Ford Races EcoBoost At Milan Dragway

The launch of Ford’s new twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine has been eagerly anticipated by many enthusiasts. While most people are getting sick of hearing “eco” this and “green” that, Ford has to be commended on selling a 355hp high performance engine as an environmentalist’s prize fish.

The new twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 shows up soon in the 2010 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex. A V-6 EcoBoost engine will also be available for the F-150 in 2010.

To show off the performance potential, Ford took a Flex EcoBoost and Lincoln MKS EcoBoost drag racing at Milan Raceway in suburban Detroit last Wednesday. The MKS managed a time of 13.9 for the 1/4 mile at 104mph. The Flex managed a time of 14.5 at a speed of 98mph. Not bad for big family cars that weigh in at about 4300 and 4800 lbs each.

Imagine how this lightweight engine could perform in a 3500 lb Mustang. In fact we may get to find out sooner or later. Ford says it will soon offer EcoBoost across the full range of its product portfolio, from small cars to large trucks by 2013. Within three years, Ford expects to deliver 750,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles per year in North America and 1.3 million vehicles globally.

EcoBoost technology combines turbocharging and direct gasoline injection to deliver up to 20 percent improved fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance compared with larger displacement engines. The “downsize and boost” strategy provides consumers better fuel economy without sacrificing the power they want for driving performance.

“This launch of the first EcoBoost engine is a significant milestone in Ford’s overall commitment to deliver affordable fuel efficiency for millions,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. “We’ve spent the past two years developing EcoBoost technology and now our customers will finally have the opportunity to experience what this engine delivers, the power of a V-8 with the fuel economy of a V-6.”

While we love the sound and feel of a big V8 here at TMN we cant wait to take a new EcoBoost for a ride.