Ford Starts Producing Flexfuel Engine in Brazil

After a $300 million investment in its facility in Brazil, Ford finally started the production of a new engine called  Sigma. The new powerplant has an aluminium block, cylinder head and structural oil pan.

Ford has a engine and transmission manufacturing plant with a capacity of 500,000 units per year, located in Taubate. Out of the total production, 250,000 units represent Zetec Rocam engines.

The new 1,596-cc engine has the mission to launch the flexible-fuel technology for Ford and will initially power the Focus. It will produce 114bhp at 5,500rpm and 117.8lb ft at 4,250rpm on ethanol or 107.8 bhp at 6,200rpm and 111.4lb ft at 4,250rpm on petrol.

The Focus model, which is built in Pacheco, Buenos Aires, was launched in the Brazilian market fifteen months ago. The car did not have too much success as it was only offered with a 2-liter petrol engine on a flexible-fuel dominated market. A larger version of the 1.6 Sigma will arrive soon.

The previous generation Focus remained in production with the flexfuel Zetec Rocam motor until last month.

As far as the export destinations of the new Sigma engine are concerned, Ford did not give any details except that some will arrive in Argentina. But judging by the importance of this engine, it is certain that the American car manufacturer will start exporting in Mexico, sometime in the next six months, in order to power the new Fiesta. The Fiesta will be sold in North American and South American countries.