Photo: Mcchip-DKR
We really don't talk enough about the Ford Mondeo. Even though it's just an American Fusion sedan that's been tickled to suit Europeans, the packaging is more complex than what we get Stateside.
For example, this tuning project is based not only on a wagon version but one that's powered by a twin-turbo diesel. Didn't know Ford had one of those, did you?
Wagons are what Americans would drive if they really cared about the environment. They are more economical, spacious and enjoyable to drive than their SUV relatives. Being equipped with the most expensive engine, this particular Mondeo probably comes with all the bells and whistles as well. But we're more curious what the tuners were able to do.
Mcchip-DKR is a firm that we appreciate for their Mercedes, Audi and Porsche projects. But they also do "simple" chip tuning for regular family cars. After all, we can't all drive twin-turbo R8 to work every day.
When it leaves the factory in Spain, this Mondeo does so with a 2.0-liter TDCi engine rated at 210 PS and 450 Nm of torque. Though mild ECU updates, Mcchip were able to extract 235 hp and 506 Nm of torque.
Color us unimpressed, particularly because the VW Passat 2.0 BiTDI matches those numbers in stock form. Maybe Ford's engines just aren't that tunable or maybe factory features like the air intake and injectors are restricting the output.
In any case, the Mondeo with 235 hp should be able to reach 100 km/h faster than the manufacturer-claimed 8.4 seconds. Mcchip assures us that the top speed has gone up from 228 to 234 km/h while the 6-speed Powershift gearbox can cope with the increased torque.
While we wouldn't recommend picking this particular engine or tuning it, we couldn't help notice how far technology has progressed. A little over a decade ago, the Mondeo ST, which was the hot Focus's big brother, needed a big V6 engine to produce these kinds of output numbers. While it was lighter and faster, it couldn't come anywhere close to the interior quality levels of today or match the latest features - self-parking, adaptive LED headlights, and a heads-up display. And that doesn't include the Vignale leather, which this wagon clearly has.
Wagons are what Americans would drive if they really cared about the environment. They are more economical, spacious and enjoyable to drive than their SUV relatives. Being equipped with the most expensive engine, this particular Mondeo probably comes with all the bells and whistles as well. But we're more curious what the tuners were able to do.
Mcchip-DKR is a firm that we appreciate for their Mercedes, Audi and Porsche projects. But they also do "simple" chip tuning for regular family cars. After all, we can't all drive twin-turbo R8 to work every day.
When it leaves the factory in Spain, this Mondeo does so with a 2.0-liter TDCi engine rated at 210 PS and 450 Nm of torque. Though mild ECU updates, Mcchip were able to extract 235 hp and 506 Nm of torque.
Color us unimpressed, particularly because the VW Passat 2.0 BiTDI matches those numbers in stock form. Maybe Ford's engines just aren't that tunable or maybe factory features like the air intake and injectors are restricting the output.
In any case, the Mondeo with 235 hp should be able to reach 100 km/h faster than the manufacturer-claimed 8.4 seconds. Mcchip assures us that the top speed has gone up from 228 to 234 km/h while the 6-speed Powershift gearbox can cope with the increased torque.
While we wouldn't recommend picking this particular engine or tuning it, we couldn't help notice how far technology has progressed. A little over a decade ago, the Mondeo ST, which was the hot Focus's big brother, needed a big V6 engine to produce these kinds of output numbers. While it was lighter and faster, it couldn't come anywhere close to the interior quality levels of today or match the latest features - self-parking, adaptive LED headlights, and a heads-up display. And that doesn't include the Vignale leather, which this wagon clearly has.
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