“A4 sheet of paper” small) powertrain that goes into the 5-door Focus and delivers either 100PS or 125PS, depending on customer choice – the first one has a combined economy cycle of 58.9mpg and 109g/km of CO2 emissions. The 125PS however is the one to go for as it has a barely noticeable drop in the economy performance (56.5mpg) and yet it has more power to move around in the not-so-light Focus shell. Carbon emissions on that one are 114g/km. Peak toeque is170Nm (200Nm with overboost) and is available between 1,400 and 4,500rpm.

Graham Hoare, European executive powertrain director based at Dunton, said: “This is the third addition to our acclaimed EcoBoost engine family. Joining the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines which span 150PS to 240PS, this 1.0-litre EcoBoost signals a new era of downsized, super frugal engines for the sub-130PS segment. During development our UK engineers focused on improving thermal efficiency and reducing friction of the engine’s internal moving parts, especially during warm-up.”

The new Ford Focus array consists of vehicles priced from £13,995 on the road. The EcoBoost engine is priced £250 (on the road) more than the 1.6-litre 125PS engine. The freshmen, single litre is also expected to feature in Ford C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and all-new Ford B-MAX later this year.

Source: Ford

January 30, 2012

Ford Focus ST-R Ready to Go

Ford are ready to tackle this year’s Grand-Am 200 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge within the ST class. Their contender will be the Daytona International Speedway debutant Focus ST-R. Ford Racing already has a substantial portfolio of production-based race cars if we count the FR500 and Boss 302R. The ST-R clearly has its roots embedded in the standard Focus and the ST:

“The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R. It is a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.” comments Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development

Thanks to Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group, Ford Racing have managed to “optimize” the ST-R so that it can go not only to the Grand-Am 200 but also take part in the World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Hopes are also high for the 24h race at the Nürburgring.

But know all eyes are on the Daytona Speedway. What can we expect there? Well, despite the striking similarity to a standard Focus ST, the ST-R has an all-aluminum 2.0 EcoBoost power plant that has been tweaked and tinkered with as far as technology these days would allow it. High-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging, revised intake/exhaust systems and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) all benefit the 250 horsepower figure that comes out of the engine. Torque peaks at 265 lb.-ft and yet it is consistently available throughout the rev counter. A six-speed manual tames the mad horses spewing out from under the hood and delivers unmatched efficiency and power – Props to the guys at Global Performance Vehicles.

Initially the ST-R will be available for ordering only within the US by seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track-day goers. Ford’s plan however, is to broaden the ST-R‘s availability in other markets as well. Other turnkey race cars by Ford managed to enchant the public so why not the beast in the compact Focus body?

Source: Ford

January 27, 2012

2011 Ford C-MAX Price – £17 445

The 2011 C-MAX is now available from just £17 445. The compact MPV will also come with a new ultra-efficient 1.0-litre 125PS Ford EcoBoost petrol engine, which combines impressive performance with outstanding fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

2011 Ford C-MAX and its 7-seat Grand C-MAX sibling picked up their first BusinessCar award.

“Ford has deservedly taken both MPV awards thanks to a pair of products that successfully combine practicality and efficiency with a sense of style not previously available in a sector aimed squarely at family transport.”, commented BusinessCar editor Paul Barker.
“Both the Ford C-MAX and S-MAX offer good running costs as well as great handling and are deserved winners of this award, decided by the readers of BusinessCar – the very people using these products for their business and their company drivers.”, he added.

The 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX accounts for 40% of overall C-MAX volumes in the UK. Twin rear sliding doors reveal an innovative walk-through seating concept, where the second row middle seat folds under the outer seat to enable easy access to the third row.

Source: Ford

January 25, 2012

2013 Ford Mondeo [first pictures]

Ford has released first two pictures of the new 2013 Mondeo. The new family-sized car is quite aggressive. It features new restyled headlights with LED turn indicators, big alloys with low-profile tires, two big exhaust pipes and two-colored rear lights.

If you find any similarities to Ford Fusion, you’ll be completely right, because the new Mondeo looks identical to the American car.

Still, nothing is mentioned about the engine range, but probably the new 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine with 181PS (133 kW) and 233Nm (172 lb-ft) will be available as well as the mighty 2.0 liter EcoBoost with 240PS (177 kW) and 339Nm (250 lb-ft).

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: Ford

January 11, 2012

Tag: EcoBoost