Ford unveils lightweight EcoBoost engine

Ford has showcased a lightweight, 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine concept at the ongoing Detroit motor show. The concept weighs 15.5 percent less than the regular 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine, currently seen in the Ecosport, here in India. In addition to the weight-loss, Ford has also confirmed cylinder deactivation technology for the next-generation 1.0-litre, Ecoboost engines. This will allow the turbocharged three-cylinder units to run on two cylinders.

The weight-savings are a result of a revised engine block, cylinder head, connecting rods, front cover and oil pan, which make use of new materials, and assembly techniques. The front cover and oil pan are made from carbonfibre while the cylinder head is partly made from carbonfibre and the connecting rods are made from forged aluminium. The new engine is also low on NVH.

Andreas Schamel, Director of Powertrain Research and Advanced Engineering, said an engine with less than three cylinders would have too many compromises, but cylinder deactivation in a three-cylinder engine would improve the economy without trade-offs in performance.