Ford EcoBoost Engine Detailed

As we already told you, Ford Motor has debuted its latest in the field development on the 2010 Lincoln MKS. Here is how the most acclaimed powerplant (by Ford itself, so far, as we will decide later for ourselves) in the company's inventory. What we are describing below is the 3.5l V6 direct injection twin turbocharged engine.

The EcoBoost is part of the overall strategy of the American manufacturer to "deliver innovative fuel-efficient powertrain systems with horsepower and torque performance found in larger-displacement engines." The one we are talking about will deliver at least 17 mpg in the city (13.8l/100 km) and at least 24 mpg on the highway (9.8l/100 km). Keep in mind that it develops 355 horsepower, about the same as a normally aspired 4.6l V8 engine. This can be done with the help of turbochargers.

EcoBoost has two of them. The water-cooled twin parallel turbochargers operate simultaneously, boosting the engine's power by putting more air into the engine. With the help of a compressor, the pressure of that air is increased as it enters the engine.

The simultaneous turbocharger operation, paired with the direct-injection system help to eliminate turbo lag. They are smaller and spool up quicker, providing the peak torque faster. They spin in excess of 170,000 rpm, bringing the redline for the engine at around 5,200 rpm.

For here on, an air-to-air intercooler takes over and cools the compressed intake air before it enters the combustion chamber. This allows the air to be even more densely packed for optimal performance, contributing to more-efficient fuel burn and fuel efficiency.

The fuel is introduced to the chamber by a high-pressure fuel pump which operates at 2,150 psi (35 times more than the norm seen in a conventional V6 engine). The pump itself is a cam-driven mechanical pump with a single piston and an electronic valve that controls how much fuel is routed into the fuel rails to the injectors.

The six injectors then spray the fuel directly into the combustion chamber, cutting usual delay given by the time the fuel is injected to when it’s actually used by the engine. This type of direct injection method cools at the same time the air right and also provides a well-mixed air-fuel charge, increasing engine efficiency.

The engine was subjected to a number of tests, while using different types of fuels. The trials were made in conditions ranging from minus 40 (- 4 Celsius) to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) and to altitudes of up to 12,000 feet (3,657 meters).