EcoBoost is a remarkable technology that Ford introduced roundabout 2011-12 as an innovative solution to providing engines that could produce more power and torque when needed but go easy on the fuel consumption while reducing emissions at the same time. This is achieved by optimally balancing power and efficiency using a turbocharging mechanism combined with direct gasoline injection. A visit to the Ford dealer Escondido and taking to the experts there revealed some useful facts about the EcoBoost system and some of the vehicles in which this technology is used.
What is EcoBoost Technology
Ford’s EcoBoost adopts and encompasses a variety of time tested and successful technologies that go a long way in providing improved power, performance, and fuel economy. The challenge is to converge these learnings into one block and make them work congruently to help achieve its objectives. EcoBoost is a success in bringing together three such techniques; – Direct Fuel Injection, Twin-Independent Variable Valve Timing (Ti-VCT) and Turbocharging to produce engines that are smaller, more efficient and more powerful than conventional engines.
Direct Fuel Injection
Also known as Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Direct Fuel Injection deals with directly injecting a highly pressurized mist of gasoline into the combustion chamber of the cylinders through the fuel line. It overrides the conventional system which uses a multipoint fuel injection mechanism where fuel is injected into the intake ports of each cylinder for even distribution of fuel into the chambers. The reduction in the number of stages for the fuel to reach its destination is reduced thus resulting in increased efficiency and thus more power.
Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT)
This is a slight improvement over Ford’s own Variable Camshaft Timing technology that revolutionized variable valve timing by optimizing the performance of the engines, reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions. Unlike the VCT which used a single camshaft, Ti-VCT enables independently advancing or retarding the timing of the intake and exhaust camshafts respectively. This way, you can achieve higher power and torque at low RPM and greater power at higher RPM values. You get fine-tuned opening and closing of the engine valves based on demand making them more responsive to load on the engine and resulting in better power distribution and efficiency.
Turbocharging
This is one kind of technology that one would think would go into creating perpetual motion. Amusing as it may seem it’s a form of regeneration where all the exhaust from the engine that would otherwise go unused can be redirected towards operating a turbine. This turbine is mated to an air compressor that in turn directs highly pressurized air into the combustion chambers. This results in an immediate surge of power and more output to the liter for better mileage. This also helps keep the engine cooler resulting in better efficiency.
The EcoBoost Vehicles
Ford Escondido showcases an impressive lineup of Fords with the EcoBoost engines, such as the 1.6L Ti-VCT I-4 engine on the 2017 Fiesta ST that throws on you 197 horsepower and 202 lb.-ft. of torque, the effervescent 2018 Mustang with 2.3L EcoBoost that gives you 350 lb.-ft of torque and the 2018 F-150 full-size pickup truck that has some fantastic High output 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engines to go with.